WILLIAM J. TIMMINS JR., 87 Doctor, Democratic Party leader dies

Timmins was respected for the personality he brought to politics and medicine.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- It wasn't unusual to walk into the Eastland Avenue office of Dr. William J. Timmins Jr. and see the waiting room filled.
"There were patients and political people in there, all waiting for an appointment with him," said Fred Alberini, a former chairman of the Trumbull County Democratic Party, who served as vice chairman under Timmins from 1988 to 1992.
Timmins, of East Market Street, a physician who worked for decades to bring respect and power to the local Democratic Party, died at his home Tuesday. He was 87. Alberini, who worked first as a precinct committeeman under Timmins' leadership, remembers him as a man who possessed a great personality and great people skills.
"He really loved his precinct people, and was loyal to them," he said. "He was the basis and founder of the local Democratic Party, but he was very cooperative. He would let people take on responsibility. He would give them that responsibility and let them go with it."
Timmins started making a political name for himself when he was elected county party chairman in 1962. But just as important to him as politics was his medical career, Alberini noted. Timmins maintained a family practice for 50 years.
Medical career
Timmins served as the first house director of St. Joseph Riverside Hospital and initiated and helped found Warren General Hospital on Eastland Avenue. At WGH, he served as chief of staff and maintained an office next door, where his patients were as loyal as his fellow politicians, Alberini said.
"He was a very prestigious man, very well-respected," Alberini said. "He was a dedicated physician, just like he was a dedicated chairman. He brought a lot of fun and personality to everything he did."
In addition to his local accomplishments, Timmins was also recognized statewide for his hard work.
In 1972 he was named to the Ohio State Medical Board and became vice president of the board in 1975. In June of this year, he was honored by the Ohio State Medical Board with a Senior Recognition Award for maintaining an untarnished professional reputation for more than 50 years in medical practice.
Timmins is survived by his wife, Mary Alice, as well as eight children, 24 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A prayer service is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel, followed by a 10 a.m. service at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel.
slshaulis@vindy.com