Francis William Timko

Francis (Frank) W. Timko Jr., age 78, of Beavercreek, OH, passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2023.

Frank was born on July 25, 1945 to the late Francis W. Timko Sr., and late Elizabeth E. Timko (nee Hydu) in Martins Ferry, OH, before moving to Columbus (Wagram), OH, where he spent his childhood. After Frank graduated from Bishop Hartley High School in 1963, he went on to earn degrees in both Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, in Dayton, OH in 1967.

It was at the University of Dayton where Frank found his lifelong career, working at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) until he retired after 40 years, including 20 years at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, designing fuel combustion for jet airplanes. Frank was a Flyer at heart and enjoyed cheering on the UD football and basketball teams, which he would attend with his decade's long group of friends.

In 1968, he married and had 3 children, Lori (Mark Schnitter), Cindy (Dan Bynum), and Mike (Casey Timko). In 1993 he married the love of his life, Diana Daniel Timko (nee Neargarder.) Diana brought 4 children to the marriage, Rick (Chris Brown), Joe (Julie Daniel), Pam (Kent Bonds), and Greg Daniel. Between them, they share 13 grandchildren: Ryan, David, Megan, Gavin, Lucy, Kaelin, Cory, Trevor, Jamey, Keaton, Damien, Brystal (Domenic Murphy) and Sarah.

Anyone that knew Frank, knew he was a kind man of few words but with a big smile, who loved to fix things. In the 1970s he built a 3 car garage in his backyard, where he spent many nights working on cars for friends and family. He never turned down anyone in need. As he retired from UDRI, his hobby and love of trains took over, and he started his small business, Timko's Repair Depot, where he developed a fly wheel that would allow toy train engines to coast to a smooth stop. He had clients all over the world, and when asked what he'd been up to, he would often reply, "working on trains." For years, he enthusiastically set up his model train display at the annual Christmas on Campus at UD, and would be more than happy to show off his train collection at home to anyone that asked.

Frank also gave back to the community as a whole blood donor, as well as donating platelets and plasma. He is considered a "baby donor" because he had not been exposed to CMV, a flu like virus that most adults have been exposed to. Because of this he was able to donate to pediatric units where he has saved the lives of many newborns and young children. Over his lifetime, he has donated over 235+ times.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, nephew David Timko, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Diana, their children and grandchildren, his brother Richard (Susie) Timko of Bailey, CO, and sister Barbara Timko of Lake Worth, FL; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Many of whom called him Tim, a nickname he'd had his whole life.

Public visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton Xenia Rd) on Thursday August 24, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Church of the Incarnation (55 Williamsburg Ln, Dayton, OH 45459) on Friday August 25, 2023 at 11:00 am. Frank will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St Jude Children's Research Hospital
or your Community Blood Center.