Edward M. Timko

Edward Michael Timko beloved father of Caroline Timko Van Austin entered into eternal peace on Friday October 29, 2010 surrounded by his loving and caring family. Edward was born June 1, 1924 in Kensington where he was a life-long resident. He was the son of the late Michael and Anna Kappa Timko. He was educated in the Berlin Public School System and Connecticut State Trade School. Edward proudly and honorably served his country in the 24th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He was stationed in the Philippines, Okinawa, and occupied Japan where he served in peace time as fire chief in Kokura, Japan supervising a fire fighting crew consisting of 28 American soldiers and 16 Japanese. "The department had an excellent record due entirely to his untiring effort and conscientious devotion to duty." He received a World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal and he was promoted to Sargent. Edward was a self-taught and self-made expert in whatever he pursued and enjoyed; he took on the most challenging projects with his extensive set of skills including construction, carpentry, plumbing, farming, and heavy equipment operator. He always used these skills not only to excel in his career, but also to help those around him. In 1941 Ed became a volunteer member of The Kensington Fire Department, where he served as firefighter, ambulance driver, and later as Commissioner. He was also one of the founding members of The South Kensington Fire Department, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign War of Berlin; he helped build the facility on Farmington Avenue and was able to get many of the building materials donated. Happily he was able to enjoy his retirement with his loving wife Jean and they traveled extensively throughout the world visiting Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, Aruba, Florida, Louisiana, Mexico many mid-western states and Bermuda. He especially enjoyed traveling to Maine with his family every summer to enjoy his favorite lobster dinner. Ed always came back with so many tales of his adventures to share with his many friends. He was also an avid hunter, skilled fisherman, and a dedicated Red Sox Fan. Ed was truly the rock of strength that we all came to admire and depend upon. He was always there, always available, forever loving and forever faithful. Despite his failing health Ed had an unbelievable determination and always had time to spend with his family and friends; he loved to host many family dinners, cookouts and celebrations. We will forever cherish those memories. Ed was incredibly supportive and involved in the career of his daughter, who was a huge source of pride and pleasure for him. He loved life and treasured his family. Ed was a dedicated member of The Kensington Congregational Church and could always be counted on to donate baskets upon baskets of apples to the church to use for the Berlin Fair apple pies. Ed also spoke fluently in Japanese, Polish, German, Italian, and Slovak; and loved to tell jokes and stories to anyone he met in the language of their choice. We will always remember Edward for his great sense of humor, encouragement, wisdom, kindness, and compassion. We will also remember him as a passionate, loving and dedicated father, brother, friend and neighbor. Edward was predeceased by his loving wife Jean Timko, brothers Joseph, Frank, Michael, and George Timko, sisters Anne Jefferson, and Susan Andrews. Ed is survived by his daughter Caroline, and her fiancee Attorney Joseph W. Bibisi, and sisters in law Barbara Timko, Irene P. Timko, Jackie Timko, Irene S. Timko and his former wife Evelyn Timko, along with many nieces, nephews, and loyal friends. Ed also leaves his dear friend and caregiver Angela Korchemna with whom his family is forever grateful for her loving, and tender care. Friends and family are invited to call at The Erickson – Hansen Funeral Home, 411 South Main Street New Britain, CT. on Wednesday November 3, 2010, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. and Thursday November 4, 2010 at 10:30am. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday at 11:30am at The Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Avenue, Kensington with Rev. Olivia Hayes Robinson officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at South Burying Ground Cemetery on Southington Road, Kensington.