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John Patrick Tierney
John Patrick Tierney
Obituary
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John Tierney Obituary
Johnny was born and raised in Staten Island, and is survived by his mother, Helen, his father, John, his brother Thomas, his two sisters, Mary and Jeannie, his two newphews Thomas and James, and his niece Margaret. Johnny attended St. Charles Catholic Elementry School, he then attend St. Joseph by the Sea Catholic High School and went on to attend St. John's Catholic University all located in Staten Island. He was an amazing person, not only to his family, but to all those who encountered him. He was very happy with his life and for that I am grateful.
His dream was to become a firefighter and he was for 8 months before his death. He worked for Ladder Company 9 for 6 short weeks before September 11th. The morning of September 11, 2001, Johnny had worked an overnight shift which had ended that morning at 9:00 a.m. His fellow firefighters insisted that he go home, but being Johnny, he jumped onto the fire truck going to the World Trade Center. That was Johnny, a very loving and giving person, never concerned for his own safety, but the safety of others.
Tribute submitted by Mildred Rodriguez and Thomas Tierney.
Dedicated to Firefighting
On Father's Day, as Helen Tierney heard the news that three firefighters in Queens had been killed on the job, her heart broke. For the men who died, she cried. For her son John Patrick Tierney, 27, a probationary firefighter training in Queens at the time, she rejoiced that he had had that day off. "He always said, 'Don't worry, Ma. Everything will be fine.' And it was."
So, on Sept. 11, when his unit, Ladder Company 9 in Manhattan, was called to the World Trade Center, she clung once again to her youngest son's words. Her prayer was that he had headed home to Staten Island that morning. But Mr. Tierney had hopped a fire truck so crowded that he was forced to sit in a colleague's lap. "The other guys told him he didn't have to come," Mrs. Tierney said. "But from the first day he went to probie school, he worked hard, he really wanted to be part of the Fire Department."
And he was, for six weeks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sage
May 2, 2023
John, I am a Firefighter recruit. I was assigned the task of picking one of the fallen firefighters from 9/11 and learning about them to pay respect to their past. As I read about you my mind went back to that day... it took an act like 9/11 to inspire me to do something larger than myself. I went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps. And I´ve finally come around to becoming a Firefighter and continuing to serve my community and country. I think of you and the days before 9/11. You made the choice to serve, and protect and endure. you never even knew just how much of a hero you would become, and it didn´t take an act like 9/11 to persuade you to serve. I want you to know, that after all these years we still honor you, you still inspire us a you have made a legacy that will last forever. R.I.P brother.
robert brullo
September 11, 2020
john was a year older than i. we had gone to st charles together and then st josephs by the sea. We were not super close in st charles but we knew each other through a mutual friend John Kline who i was friendly with at st. charles. I got to know John Tierney better and he started driving me to high school when he was old enough. I remember Johns beat up cj-7 that kept stalling on the way to school but he would be able to rig it so that it ran well enough to get the job done. I remember john picking me up at my house and he never needed to beep the horn. The sound of led zepellins stairway to heaven always made sure i was ready to come out of the house as john loved to blast that song from his jeep with his rigged house speakers that were soooo big in the back of the jeep. haha. I think of John tierney often. Always fondly and always with love. Taken way too soon from all of us but never forgotten. NEVER FORGOTTEN. R.I.P. John. love ya. Robert brullo.
Geraldine O'Sullivan
September 12, 2019
Thinking of you yesterday john my dear cousin rest in peace
Anita Arias Polzin
September 11, 2019
On 9/7/19 I had the honor of carrying the photo of Hero Firefighter John Tierney at the San Diego 9-11 Stair Climb. It was an emotional moment when they proudly gave me his photo. On the climb, I was in the company of my Firefighter/Paramedic husband and other firefighters from his department. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and fire department brothers and sisters. Never forget.
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June 11, 2019
God bless you.
The Kindred Family
November 23, 2018
We send our thoughts of sincerest sympathy to your family. Johnny touched the lives of others and will always be sadly missed. May an end come to the violence that has taken the lives of so many persons and separated beloved family members.
John Rowland
September 20, 2017
Last Sunday, September 17, 2017, I participated in my third consecutive memorial stair climb in Chattanooga. My first time in 2015 I was given two badges, one with John's name and picture, and I have requested the honor of climbing for him again in each of the past two years, and will continue to do so as long as I am physically able to do the climb. I did some internet research on John and the other man that I climbed for (another John!) after that first year, and it really made it a personal thing for me. It showed me that both of my John's and all their fallen comrades were, on September 10, 2011, just ordinary Americans; they had families and friends, hobbies and other things they liked to do. And they had a job; but that's where they differed from most of us - their job. Would that we could all do our jobs the way John and all the others, lost or surviving, did that day! I said it was an honor to climb for him, and I sincerely mean it! He is not forgotten, and will not be forgotten in my mind and in my heart.
