Joseph Charles Timphony Sr.'s Obituary
Joseph Charles Timphony Sr, retired civil engineer, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, at the age of 98 at the home of his granddaughter Kimberly who was caring for him during his final days. Joseph, “J.C.” or “Mr. Joe” to many who knew him, grew up in New Orleans and attended Samuel J. Peters High School until enlisting in the U.S. Navy in April of 1944. He served honorably for two years in the Philippines and in 1948 married Ann Marie Kuhn. His first career after the navy was as a land surveyor which required frequently relocating with his growing family. He returned to New Orleans and began taking classes at Tulane University and the University of New Orleans to become a civil engineer. Joseph went on to have a long career with Boh Bros specializing in marine construction. Over his 60 years with Boh, he managed many of the company’s important marine projects including the Jourdan Road Wharf for the Port of New Orleans, the fabrication in New Orleans and installation in Puerto Rico of a marine facility for a petrochemical company, and repairs to numerous navigation lock gates. Joe was not particularly good at retiring, continuing to take on new projects for Boh until he retired a 2nd time, followed by more projects and more failed attempts at retiring. No one knows how many times he retired, but legend has it he held the record. Joe officially retired for the last time in 2016 and In 2021 was recognized for having made outstanding contributions to the construction industry by the Construction Industry Association of New Orleans.
Joseph was a devout Catholic, serving as a lector and Extraordinary Minister for many years at St. Louise de Marillac Church in Arabi and later at St. John the Baptist Church in Folsom after moving to Covington. He was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus Abbot Paul Assembly, serving in many leadership roles at the council and assembly levels, including Faithful Navigator and Grand Knight.
Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years Ann Marie Kuhn Timphony, his parents Joseph John Timphony and Katherine Navo Timphony, his brother Harold Timphony, son Joseph Charles Timphony Jr., and daughter Catherine Timphony Espinosa.
He is survived by his daughters Cynthia, Joanne (John), Julia (Samuel), Gina (Robert); son Thomas (Allison); grandchildren George, Jeffrey, William, Scott, Frank, Kimberly, Lucas, Chris, Farrah, Brooke, Kate, Julian, Rachel, Allison, Jacqueline, Patrick, Nicholas, Christian, Claire, and John; 10 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joseph’s memory to Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) https://www.louisianacasa.org/donate or Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West (Habitat STW) https://www.habitatstw.org/?utm_campaign=HFHI_AffiliateSearch&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=habitat.org.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM with visitation on Saturday beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will be private.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Timphony family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?