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John Timoney, 68, a former New York City cop who became Philadelphia' police commissioner and an influential figure in law enforcement circles, has died following a battle with lung cancer.
Commissioner Richard Ross said Timoney died overnight Tuesday.
Mike Chitwood Jr., a former Philadelphia Police officer and longtime friend of Timoney's, said Timoney had been fighting stage 4 lung cancer since June.
"Outside of my father, he had the biggest influence on my policing career," said Chitwood, currently the police chief in Daytona Beach, Fla. Chitwood's father, Mike, Sr., is head of Upper Darby's police department.
Timoney, an Irish immigrant who grew up in New York City, came up through the ranks of the New York Police Department and eventually served as a top deputy to then-commissioner William Bratton, who earned widespread attention for his crime-reduction tactics.
In 1998, Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell, impressed with the results in New York City, recruited Timoney to serve as commissioner at Bratton's recommendation.
Timoney "combined a thinking man's cop with a rough-and-ready cop that was a great image for the force," Rendell said in an interview Wednesday, noting that he changed the way the Police Department thought about deploying officers to help reduce crime.
Timoney stayed in Philadelphia for just four years, generating controversy during the 2000 Republican National Convention when there were a host of controversial arrests and it was later disclosed that police had infiltrated protest groups.
In 2003, Timoney took over Miami's police department and served as chief until 2010. After that he worked with the Ministry of the Interior in Bahrain, where there was widespread civil unrest.
54 Entries
Dear Noreen. We learned of John's passing from a good friend in New York who knew that we had been close when we lived there. We are so sorry that John had to leave you and the family so early. Please know that our prayers and our love are with you and the children.
Annetherese and Franklin Hirth (Mandeville, LA)
August 29, 2016
"There's no friends like old friends"- James Joyce-Dubliners. Something about the passage of time that endears those in our past to us. I didn't learn of Sean's illness or passing until the day of his funeral; many warm memories of Sean and Noreen from their youth in Washington Heights and Inwood; it just doesn't seem so long ago!
Viewing his photo gallery brought a tear to my eye. He was so vibrant and i know he had so much more to do. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Noreen and Cairan and their families..
Joey Hyland (Wash Heights)
Joey Hyland
August 25, 2016
Good bye, Sean. You were a part of my growing up years. God bless you. Watch over Noreen and all your family.
Eileen Nevins Kennedy
August 24, 2016
Frank Rizzo and John Timoney were the best leaders of hero's
Jerry Hennessy
August 24, 2016
I first met John working with him at St. Elizabeth's Hospital when we were teenagers. I met him again when he was Police Commissioner in Miami. It was my pleasure knowing him and working with him. Rest in peace. Love and prayers for his family.
August 23, 2016
John was a young cop just on the force when I had the honor of being teamed up with him. I was his 1st partner in the 44 pct. He was super bright and always ready to do the right thing. It was a pleasure serving with John . May you rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
Richard Sabol
August 23, 2016
John it was such a pleasure working with you while we both were assigned to Bronx Narcotics. My deepest condolence to the family and John may you rest in peace.
Michael Calero
August 23, 2016
We mourn the loss of our friend, John Timoney. His intelligence and professionalism exceeded all standards. He was a great leader, partner and friend.We extend our deepest sympathies to Noreen, Sean ,Christina and family.
John & Sylvia Pade
John& Sylvia Pade
August 22, 2016
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand
Joanne Tomarchio
August 22, 2016
I met John many years ago when he was guest speaker at the New York Celtic Medical Society. I was impressed with his intellect, integrity and command presence. We became good friends(as does everyone who ever met John). We kept in touch over the years and got together when we were able. He cared very much for family, friends and the less fortunate in our society. He was true Renaissance man whom I am certain has positively impacted everyone he had encountered in his lifetime. God Bless Noreen, Christine, Sean and the grandchildren and John's siblings.
John Cosgrove, MD FACS
Stony Brook University Hospital
john cosgrove
August 22, 2016
I worked with Chief Timoney for seven years in NY. He was a great leader, a great inspiration and a great story teller. So sad to see him go. He still had a lot to give to the world. He adored his family and always spoke about them. My condolences to Noreen and his children. R.I.P. boss. We will never forget you.
Palmira Garcia
August 22, 2016
Thoughts and prayers to Noreen and family. Many happy memories with you, John, Paul and myself.
Dolores Donnelly
August 21, 2016
Dear Noreen,
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
God bless you.
Loretta Leahy Woolley
August 21, 2016
Sad to learn of the passing of John Timoney. Followed his career in NYPD hierarchy, as Philly Police Cmsr, and Miami Police Chief. Five years ago, I tracked him down and got him to be the keynote speaker at a CT FBI Nat'l Academy Luncheon (for free). Picked him up at the ferry that day and got to spend some time with John in person, and found him to be a charming, interesting, tough cop and police leader. His keynote speech, told in his combination of a Bronx accent & Irish brogue captivated our group. I'll never forget that day.
