By Carolyn Giardina

There are some people that you are fortunate enough to come in contact with who literally touch the lives of everyone they meet–they become friends, mentors, and inspirations. For many of us in the New York commercial post community, one of those rare people was Tim Timpanaro, who passed away last November at the age of 71.

    Last week, our community raised a collective glass to Timmy at New York-based Cajun for a roast and memorial hosted by Rhinoceros, a New York company from which Timmy retired as executive VP almost two years ago.

His career began in ’63 in the optical department at EUE Screen Gems. With the postproduction fundamentals learned there, he was one of very few who during his career was able to embrace optical, video and digital technology. But with Tim, it was always about people, and he used his uncanny ability to discover and nurture new talent to assemble industry leading creative teams.

In a fitting tribute, an estimated 200 people packed the small restaurant at last week’s event; and it was a Who’s Who of the New York post community. We had company leaders (current and retired), and a stream of colorists, editors, compositors and visual effects artists. Some came from New York; others traveled form different parts of the country. Tim’s wife, Abby, as well as some of his children, were in attendance.

The evening began with the screening of a short video montage of still pictures and clips. Then a seemingly endless parade of Timmy fans marched on stage one by one to share their favorite stories and memories. Some recalled humorous moments; others spoke more seriously about their friend, colleague, and mentor. The specifics of each story were different, but the sentiments were the same. Everyone who was fortunate enough to know Timmy found he was always upbeat, always supportive, always a friend, always filled with love. And that’s what resonated in the room that evening–respect and love.

I first met Timmy when I was a cub reporter at SHOOT, and I was privileged to know him over the years. I could have been having the worst day, but all I had to do was see or talk with Timmy, and I quickly had the biggest smile on my face.

Although the tools of my trade are words, I find it difficult to find the right ones to describe what it was like to know Timmy. I think Blue Rock CEO John Palestrini found some of them during last week’s event. He concluded, “Timmy made me a better person. Can you pay someone a better compliment than that?”

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