Joanna Tierney
August 29, 2017
Hello to all of Johns family, I went to pay my respects on Saturday 26th August 2017 at Ground Zero, I was drawn to a particular spot where I just stood and tried to take everything in, we've not long ago in Manchester had a bomb explode and felt I needed to be at Ground Zero, I didn't realise my hand had been playing with the engraved name below it, I couldn't believe it was your name John, I think you called to me, gives me goosebumps still x god bless you sweetheart X
Joanna Amanda Tierney
Manchester
UK
Amelia
September 11, 2016
Hi John, I don't know you, but a few weeks ago I was looking at pictures of 9/11 victims and I saw you. Immediately, I wanted to know your story, the story of the firefighter with that handsome smile.
You are truly a hero, especially since your shift was over. Most people wouldn't have done that, so you were really meant to be a firefighter.
I was a first grade student in Canada in 2001. But I remember 9/11 well. When we came back from lunch our teacher showed us a picture of the towers and told us planes hit them causing the towers to collapse.
I've watched so many documentaries but now that I know your story, I feel different about the events, it's harder to watch.
New York lost a young firefighter who would have had a great career.
To your family, it must be very hard every day but a least you can be super proud of what he did.
9/11 is your day, John.
Rondi Lund-Zeiger
September 10, 2016
This year in Huntington Beach, CA our 4th of July parade included a tribute to the fallen firefighters of 9/11. My cousin is a retired fire captain from New York (Ladder 152) and he came out to Huntington Beach to march in the parade along with many of his fellow firefighters. Each of them carried an American flag with a special tag designating the name and fire company of one of the fallen firefighters from 9/11. During the parade, my cousin approached me from the formation and gave me one of the flags. The one I got was for John P. Tierney. I just want to say to all of Johnny's family and friends that we are honored to fly his flag at our home in Huntington Beach, CA. We will never forget him and the ultimate sacrifice he made on 9/11.
Kathleen Murray
July 4, 2016
God bless you john your aunt Margie sent me your memory card and we have bee trying to get in touch with sum of johns family over the last number of years sacred heart of jesus look after him
Kimberly Sharratta
September 11, 2015
You'll always be a hero. May you rest in peace. You'll never be forgotten. Sending you hugs to heaven.
Zina Cerrone
September 11, 2015
To the family and friends of John Patrick Tierney, I had the honor of walking in his memory this morning wearing his name at the memorial walk in Richmond Hill, GA. I said a prayer for you and your family. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice. May God bless you and your family. We have not forgotten and will never forget.
Michael Bossie
April 25, 2015
Rest in peace. I walked in honor of you at F.D.I.C. International 24 April 2015.
Tom
September 11, 2013
Johnny, thank you ... A prayer has been said for your family and friends. We will never forget.
December 4, 2012
Dec 5th 2012 , my name is Geraldine o Sullivan , my mother was Josephine Harte from tuam co Galway , I believe dat my granny , johns granny were sisters , dis is my email [email protected] please would a member of johns family contact me , thank u
garrett
October 9, 2012
Thank you.
Dana Coltrinari Burke
September 12, 2011
I miss how your smile could light up a room, and will hold the memory of it, forever.
Mary McDermott
September 11, 2011
God be with John. My maiden name is Mary Tierney and I come from Co Galway in Ireland. I am wondering if John is a relation of mine my email address is [email protected] if you would like to get in touch
Renee Brow
September 11, 2011
Our local blood center held a blood drive in 2002 in honor of the fallen rescuers. They gave each donor a pin with a white ribbon. The ribbon had the name of a police officer or firefighter on it. I received John's and I have it to this day.
Freddie Colon
August 25, 2011
John, Thank You! You will never be forgotten. Say Hi to Your Dad. God Bless You and Your Family.
September 11, 2010
We may have some family connection I don't know... that doesn't matter you and many others gave all on 9-11 and I am proud to have the same sir name God Bless
Ray Tierney
September 10, 2010
Bless you John, you and your Dad can now share time together..He was so proud of you as was your Mom Helen..Rest in peace...Rosemary A Gannon
Paul Keating
September 10, 2010
Attending the funeral mass for John Tierney was one of the most unforgetable experiences of my life. Not only did I appreciate in a personal way the many sacrifices the NYC Firefighters made but saw how it impacted their family members who felt pride and loss in equal measure. To his parents Helen and the late John Sr now reunited with his brave son, it was an honor and privilege to attend the services and learn more about a young man who remained Forever Young as a singer proclaimed at the Mass.
Rodney Tateishi
September 12, 2009
To the Family and Friends of John Patrick Tierney. I work as a Fire Captain for the Sacramento Fire Department in California. I had the honor of having Johns name on my turnout coat as I climbed 110 stories on 9/11/09, with 343 other Firefighters/Apparatus Operators/Captains/Chiefs. We climbed a 26 floors, 3 times with one to the 32nd. After finishing our climb to the roof I placed Fireman Tierney's name with all the other 343. We then rang the last call bell one time each.
