Joseph F. Timilty (October 17, 1894 – October 2, 1980) was an American law enforcement officer and politician who served as Boston Police Commissioner from 1936 to 1943. Timilty was appointed police commissioner by Governor James Michael Curley on November 25, 1936. Prior to accepting the position, Timilty was a member of the Governor's military staff. He was police commissioner during the Cocoanut Grove fire. Timilty was a candidate for Mayor of Boston in 1951. He finished a distant third in the primary behind incumbent John Hynes and former mayor James Michael Curley.