Timothy Edward D'Emilio

In Treasured MemoryTimothy Edward D'EmilioDec 21, 1945 - Oct 23, 2024~

Timothy E. D’Emilio, 78, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on October 23, 2024, after a heroic struggle with Parkinson’s disease. 

Tim’s life was guided by passionate commitment. Year after year, he worked to build a world of peace and equity, where all people can exercise their right to meaningful education, safe housing and quality healthcare. Tim worked to create this world through his dedicated career and diverse, lifelong activism, but also through his relationships. In even the simplest interactions, he approached each of us with humility, grace, and profound respect. 

Tim was born on December 21, 1945, in Pittsburgh, PA. As a teen, he attended Assumption Prep, in Worcester, MA. Before college, Tim was honored to join a team of civil rights activists who built an integrated school in Kiln, MS. He then attended John Carroll University, where he majored in philosophy. After graduation, Tim became a Papal Volunteer and worked for 3 years at a boys’ home in Chile. 

His experiences in Chile led him to the SED Center in Washington, D.C., a nonprofit dedicated to meeting the educational needs of families immigrating to the U.S. Tim went on to serve as a researcher with the Bilingual Education Office of D.C. Public Schools. Then, for more than 25 years, he worked as a researcher and contract manager in bilingual education at the federal Department of Education. While at SED Center, Tim fell in love with his colleague, Barbara, who became his life partner. The two married in 1978 and had three children, Nick, Eddie (stillborn) and Lu, each of whom is a source of much love and inspiration. Tim was supported by his family as he ran seven marathons. His training involved jogging 6 miles from home to work nearly every day, building friendships with those he met along the way. 

Tim was an active volunteer with groups working to end homelessness, and every year, on his birthday, he attended a vigil for those who had died unhoused. Tim was a model of ethical integrity, but he was also a source of joy and a gentle wit, who moved through the world with awe and respect for his surroundings. He enjoyed traveling, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where he and Barbara enjoyed stunning rainforest trails. 

Tim is survived by Barbara, Nick, Lu, and their partner, Alex. Of particular importance to Tim were the friends in his Men’s Group, which met once a month for more than 40 years. 

In lieu of flowers, please reflect Tim’s love of nature by planting a tree with Living Tribute https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-in-honor or support the city’s unhoused population by donating to the People For Fairness Coalition https://pffcdc.org/ or the St. Martin’s of Tours Catholic Church http://www.stmartinsdc.org/donations.html.

 A Graveside funeral service will be held Friday, November 1, 2024, 12 Noon at Serenity Ridge Natural Burial Cemetery, 2406 Ridge Rd, Windsor Mill, MD 21244. In keeping with the cemetery’s natural practices, please note that the use of flowers is not permitted. We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing floral arrangements to respect the ecological balance that the cemetery strives to maintain. 

A Celebration of Life will follow on November 23. Thank you for honoring Tim with your memory. We invite you to join us in celebrating Timothy's life on this dedicated webpage. Your condolences, stories, and pictures will be cherished by the family and will provide comfort during this difficult time. 

Care entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, p.a.124 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5009301-495-4950www.InterFaithFunerals.com