Timothy McInerney

Timothy John McInerney Passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at home in Moraga. Although Tim has joined his dear father, Tom, who died last year, hundreds of Tim's friends and relatives mourn the loss of Tim's biting wit, personal strength and warmth, and dynamic personality. Tim is survived by his loving mother, Jackie. While many enjoy a close relationship with their mothers, few forged as close a relationship as Tim did with his mom, who was his primary caregiver, friend, and confidante. Tim also leaves behind three grieving siblings, Maureen (John) McAndrews of Dana Point, Tom (Julie) McInerney of San Anselmo, and Kerry (Dale) Freeman of Berkeley. Tim is also survived by adoring nieces and nephews: Danny, Katie, Claire and Megan McAndrews; Molly and Joe McInerney; and Jackson, Leah, Alex and Erin Freeman. Tim never forgot a niece's or nephew's birthday, or school concert, or soccer or baseball game, and Uncle Timmy's bedroom walls were covered with photos of his young relatives and cards and special gifts they would bring to him to make sure he always remembered how much they loved him. Tim was born in San Francisco on Christmas Eve 1965, but grew up in Moraga. He graduated from St. Perpetua in 1980 and Campolindo High School in 1984. Many of Tim's closest friends were from those two schools, and Tim recently helped organize a high school class reunion. Tim loved his time at UC Berkeley, graduating with a degree in history in 1988. He developed a love for the Spanish language in high school. During college his interest in Spanish and Mexican culture blossomed, and he lived for six months in Seville, Spain. After college Tim worked for Pacific Bell, and later he received his teaching credential from St. Mary's College. In recent years Tim worked at UC Berkeley as a computer programmer in the Department of Information and Technology. Tim was also board secretary for CTP, a nonprofit that prepares people with disabilities for professional employment, and he was appointed by the town of Moraga to its ADA Advisory Committee. In 1991 Tim suffered a swimming accident in Mexico that left him a quadriplegic. Tim's stubborn determination in the face of his disability left those around him with awestruck admiration. In his life after his accident he was helped immensely by many volunteers, including members of the Moraga Lion's Club, which welcomed him as a member and named him "Lion of the Year." Tim has also been helped over the years by many loving neighbors, caregivers, and other friends. Tim refused to live his life defined by his disability. Instead, he was defined by his deep blue eyes, his hilarious sense of humor, his compassion for those less fortunate, and his legendary Facebook "political discussions" with his more conservative friends and relatives, all of whom miss him greatly. Friends and family are invited to a vigil on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 7 p.m., and a funeral mass on Friday, September 17, at 10:30 a.m., at St Perpetua Church, 3454 Hamlin Rd., Lafayette. A reception will follow at the Lafayette Veteran's Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Tim McInerney Scholarship Fund/Moraga Lions Club, P.O. Box 6815, Moraga, CA 94556, or to CTP, 2002 Addison St., Ste. 201, Berkeley, CA 94704.