Thomas Francis Timmons

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Joanne Timmons, his children Debra Byrnes (Shaun), Kevin Timmons (Karen), grandchildren Alex Byrnes, Karlie Timmons, and Ronan Timmons, siblings Joan Timmons, Maryann Timmons, and Jim Timmons, and brothers and sisters in law Cy Cardillo, Sharon Cardillo, Bob Cardillo, Pam Cardillo, Joanie LeFere, and eleven nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Marie and Bob Timmons, brother Michael Timmons, and nephew Seamus Timmons.

Tom, to his family and friends, spent his formative years playing hockey on the local frozen pond of his hometown in Jackson Michigan with his siblings and neighbors. There he developed his love of winter sports, cooking, reading, and taking apart every machine in the house to see how it worked.

A high SAT score and low draft number led to his next adventure, Navy ROTC at Marquette University followed by Navy Nuclear Power School and travel to bases in California, Australia, Hong Kong, Hawaii, and the Gulf of Tonkin. He left the Navy as a Lieutenant and moved on to a career in nuclear engineering, developing an expertise in cooling nuclear fuel and running required periodic safety inspection shutdowns. At one point his team had the world record for the shortest successful safety shutdown.

His work brought him to many more destinations, eventually traveling to 35 countries and 45 US States. But his favorite was the time he spent at Indian Point New York, where joining the Mogul Meisters Ski Club led him to meet the love of his life, Joanne, on a blizzardy trip to Lake Louise in Banff Canada. Through 50 years together she was his north star, his love, and the one who understood him best until his final breath.

After a whirlwind romance and beautiful wedding in Pelham, NY, his job with Westinghouse moved them to Pittsburgh PA where their children were born and raised. Tom was the kind of father who showed up for everything from preschool ballet to varsity lacrosse. He planned and built the sets for high school musicals and, according to family lore, attended one soccer boosters meeting and somehow came home president of the club. When Debbie and Kevin moved on to college and their adult lives, he was the first to volunteer to drive the U-Haul and pick up the heavy furniture.

When grandchildren arrived later in his life, their antics and triumphs brought him great joy. Whether sending care packages of diapers or driving a thousand miles to attend baptisms and birthdays, he loved every moment. Even in his final days, the mere mention of their names brought a smile to his face.

In 2014 Tom finally made the decision to retire after 45 years at Westinghouse. He and Joanne moved into their dream home in Port St. Lucie. In retirement he spent his days golfing, playing on a trivia team, serving as a Knight of Columbus at St. Bernadette parish, visiting with family and friends, and enjoying sunsets with Joanne by his side.

A funeral mass for Thomas will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 350 NW California Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 12:45 PM at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 FL-7, Wellington, FL 33449. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be sent to either St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 350 Nw California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL, 34987 or CurePSP, 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10013.