Timothy James Ellifritz of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. He will be best remembered for his dedicated service as a school teacher for 17 years and basketball coach for 40 years, and his ever-present devotion to his wife and children.

Born to Robert and Elsie Ellifritz on July 4, 1945, he grew up in Columbus and earned dual degrees in English and Journalism from Ohio University in 1967. Tim taught at Christ the King for six years, where he formed a guitar performance group and also recorded an album. He then worked in the insurance industry for 20 years with Western & Southern Life and Prudential. He then returned to teaching, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help for four years, where he regularly took his students to read to nursing home residents where his mother resided, and later at Trimble High School for seven years, where he was the yearbook advisor. Through it all, he coached and refereed basketball for over 40 years, leading his teams to four city championships, eight diocesan league championships, and fostering the personal growth of each player he worked with. His own children also enjoyed his consistent presence and support, as he was on the sidelines for every marching band performance, in the passenger seat for every driving lesson, in attendance for every concert and recital, cheering on every bowling strike, and grilling out for every birthday.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rosanne (Lusignolo) Ellifritz, his son, Brad Ellifritz, his daughters Erin (and her wife, Candice) and Amy (and her husband, Ben), his brother, Terry Ellifritz (and his wife, Jennie), his cousins, Barb Dusterberg and Mary Himmel McDaniel, countless family and friends, and the thousands of students he had the privilege of teaching and coaching over the years.Tim’s family is planning a Celebration of Life, to be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at TAT Ristorante di Famiglia, in Columbus, Ohio, from 3 to 5pm. This location has fostered many happy memories for Tim and Rosanne over the years, including as an after-school hangout spot during their high school years and for many special family gatherings. In lieu of flowers, support the family at https://everloved.com/life-of… or support a teacher at https://www.donorschoose.org/…

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