Timothy James Crilley

Timothy James Crilley
PORTLAND -- Timothy James Crilley passed away Oct. 19 of esophageal cancer. He was born in Detroit, Mich. on June 19, 1948, the youngest of five. He was the son of Elizabeth (Rafferty) and Patrick Crilley.
Tim grew up in the shadow of Motown in a time when the city was thriving. His love of music came from listening to bands in their early stages of discovery. His musical taste was varied, from Motown, to the heavy metal bands of the'60s and '70s, and back to soul and the blues.
Although he adopted the Red Sox and the Patriots, his heart was always with the Detroit Tigers and the Lions. He loved a variety of movies including anything and everything of interest to his 6 year old granddaughter. He also enjoyed cooking and considered his chili to be world-renowned. In the early days of moving to Portland, sitting at Rosies with a Rolling Rock among friends and colleagues was part of his routine.
After serving in the army, he attended colleges in Michigan and California where he pursued a degree in nursing. Ultimately, he found his true calling in newspapers. He worked in circulation departments from Maine to California and back again. He was the consummate newspaper person, doing whatever it took to reach circulation goals while maintaining his integrity.
It was at the Portland Newspapers in 1989 where he met his wife, Patty. After moves to Michigan, Ore., and back to Maine, Tim and Patty settled in West Gardiner. In 2003, they were married in the garden at their home. During this time, Tim was Circulation Director of the Central Maine Newspapers, retiring in 2009.
Tim is survived by his wife, Patricia Bamford-Crilley of South Portland; step-daughter, Tracy D. Towle, her husband, Jason E. Towle and the love of his life, his six year old granddaughter, Jillian M. Towle, of Augusta. He will be sadly missed by his little dog and constant companion, Winston and by Sydnee the cat. He is also survived by a daughter, Erin Turri and a son, Joshua Crilley. He is survived by his sister, Jeanne Wicker, from Detroit, nephews, Craig Conners, Kenneth Conners, niece, Krista Nawrocki and their families; nephews, Kevin Crilley, Mike Crilley and niece, Kathy Crilley and their families; nephews, Jeff Crilley and Mark Crilley and their families. He is predeceased by his brothers, Lin, Patrick and Dennis Crilley.
Many thanks to the nurses and doctors at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their kindness and care of Tim and his family during his brief stay there. Thank you to the BBRGs for their continued love and support of our family and especially to Cindy, our angel here on earth. Also thank you to the many friends and neighbors for their phone calls, visits and meals.
Please come and share a celebration of Tim's life to be held on the 28th of Oct. at 11:30 a.m. at the Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Avenue, Portland. There will be a luncheon immediately following. Arrangements are under the care of Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, 981 Forest Ave Portland. Please visit www.advantageportland.com to sign Tim's guestbook.
In lieu of flowers,
please consider a donation to:
Gosnell Memorial Hospice House
11 Hunnewell Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
or the charity of your choice.
Timothy James
Crilley