Timothy J. Fitzgibbon

Timothy Joseph Fitzgibbon, aged 75, of Valley Stream, NY passed away on July 7, 2020.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend, who will be sadly missed.  Timothy is survived by his devoted wife, Connie, his two admiring sons Joseph and Luke, his beloved daughters-in-law Christine and Diana, and his adorable grandson Logan.  Timothy was the loving brother to Geraldine “Jerrie” Gilson, who passed in March.  In 2020, both Timothy and Jerrie were called home, to be together again with their parents in heaven.  Timothy is also reunited with his beloved cousin, Richard “Dick” Lynch, who he shared a special connection that meant so much to them both.

Timothy was born to Joseph and Katherine and raised in Brooklyn, NY.  He attended Xaverian High School and was proud to be part of the Class of 1961 – the first to graduate from the school.  He often said his high school motto, “the truth shall make you free,” was important in his life and a guiding principal.  He pursued science and engineering to help find truths.  However, he believed truth was not just found in equations.  His Catholic faith was deeply important.  He loved the arts, philosophy, history, and jazz.  His curiosity, zest for life, and passion for information drove him to a wide array of interests. 

After graduating Manhattan College with a degree in physics, Tim went to work at Sperry Corporation, the aerospace company based in Lake Success, NY.  Tim spent the rest of his career designing and testing software and other components for navigation systems on U.S. ballistic missile submarines.  Tim rose to managerial positions at Sperry and its successor companies, lastly being Lockheed Martin.  Most notably, he played a key role in the successful development of the Trident system on Ohio-class submarines, technology which helped end the Cold War.  Tim was very proud of his contributions to U.S. national security.

Tim called Valley Stream home for over 40 years.  He coached his son’s Little League baseball teams, one of the great joys of his life.  He also volunteered with the local Boy Scout Troop, advocated for children at school board meetings, and tutored children in math and science.  Tim traveled far and wide to attend his son’s sporting events to support and encourage them.  Tim shared with his family his love of baseball, especially the Mets, and his devotion to the Jets.  Tim enjoyed skiing, puzzles, chess, billiards, was a voracious reader, and in later years he could be found with a Sudoku book in his hand.   

Those who knew Tim will remember him as a man with an unwavering moral compass.  He believed in his values and was righteous in his convictions of right and wrong.  Sometimes, there was no right or wrong, but with logic, truth and compromise he would find resolution.  It was this righteous conviction that drove him to stand up and defend others.  It was important for him to help, offer guidance, and lead – not just let things pass.  He was determined to contribute to making the world a better place.

A center of Tim’s life was the family dinner table where he shared his wisdom through storytelling and natural ability to guide conversations.  Through these stories and conversations, Timothy instilled the values and created the memories his family holds dear in their hearts today. 

Timothy always had a hopeful outlook that would enable him to see the best in any person or situation. His passion for life, optimism, curiosity, and love for family enabled him to persevere through times of hardship.  No matter the circumstance, Tim was always smiling, always happy, and always thinking about the future.

Timothy was man of many talents – he was an engineer, mathematician, leader, teacher, debater, coach, historian, and storyteller, but above all, he was a dedicated husband, father and, grandfather.  Timothy is in his final resting place in the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  He will be looking down upon his family and cheering them at every step.