Timothy Joseph Nee

Timothy Joseph Nee, 66, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at his home in West Hartford, Connecticut. He was the beloved husband of Bob Liljenquist and father to his two sons, Daniel and Alexander. Born to Alberta and Daniel Nee on June 21, 1957, Tim spent his early years living on Spring Street with his siblings Dan, Carolyn, Rick, and Ron. Tim was a passionate public educator who spent his career working to make a more equitable and fair world for students and educators alike. He was a champion of children's rights and a deep believer in Montessori Education. His dedication to Montessori gave rise to students gaining access to high-quality education across the state of Connecticut and internationally. Despite his lofty achievements, Tim never forgot his roots as an elementary school teacher, his first love as an educator. He started his career teaching in Pennsylvania before moving to Atlanta to work for Gwinnett County Public Schools. These early experiences laid a foundation for his belief that all children deserve a safe and quality education. These beliefs would drive his work throughout his career, including leadership positions at Harwinton Elementary School, Wapping Elementary School and CREC Montessori Magnet School in Hartford. Education was his life’s work, and for over 40 years, Tim improved the lives of countless students, educators, families, and colleagues. Beyond his professional life, Tim was well known for his consistent love of hosting and entertaining. From birthday parties to graduations, holidays, and work events, he always planned for the occasion with a specially themed cocktail in hand. He had a deep love of the arts and supporting his friends' creative pursuits. His home was always full of music, laughter, and joy. Little gave him more happiness than belting his favorite Broadway songs with his friends. Tim also had a passion for traveling. Tim and Bob built their life together in West Hartford but, over the later years, lived and worked around the globe, including San Francisco and Sitges, Spain. No matter where he was, Tim had a knack for making connections and making those around him feel loved and welcomed. He had an extraordinary ability to lift others up, and all those who knew him have been changed for the better. Despite his world travels, Tim was always home for the holidays and to spend his summer in Provincetown, MA, with his husband, two boys, and close circle of friends. Tim loved returning to Pittsburgh to spend time with siblings, nieces, and nephews, traveling to Utah to visit with the Liljenquist in-laws, and cherished time spent with his granddaughter Kleo. He welcomed any chance to be in New York City or Melbourne with his sons and was excited to meet his new grandson. When it came to family, no event was too small or too far away. Tim is survived by his beloved husband, Bob Liljenquist; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel Nee and Martine Forneret, son Alexander Nee; stepchildren Kristin Katsanevas (Johnny Katsanevas) and Jayson Liljenquist; siblings Dan Nee (Kathie Nee), Carolyn Heck (Jim Heck), Rick Nee (Patty Nee) and Ron Nee (Maureen Nee), granddaughter Kleo Katsanevas, and many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues, neighbors, and friends. The family will be holding a viewing on Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Molloy Funeral Home, located at 906 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT. The viewing will be immediately followed by a Celebration of Tim’s Life at Tim & Bob’s home at 25 Ellsworth Road, West Hartford, CT, from 12:15 PM to 3:30 PM.