Timothy Easterly

Timothy Easterly 67, of Acton, Massachusetts, died December 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Tim leaves a legacy of optimism and enthusiasm for life, service to his family and country, and unassuming yet strong support to all who touched his life. Tim's optimism and enthusiasm enabled him to enjoy life even with late-stage cancer. Many people commented that you wouldn't know he was sick by how he lived life to its fullest extent throughout all of his cancer journey.
Tim was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, the son of the late William Hervey Easterly and Mary (Baka) Easterly. Tim was the youngest of eight children and knew he was extremely fortunate to grow up in a family full of love and support.
Tim graduated from Phillipsburg Catholic High School in 1976 and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1980 with a degree in Physics. His dedication to service was evident his entire life and included the honor of attending MIT on a Reserve Officers' Training Corps scholarship. After graduation, Tim spent 4 years serving in the US Army, being honorably discharged as a Captain in 1984. Tim then spent the rest of his career supporting his country in a variety of progressively more challenging technical roles in systems engineering, ending with his position at the Charles Stark Draper Lab in the distinguished capacity of Lab Fellow.
Tim was always up for a laugh and a beer and took advantage of all life offers, such as learning to ski as an adult when he lived in Switzerland and learning to sail later when he lived in Texas. Tim resumed sailing while living in Acton by taking advantage of the sailing schools and charter services in Boston, culminating in trips where he captained chartered yachts in the Caribbean. Tim was the consummate handy man, known to family members as Mr. Fixit, and he would always prefer to repair something around the house himself rather than call a professional for help. Tim was a lifelong athlete from playing basketball and golf in high school to as an adult, golf, skiing, and bike riding. His wife Patricia (Pat) Easterly is going to miss their frequent bike rides through Acton, Stow, Boxborough, and Cape Cod where Tim usually rode faster than her.
Nothing mattered more to Tim than his family. He shared 26 years with his beloved wife, Pat. He lovingly stepped into the role of stepdad to Lauren Marie Behlke and was a devoted dad to his son William Thomas Easterly. Tim read to his children every night as young children and was huge supporter of his all of his children's interests from early morning hockey games for Will to dance recitals for Lauren. Tim was especially happy to have had the chance to have beer with Will at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich and sail with Lauren in the USVI. Tim radiated joy as he walked Lauren down the aisle and danced with Lauren at her wedding to Juan Ramirez in September. In addition, Tim leaves his siblings; David Easterly (Suzanne) of Danielson CT, Ruth Hamblet of Marco Island FL, Karen Hoffman of Phillipsburg NJ, Marian Trapani of Easton, PA, Lillian Bennett (William) of Downington PA, and Richard Easterly (Louise) of Lebanon OH; Pat's father, her siblings and their spouses; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. In addition to his parents and Pat's mother, Tim was predeceased by his sister Bernadette Martyak.
Tim and Pat were able to take many trips together throughout the world in addition to Caribbean sailing trips and every trip was made more special by the family members from each of their families who joined them. Pat and Tim never traveled without another family member, and they were eternally grateful to have families where that was possible. Tim, Pat, Lauren and Will spent time every summer on the Cape and were so happy to have Lauren's and Will's partners join them.
A period of visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Acton Funeral Home 470 Massachusetts Avenue (Rte. 111) Acton. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Tuesday, January 6 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church 89 Arlington Street Acton. The family appreciates all of the care Tim received from his team at Dana Farber and the hospice caregivers at the VNA of Cape Cod.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes gifts to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the VNA of Cape Cod.