Named after hockey legends Tim Horton and Toronto Maple Leafs Coach Conn Smyth, Timmy was born on April 19, 2005 to Danielle and Charlie Kroll, becoming the youngest of two. Around the age of 3 years old, Timmy was diagnosed with autism, but that didn’t stop him from living life to the fullest.
Timmy’s autism caused him to be primarily non-verbal, only verbally communicating with a few words. Because of this, he adapted his own way of communicating. “Alright” meant yes, but “No” could mean yes, no, maybe, or it was just his general response to anything. Though his vocabulary was limited, hand signs, physical and vocal gestures, facial reactions and his ever-present iPad helped him express himself. Timmy understood more than he let on.
Though he might not have been able to say how he felt, he was still able to show his love and compassion in other ways. “Big Timmy Hugs” were given lovingly to his sister, parents, and family, and high fives and fist bumps to friends. He would grunt in annoyance and roll his eyes when he didn’t want to do something. He knew how to ask for attention. Some of his favorite ways were to ask his sister to tuck him into bed, to place his mom or dad’s hand on his belly for belly rubs, or to tilt his head down for a “Timmy Kiss.”
Though his verbal communication skills were limited, it was plain to see that he was still happy. He always had a big smile on his face that would stretch from ear to ear. Timmy’s most recognizable feature was his laugh. He had a specific, full, genuine laugh that came from the belly. Anything could make him produce that giggle whether it be from being tickled, his iPad, or being caught getting into mischief. He always knew he would get caught when he was getting into mischief. Half the time his laugh would be what gave him away, but he did it anyway. He liked to be funny, and he liked to make other people laugh too. He enjoyed seeing people happy.
Timmy loved to be with his family, though not always directly interacting. He may have preferred his iPad, though the family’s company was enough.
Timmy also had various family pets throughout his life. His favorite was the family beagle, Snoopy. Timmy and Snoopy met when both were just babies. She was always curious when Timmy flapped his arms or made noises. She never got mad if Timmy pulled her tail or ear or invaded her personal space. Snoopy lovingly took on the role of “Nanny Dog.” She herded Timmy around the house if she caught him getting into mischief. She would lay as a “roadblock” to the kitchen because she knew that Timmy would be too nervous to step over or around her.
Saying Timmy loved his iPad was an understatement. He enjoyed watching movies and tv shows on it. Some of his favorites being ALF, Imagination Movers, and Cars. The moment the battery ran out, Timmy would say “Uh oh”, and find the closest person to tell them “Charge” in the most sniffly voice to let them know how important it was that his iPad got plugged in.
Timmy also loved food and loved to eat. He enjoyed reading cookbooks and flipping through food magazines to figure out what dish he would ask his mom, Danielle, to make him next. When he figured it out, that cookbook or magazine didn’t leave his hand until Danielle made whatever it was he was pointing to. Even if it was planned for dinner the next day, he would carry around the recipe until he got to try it. He also created a few, interesting food combinations because he enjoyed their texture. These included; toast with butter, ketchup, ranch, or all three together, “mayo sandwiches”, and “ketchup sandwiches”. Though Timmy’s favorite food was any sort of cheeseburger. McDonald’s was his absolute favorite, and Wendy’s coming in at a close second. Out of Timmy’s very limited vocabulary, he was able to say “I want Wendy’s” to whoever would listen.
Timmy worked hard in school with his life skills. He attended Almont Community Schools early on in life where Timmy met his life-long friend Rebecca “Ms. Becky” Gucciardi. She would become instrumental in developing his life skills and lifestyle. Timmy had a bond with Ms. Becky that he didn’t develop with any other aid at school. Becky went right with Timmy when he moved to Center Programs at Lapeer County Ed Tech.
He would not admit it, but Timmy loved school. He had friends, and made significant progress with his life skills, which was due to the support he had received from various teachers and support staff at both Almont and Lapeer. Timmy was lovingly known as “The Gentle Giant.” Timmy was kind to everyone he met, and wouldn’t hurt a fly.
Timmy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unwavering strength. His kind and gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him, and will live on in everyone. We can find comfort in knowing that he also saved the lives of so many by giving the gift of life through organ donation. As we say goodbye to Timmy, we carry on his lessons of being kind to those you meet, and always sharing love.
Rest in peace, dear Timmy, knowing you are profoundly missed, and eternally loved.
Timmy was welcomed into heaven by grandparents, Thomas & Barbara Kroll, John Toth, and Robert “Bob” Liscum; dear aunt, Sheila “Nannie” Kroll; cherished great-aunt, Mary Reichert; and loving pets, Snoopy, Casey, Rex, Mr. Jay, and Buttercup.
Timmy leaves behind his loving mother, Danielle Kroll, his dear father, Charlie and step-mother Diane Kroll; his loving sister, Ashley (Daniel Pelletier) Kroll; cherished grandmother, Marsha Toth; adored uncles, Robert “Uncle Benny” Kroll, Tony Giovannini, and Ronny Giovannini; and dearest friend, Rebecca Gucciardi; as well as step-siblings, many cousins, adopted aunts and uncles, and friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 2pm until 8pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home located at 20705 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236. A Celebration of Life will start at 2pm following visitation beginning at 1pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Grosse Pointe Woods.
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