Philip Michael Timpane

1934 - 2022

TIMPANE

PHILIP MICHAEL TIMPANE

November 27, 1934 – January 18, 2022

A pillar of a man whose strength, wisdom, and boundless love has supported and lifted so many in life, is at peace. A lifetime of family, service, faith, and friendship continues in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him. Mike's selfless nature made the impact of his actions and words in improving and building up the lives of others a guiding principle. He measured success not on his remarkable professional and personal accomplishments, but on improving the very foundations of society by caring about the poor, sick, and marginalized amongst us. At every level of his warm personality and startling intellect he was a teacher, counselor, and muse, who treasured the journey of others more than his own. He believed that knowledge and the freedom to be curious was a basic human right and worked his entire life for others to have the opportunity to explore it through education. Mike was fearless in showing his love for others, especially the less fortunate, and leaves behind a legacy and shining example of love, light, and spirit he would want everyone to share with each other.

Born to Philip and Rita Timpane in Troy New York, Mike is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Genevieve; his sons and daughters-in-law, Mike Timpane and Jane Andersen, Paul and Sharon Timpane, and David and Anne Timpane; and seven cherished grandchildren, Veronica, Michael, Brandon, Marcus, Rob, Julia, and Peter. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Joe. Mike was the ultimate husband, father, uncle, and friend, who was a towering figure in the lives of his four sons, fourteen nephews and nieces, as well as all who knew him. He headed a large, transcontinental family with whom he spent countless joyous moments attending family events and celebrations.

Mike's lifetime of learning and service began at PS 12 and the Christian Brothers LaSalle Institute in Troy, followed by a B.A. at Catholic University, Master's degrees from Catholic University and the Harvard Kennedy School, two honorary Doctorates, and numerous other citations for excellence and service. After completing ROTC in college, Mike served honorably in the Air Force from 1957 to 1960. Thus began a remarkable career in education policy starting in the Federal Government at the Department of Health, Education and Welfare, serving under Secretary Elliott Richardson. This civil service included an early United States education and cultural exchange delegation to the People's Republic of China to establish initial contact and mutual understanding between peoples in the 1970's. Public policy consulting and think tank positions at Brookings and the RAND Corporation led to Mr. Timpane's appointment by President Carter as the Director of the National Institute of Education, the first federal education policy research entity. During this time as a federal public servant, he also served his community of Arlington, Va., as chair of the Arlington School Board and was highly active in local politics, congressional campaigns, community development & non-profit organizations helping the poor. Mr. Timpane served first as Dean and then as President of the Teacher's College at Columbia University from 1982 to 1994. Continuing his major long-term role in American education policy, he was vice president and senior scholar at the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (1994-1997) and a senior advisor on education policy for Rand Corporation (1997-2003).

As a much-published scholar, he continued to explore education and its relation to social issues and the development of both the child and the democracy. The titles of just a few of the books for which he was either editor or contributor suggest some of his primary concerns: Rhetoric vs. Reality: What We Need to Know About Vouchers and Charter Schools (2001); Democratic Purposes of Schooling (2000); or Higher Education and School Reform (1998).

For more than two decades, Mr. Timpane helped direct the Aspen Institute's Program for Education in a Changing Society; in that period, he was also a member of the Pew Forum on School Reform. He also served on the boards of the Children's Television Workshop, Jobs for the Future, the American Council on Education, and several other prominent institutions. Mr. Timpane was honored with many honorary degrees and awards. Many a conference on the future of education and society was enriched by his penetrating vision, empathetic intellect, and focused enthusiasm.

In semi-retirement, Mike and Gen returned to Arlington, Virginia in 2004. He spent his last 18 years back in his beloved NOVA faith community, among his lifelong friends, and most importantly to him, near three of his sons who had all returned to live in the area. Mike loved golfing and was an avid and voracious reader. His loud and unique laughter will be remembered by all who knew him, lighting up any room he entered, and making a friend of everyone he met.

Due to the pandemic, there will be a private mass which will be live streamed on February 19, 2022 at 11 a.m. Interment will be private. All who knew and loved Mike will be invited to a public memorial service and reception which will be held, if possible, in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the NOVA Faith Community at novacatholic.org or consider a donation towards the education of a child in need.