Statement on Michael Timura
March 8, 2019Michael Timura, a long-time corporator of Hospital for Special Care (HFSC), was the single most generous individual contributor in the organization’s history… and his gifts extended far beyond his charitable donations. A friend, advisor and champion of HFSC’s patients, employees and leadership, Mr. Timura’s wisdom, commitment to community and practical ingenuity can be seen throughout the hospital buildings and community.
“Mike not only had a hand in designing and building nearly every modern building on our campus, he would delight in telling you the story of why a specific door had been selected for each doorway. He cared deeply about every detail because he believed whole-heartedly in the hospital’s mission,” said Lynn Ricci, FACHE. “Mike also took great care to share a lifetime of experience with generations of leaders at HFSC including our board members, and we all valued his insight immensely. He maintained a keen interest in every development at HFSC and was among the first to see architectural plans for our new autism care unit.”
Mr. Timura valued the expertise and caring of the HFSC staff and focused much of his nearly $1 million philanthropic investment at HFSC on supporting the health care workforce. He established scholarship programs for physicians, physical therapists and nurses, each honoring a beloved member of his family, including his mother and his wife Florence. He also dedicated the nursing station in the hospital’s Medical Rehabilitation Unit to his lifelong sweetheart Florence. “Mike valued his family above all. We were privileged to be a part of that family,” said Ricci.
Applications are currently being accepted for the scholarships established by Mr. Timura, ensuring his influence on generations of health care providers yet to come, including:
- The Florence Timura Medical Student Scholarship
- The Florence Timura Physical Therapy Scholarship
- The Florence Timura Nursing Scholarship
- The Dr. Michael Timura, III Nursing Scholarship
- The Paul Sutula Nursing Scholarship
- The Elizabeth Timura Gold Star Mother Nursing Scholarship
- The John Timura Nursing Scholarship
Mr. Timura also established a fund in 2018 to support professional development for Certified Nursing Assistants at HFSC to support training programs for these helping professionals at the hospital.