It's odd that the modem is acting up now... and that you can restore the connection quite easily. even though it's a pain to have to do it.

Makes me wonder if a setting on the computer is causing it to time out?

Do you know if the computer repair guys changed or added any settings?

You might be able to have Verizon test your modem or connections.
a new modem probably has to come from Verizon.