Major Michael B. Darcy, Conn State Police
Michael Darcy
August 21, 2016
With all due respect to Former Chief Timoney, I had the impulse to go and view him at his viewing at Vior Funeral Home in Miami, Dade County, Florida. I was overwhelmed to see the beautiful outcome, the respect that was being shown to him, seeing his lovely wife, the survivor, and moreover, to simply show my support. All I wish for is that Chief Timoney be laid to rest in peace. From my observation, while seeing him in his resting place, was to see the serenity in his expression. I truly hope that he did not pass away in agony and moreover that he will reach the Promised Land. May he rest in peace.
I offer my prayers to him and his loved ones with much respect.
My best always,
Alice De Went Navarro
Alice Navarro
August 21, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Timoney family during this difficult time!
R.I.P. John!
Tom said to "Save him a seat at the Timoney table , like old times after the Giant games"
Nora&Tom McNulty
August 21, 2016
Commissioner Timoney Thank You for your competitive nature causing you to establish our Team in 2001. The men and women from the Philadelphia Police Boat Team give our deepest condolences to your Family and Friends
Frank McClain
August 21, 2016
It was New York's loss that John Timoney took his policing talents elsewhere and was never appointed Police Commissioner of this great city. Noreen, We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We will keep John, you and your family in our prayers. Jim and Virginia McCabe ( Nanuet )
August 21, 2016
I extend my sincerest condolences to the Timoney family. I had the good fortune to know John from the beginning of his remarkable police career, when I was a rookie cop and John was a trainee in the 17th Precinct. He was a standout then and throughout his life. My respect for John grew as he made tremendous contributions to policing in NYC. There is no doubt Chief Timoney was a major architect and implementer of the programs that made our City a better place to live and work. Chief Timoney believed that companionate enforcement of the law was an essential component of community policing. It was a gift to have worked with him and for him during my Police Career. His legacy will be noted in the history of NYPD. The people of NYC have received the dividends of this Man's devotion to Policing, I know that the Lord will hold a special place in heaven for him. John you will be missed but your values will live on.
Jim Raber Retired NYPD Inspector
Jim Raber
August 21, 2016
Only the Good die young!!
May God comfort Noreen & his family with many happy memories during this time of great sorrow. Rest in eternal peace, John.
Pat & Ken Creegan
August 20, 2016
As a retired Philadelphia Police Detective, I'd like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of former Police Commissioner Timoney. He was a great example of Courage, Class, and Intelligent Policing in this city. May he rest in peace. Job well done, Commissioner!
S. Purnell
Philadelphia Police Department
Detective ( Retired)
Stephanie Purnell
August 20, 2016
NOREEN Kathi and I and our Family send our deepest condolences to you as we learned of John's passing.We all have many fond memories and joyful personal stories of our relations with you, John and the children.He was and will be forever one of my truest friends.Ralph Dumond D.I.Ret.NYCPD
Ralph & Kathi Dumond
August 20, 2016
John Timoney is Known to protect & Serve as Police Commissioner in Miami & other citys.
Grady Youngblood
August 20, 2016
Aside from his talent and joy for policing, he was, for a public figure, a remarkably candid individual. He was also, as a man, a very decent, warm and congenial person who was a rare pleasure to have known. To John's family, deep and heartfelt condolences and take succor knowing he'll be missed by even those who knew him only nominally.
Philip Messing
August 20, 2016
My Heartfelt condolences to Noreen and the entire Timoney clan on Johns passing. As cops in the 44 we answered many of the same "radio runs" and backed each other up on occasion. The highest of peer compliments in the NYPD apply to John; 1. He was a cops cop and 2. He was a gentleman. He will be remembered. Tom Madden, Lt. NYCPD Ret.
Thomas Madden
August 19, 2016
God Bless You and your family. RIP, John.
Joseph McDermott
August 19, 2016
Rest in peace John aka Sean Timoney our deepest condolences to Noreen Christine Sean and Ciaran from your cousins in Brooklyn related to you through our mothers Eileen Grogan and your mom Katie sincere sympathy Bernadette Joyce Veronica McCarthy Antoinette Reilly-Alvino and Joan Reilly-Dowd.
August 19, 2016
John will forever be listed among the legendary law enforcement figures of all time. His compassion and concern for people was the foundation of how he lived his life. His humor could defuse any tense situation. It was an honor to have known him and to have called him a friend. John was a man who NEVER forgot from where he came. Deepest sympathies to Noreen, Ciaran, Marie, Sean and Christine.
Tony Garvey
Washington Heights
August 19, 2016
John was a "cops cop." A true friend who never forgot the people he met along the way in his journey through life. Lots of 44 memories.
Condolences to his family.
JP Walsh
August 19, 2016
Rest in peace John. You were a great man from Washington Heights. You made us all proud. Our sympathy to Noreen and your children.May the road rise up to meet you!! Kevin & Agnes Donohue Courtney
Kevin Courtney
August 18, 2016
So sorry to hear of Sean's death. My condolences to Noreen, Sean and Christina. May he rest in peace as he no longer suffers. My hope is that his family finds peace and solice in knowing that he is in the arms of the angels.
