Timothy Michael Lynch

He was born on January 1, 1949, in Ithaca, NY, to William H. Lynch and Jean Babbitt Lynch and graduated from Ithaca High School. Tim started college in Nebraska, but after a year chose to enlist in the US Army.

Tim served his country as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War in the MAC V SOG unit, specializing in reconnaissance in the Central Highlands and in other southeast Asian countries. He was awarded the Bronze Star with V for valor in combat and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, among many other medals, and he returned to civilian life after achieving Staff Sergeant rank during his 2 enlisted years. While he did not often talk about his service, the stories he would tell his children and grandchildren about his time in the Army were often very humorous or inspiring, as Tim was known for being able to find the funny in any situation.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Tim attended Ithaca College and then began his business career in sales for WTKO Radio in Ithaca, NY. His move to WSYR-TV launched his television advertising career. Subsequent advances in Richmond, VA; Lansing, MI; and Virginia Beach, VA; brought him to the General Manager positions of WMKW-TV (Memphis, TN-where he was the youngest general manager in the nation), WDCA-TV (Washington, DC), WHBQ-TV (Memphis, TN), and eventually to Chief Operating Officer for Grapevine Television and Communications Corporation of America.

Tim met his future wife and love of his life, Mary Ann Walsh, in Ithaca, NY, and married her after 7 months of dating. They had no money, new careers but enough love, laughter and optimism to get them through any challenge. They had two children Jessica (Lynch) Renzi and Ryan Lynch, whom he showered with love, affection, and numerous nicknames. He never missed a game or dance recital, and was always ready to make them laugh or give them a pep talk. Tim never missed an opportunity to talk about his children and grandchildren, and especially loved teaching his grandchildren how to swim and play cards. Tim could light up any room he entered and was always the center of attention with his knack for telling jokes and slightly exaggerated stories. He also enjoyed all sports particularly golf and baseball. His numerous friends from all over will remember him for his gigantic smile and his ability to never meet a stranger.

Tim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Ann (Walsh) Lynch of Sanford, FL; daughter Jessica Lynch Renzi (David) of Watertown, NY; son Ryan Lynch (Emily) of Sanford, FL; and grandchildren Eugene, Timothy and Annabelle Renzi of Watertown, NY; son Dave (Tammy) Erikson of Laveen, AZ; a sister Hunter Lynch of Lantana, TX; sister-in-law Sr. JoAnn Walsh and Dolores Gagliardi of Long Island, NY; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents William H. Lynch I and Jean Babbitt Lynch Branigan, sisters TeriAnne Nindl, Betsey Napier, and Darlene Klein and brother William Lynch.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel in Sanford, Florida followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM. 5000 CR 46A Sanford, Florida 32771.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to the American Heart Association, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the Wounded Warrior Project. Tim will be missed by all who knew him, but most especially by his wife, children and grandchildren.