Timothy Cocciolone

I’ve been struggling on how to possibly encompass the great life that Timothy G. Cocciolone led.

From his early connections and interests in Madison Heights to meeting Suzy at Michigan Tech to all of the states they visited together through raising their tremendous family and four special children and our precious time in the Raleigh area together.
He just loved, everywhere he went and was the most generous person I ever met. Here is the letter from my sister that really shares the spirit of this great man I will miss so much. 

Dear Tim,

I want to first let you know how proud I am of you. You have been through so much with your body failing you, and you have made the best of it. You have worked to improve and sustain your health, and you have focused on the things that bring you joy and comfort, while finding things to look forward to. Then you made the very difficult decision to shift your focus. You are doing this on your terms, and I find that both brave and powerful.

I have always enjoyed having you in the family. I liked you from the day I met you. You’re smart, thoughtful, and a good listener. But most of all, it was clear how much you value Laura. You two have an ease with each other. You stabilize each other during the good times and the challenges. You comfort each other. It has always been clear that you love her for who she is, and that’s hard to find on this earth. So much more important than me knowing that, is that she knows that. Your devotion and consistency showed Laura unconditional love, and we both know she hasn’t always felt that in her life. It is a gift that will live with her forever. Thank you Tim from the bottom of my heart for being a part of our lives and for caring so deeply for my sister. Thank you for providing stability, support, and friendship. Thank you for being both her safe space and a soft place for her to land when the world gets hard, as it does. I owe you my deepest gratitude, and I will love you forever for what you brought to our family.

I will see you soon. Be comfortable and at peace.

Love, Maureen