Timothy Knight McAteer
06/15/1945 - 02/12/2025
Timothy Knight McAteer, the beloved son of Frances Twohig McAteer and Senator J. Eugene McAteer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at his home in San Francisco.
Tim was 79 years old, born on June 15, 1945, at St. Luke's Hospital in the Mission District of San Francisco. He attended St. Cecilia's Grammar School in the Sunset district and graduated from Lowell High School in 1963, where he stood out as an all-around athlete, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. His talent in sports earned him an ALL-CITY title in all three disciplines.
Tim went on to attend UCLA, where he played under the legendary coach Tommy Prothro. As a defensive back, he earned ALL-American honors and was a key player in the 1966 Rose Bowl, where his team upset undefeated Michigan State.
After earning a degree in economics and political science, Tim's international interests and global connections took him to South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. His experiences abroad shaped his career, and upon returning to San Francisco, his business focused on designing and perfecting economic feasibility studies for world-class residential communities and retail business developments.
In 2004, Tim and his devoted mother were both honored by being inducted into the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame, a testament to their strong bond and to the profound influence they both had on San Francisco.
Tim's true legacy lies in the kindness, warmth, and generosity that he shared with all who knew him. He had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special, offering unwavering support and encouragement to those in need. Tim was happiest when helping others navigate their futures in the San Francisco he so dearly loved. His positive energy, compassion, and genuine care for people left an indelible mark on his many friends. Tim was a man of remarkable grace and warmth.
Tim will be deeply missed by his two brothers, Thomas McAteer of San Francisco and Terrance McAteer of Grass Valley, as well as by the many friends and family members whose lives were touched by his kindness.
A private service will be held this spring near his family's former summer residence in Meeks Bay, California, where his spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to have known him.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Timothy McAteer

Sponsored by Tulip Cremation- California.

6 Entries

Kathleen D Roberts

April 16, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear of Tim´s passing. I always enjoyed conversations with him about memories of old San Francisco, (being SF Natives growing up here.) Tim was always so friendly , and a real pleasure to know. I´m very surprised by his passing, as the last time I spoke with him, he looked great, was just enjoying the day sitting outside "The Beanery."
I will miss him.RIP

Susie Melmon Mnookin

March 16, 2025

We were good friends at Lowell High School. I have a very soft spot for Tim and all the fond memories at Lowell and Lake Tahoe! He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP dear friend. Thanks for the memories.

Paul Nilsen

March 15, 2025

I grew up on San Fernando Way which was close to the McAteer household. Tim, or Timmy as we knew him, was a frequent visitor to our group of kids coming to various birthday parties. Being that we attended public schools and he went to private Catholic schools we only interacted around the neighborhood. Tim was a great kid and we used to play so many `sports´ together. On a number of occasions i visited the McAteer home and was treated to snacks and a nice family As time passed and we moved on from our elementary schools we lost touch but what I remember was a really great kid who was always pleasant, good natured and fun to hang out with. Paul Nilsen

Gary Beban

March 14, 2025

Since I was born in San Francisco, early days in North Beach, and raised in the Bay Area until attending UCLA, Tim took me under his wing when he realized I might not only make the varsity team as a sophomore, but start at QB ... His outreach schooled me through his experiences and perspectives to excel by being prepared to plan and play an entire game as error free as possible ... He convinced me college games were won on every play, not just a few late snaps in the 4th quarter ... After Tim's graduation, our interactions were limited, but his basic training was instrumental in all of my Life endeavors thereafter, mostly off a field and in a office ... I hope Tim's family members and initmate friends are comforted by the knowledge of Tim's positive impact on so many of us who were fortunate to cross paths with and respect him as a friend ... May Tim rest in peace ...

Gary Beban
UCLA '68

Sheila Devitt

March 9, 2025

Dear McAteer family warm wishes on the death of your brother and Uncle. I met Tim when I moved to SF in 2004. He was a dear friend to me from then on. He introduced me to Betty Cable, who rented me a room until I bought a condo in Pacifica in 2005. Tim and Bob Agee and I shared many many fun moments together over the years. In 2015 I retired as an RN at the VAMedical Center and moved back to Montana, where I was born and where I raised my family. Tim´s and my friendship continued and the last time I saw him was April last year when I went to see him for a few days. We shared meals and short walks and as always delightful conversation. He will live long in my heart as a caring, tolerant, warm dear friend.
My condolences. May he rest in peace.
Sheila Devitt.

Joe Leach, SI '75

March 8, 2025

Terry and family,
Sincere condolences on the loss of your brother Tim. May he be in God's Peace, and may your family know the consolation of our faith now and in the days to come. RIP.

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