Linda Reilly
August 18, 2016
Sincere condolences Maureen, seems not long ago working with you at Ramapo Central School District New Compact for Learning and SEPTA, though I didn't know your husband, I appreciated the many contributions and blessings this country received from its Irish citizens. I understand his love for rowing and I also now personally participate in Set Dancing in the local NJ/NY area and Irish music and culture.
God Bless
AL SMITH
August 18, 2016
I was a graduate student in Commissioner Timoney's class at Penn's Fels Institute. He truly was a renaissance man. Rest in peace.
August 18, 2016
So sorry , Noreen. So many memories...Condolences to all...Jill
Jill S. Pryor
August 18, 2016
Chief,
I was and am still honored of having been part of your staff at the Miami Police Department. I am grateful for the trust and confidence you had in me. My son and I will never forget when you swore him in as a police officer in front of all mt friends and teammates of the Miami Police SWAT team. May God grant you and your family peace. I know you and Angel C. will be patrolling together in God's Kingdom.
Armando Guzman
Chief of Police
Miami Springs Police Department
Armando Guzman
August 18, 2016
Commissioner, I still remember you promoting me to Captain in your office 8 hours before the list expired and your visit to my camp in Baghdad, Iraq. You were always a Cop's Cop!! I am proud to call you my friend. God Bless you and your family.
Jerry Fretz
August 18, 2016
I met John in February, 1969 when we were in the same class in the NYC Police Academy. As far as I know, he was the only Police Trainee working an outside job while attending the Academy. He was a really nice guy and we were in contact occasionally up until two weeks ago. I am proud to have known him all of these years. I am sorry to hear of his passing. I wish to extend my condolences to his family. He will be missed.
John Nally
August 18, 2016
John was a gracious and professional law enforcement professional that I was proud to know during his time in Miami.
He took his time to address the Fall Business Meeting of the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Socities we held on Miami Beach when I hosted the meeting there.
He brought a lot of excellent training to the Miami Police Department during his tenure.
He will be missed in the law enforcement community.
Frank Moran
August 17, 2016
Great touch tackle player for the jolly tinker bronx new york back in the day.a huge loss.
martin holder jr
August 17, 2016
He captured some imagination and he was a favorite of mine
Kathy Heid
kathy heid
August 17, 2016
You were the best. So sorry may you REST IN PEACE Commissioner John Timoney. Thoughts and prayer with your family
August 17, 2016
A great cop and even greater man. He will be missed.
Bradley Stein
August 17, 2016
Great boss, cop and stand up guy. You will be missed
Paul Ibsen
August 17, 2016
John, To me you were all that is good about a cop!
Jerry Harrar
August 17, 2016
Boss, you were a huge influence on me and my career and I am proud to say that even to this day I follow what you taught me many years ago. You will be sorely missed. God Bless and rest in peace Commissioner Timoney.
Bill Colarulo
Chief Inspector,Philadelphia PD 1981 - 2011
Police Superintendent, Radnor Township PD Serving since 2011
August 17, 2016
Commissioner, you were one of the best things that happened to this City. You believe in our organization and what we were doing in our community by stepping up and giving us the resources needed to keep our community safer. So glad your pain is gone and you are flying high with the angels.
RIP, sir.
Margi Megill
August 17, 2016
John was a dedicated Police professional who cared about the citizens he served. He had a sharp mind and wit. He enjoyed a good laugh and valued friendships. He was one of the earliest members of the Philadelphia Police Dragon boat team. I recall meeting on the Schuylkill river at 5:00am every morning preparing for a race. John would be anxious to get in the boat and participate. He loved competition and enjoyed the camaraderie with his teammates. He will be missed!
George Ondrejka
August 17, 2016
Today I was sadden to learn that John Timoney passed. I had the pleasure to have worked (NYPD) along side him. .The law enforcement community has lost a great leader and I a true friend. I will miss him, my prayers go out to Noreen and the entire Timoney family. Rest in peace my friend.
Robinson Morales
August 17, 2016
My prayers go out to the family. May he rest in peace.
The Bell family
August 17, 2016
The best philly police commissioner ever. I knew him and had the pleasure of attending his swearing in. A true professional.
Joe DiPrimio
August 17, 2016
John you were a great guy and a good friend.Rest in peace
edward Gerkens
August 17, 2016
Rest in peace John. We were lucky to have you in Philadelphia. As an architect and city planner myself, I was impressed that you went and got a degree in City Planning.
I will never forget approaching you and your wife at the Marathon on the Square restaurant --as I walked over I could see Ms. Timoney tense up not knowing if this would be a "citizen outburst" when I thanked you for all you had done of course the tension drained away.
You set an example that has saved our city from enormous problems and promoted good will.
George L Claflen Jr
August 17, 2016
R.I.P. John.
August 17, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Timoney family. John did an amazing job while he was here in Philadelphia. Great leader, law enforcement innovator and a great man. He will be sorely missed.
James Fahy
August 17, 2016
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