Timothy A. Kissane

Timothy A. Kissane, born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, built a life defined by hard work, adventure, and deep devotion to his family.

Growing up, he stayed busy working on a farm with his Uncle Fritz and shining shoes at his father’s barbershop. He graduated from Maine West High School in 1965, where he made lifelong friends and played varsity sports.

At the start of the Vietnam War at age 18, Tim volunteered for active service in the U.S. Army. He served as a machine gunner with the 4th and 25th Infantry Division Wolfhounds, earning two Purple Hearts and four Presidential Unit Citations for his bravery.

Upon returning home, Tim began his professional journey in a telephone mailroom, beginning a remarkable 40-year career in telecommunications. Rising through the ranks from field operations to executive management, he oversaw operations across Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, and Colorado, leading a team of approximately 300 employees. He earned the Centel President’s Award of Merit and the Centel Vice President’s Award before retiring on December 31, 2008, as Vice President and General Manager at CenturyTel.

Tim met his future wife, Linda, when she was 17. They married two years later and built a loving family, welcoming daughters Tamara and Bree. In 1983, his career took the family from Illinois to Ohio, where Tim quickly engaged in the community. He generously lent his time and leadership to numerous boards and civic organizations, including the Lorain County Governing Board, the Lorain Free Clinic, the Northern Ohio Imaging Center, the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestras at Oberlin College, the Port Works Levy Committee, and the Amherst Chamber of Commerce Community Development Committee, while also coaching youth soccer.

An avid sportsman, Tim loved playing soccer, softball, basketball, and racquetball, as well as fishing on Lake Erie.

In 2009, Tim and Linda retired to The Villages, Florida. True to his energetic spirit, retirement only fueled his sense of adventure. He and Linda traveled the world together by boat, RV, motorcycle, plane, and car. A licensed Master Captain and U.S. Merchant Marine Officer, Tim also channeled his passion for the water into volunteering with the Coast Guard Auxiliary on search and rescue missions. He moved through life with humor, optimism, and an infectious curiosity, making fast friends with everyone he met.

On July 29, 2026, Tim passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis in February 2026, he chose to live his final months to the absolute fullest—attending his grandchildren’s graduations, taking a cruise with friends, and diving into his many projects.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Linda Dye Kissane; his daughters Tamara Kissane (son-in-law Greg Myer) and Bree Steldt (son-in-law Trevor Steldt); his grandchildren Rachel, Norah, Clayton, and Clark; his sister Dorothea Harris; and his brother Joseph Kissane.

A celebration of life will be held on November 28 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Coconut Cove Recreation Center in The Villages, Florida.

RSVP here- https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/xdnEbkkCMmvmGGWhppE32r

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Tim’s name.

Tim will be interred at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The Kissane family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages for their compassionate care.