My memories of 9/11 carry on as I was on one of rescue teams from California flown out on 9/11 arriving on ground zero on 9/12.
My heart goes out the family of Fireman Tierney, but as a brotherhood "We Shall Never Forget".
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you, Helen, and the 2 Johns Padraigin Collum
Sue Dunlavey
September 11, 2009
Peace to you and your family.
Teresa Tierney
September 11, 2009
Blessings.
Doug Abraham
July 24, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
kristine
November 11, 2008
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Jennifer Healey
September 11, 2008
Ny prayers are with your family on this sad day.
Renee Brow
September 11, 2008
Rest in peace, John.
Gus
April 14, 2008
Dear Mr. Tierney
Thank you for saving peoples lives in the world trade center you are very brave to go into that building to save others. I know i would not go into that burning building Thank you .
Greg Burkhardt
September 11, 2007
John
8 yrs ago we stood on opposite sides of the sorting belt at Fed Ex. You told me your dream was to become a NYC firefighter. You lived your dream and died in the line of duty as a hero to us all. I raise my glass in honor to you and all your fallen brothers who lost their lives on 9/11/01.
michael tierney
April 17, 2007
i was seaching tierneys in chicago and i found the reference to John Patrick Tierney,Firefighter,NYC, who died in the attack of 9/11.i have no idea if i have any connection to this brave man's family but i am honoured to share his name. May he rest in peace.
P Tabbernor
April 1, 2007
In memory....
Aurea de la Cruz
March 1, 2007
Dear Helen and John,
I want to let you know that my prayers are with you. I will always remember your son. He was in the same tower as my sister, Lillian Caceres, who worked on the 97th floor. He reminds me of my sister, in that I know she would not have left if she knew people needed help.
John Partick is in Heaven and I know he is walking the "streets of gold" with her. He is truely a HERO!
We will always be family.
Love, Aurea
Damian, Southmore Intermidate School
October 3, 2006
Thank you for saving lives
Lelia Stelly
September 11, 2006
I'm a friend of Johnny's cousin Danny Patrick Ryan.My heart goes out to Johnny's family. Johnny is one to be proud of for his bravery & dedication to others. God Bless his family & friends who mourn his loss.He's our Angel in heaven.
Lauren Kiefer-Foley
August 27, 2005
To the Tierney family,
I too lost my brother on 9/11 and he was also a firefighter. His name was Michael Kiefer and he was with L132 in Brooklyn. As I was reading the article about John that was in the Daily News I thought to myself, "Wow he is so much like my brother!". I guess thats because it takes a very special person to do what our loved ones did! I also think they might have been in the same probie class together because my brother was only on the job for nine months also. I would love to hear from any of you if you would like! May God Bless you and keep you always!
DiAnna Thimjon (Caldwell)
September 8, 2004
John-
Was thinking of you and wanting to let your family know that so often they are in my thoughts and prayers. I knew you very little but truly care so much for your sister, Jeannie and her family. I have twin sons, Ben and Aidan, who I hope can one day grow up and understand the sacrifice so many, like you, made on that day, for so many that you never knew. It would make me very proud to know that they would come to share your courage, selflessness and true conviction to the do the right thing, always, regardless of the consequences. I will not forget you. Thank you.
Patrick Tierney
December 15, 2003
To the entire Tierney family,
Perhaps you know that the Tierney family motto is "Faithful to my unhappy country." Although this motto originated in the Old Country, I think John has given it a new meaning. I am proud to share the name, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
michele pepio-rautenstrauch
December 8, 2003
I felt compelled to write, and just say something in regards to how knowing John touched my life some how. We attended the same grade school, and lived fairly close to each other while we were growing up. I remember John, and Christopher riding their bikes to my house in the summer, and sitting on John's handle bar's feeling the wind in my hair..hearing John laugh behind me. We drifted apart after we started high school, however, I felt the lose when I read his name in the paper as if we had never stopped speaking.
My heart, and condolences go out to his family, and friends, and fellow fire fighters. John was a great guy, an even better friend....and a hero I can tell my children about.
Rest in peace John...
It's amazing what memories can do...Because if I close my eyes, I can still hear your laughter, feel the wind on my face...and remember what my life was like when we were friends...thank you for that!
Eileen Tierney
September 26, 2003
Hello to the Tierney family. After the September 11 Attacks I felt very sorry for all the people who died on that day. Since I'm from the other western side of the United States and since I've never been to the east, I didn't feel as strong of a connection to what all had happend. I heard stories from friends who knew people who died, but once I heard about the firefighter John Patrick Tierney, I felt a very strong connection. Tears filled my eyes. The first time I heard about John P. Tierney was when my brother who's name is also John Patrick Tierney was searching through the list of people who were missing and had died during the September 11 Attacks. My brother was shocked at this find. Ever since I have heard about John, the firefighter, I have wanted to let his family no that my family and I have been praying for you. I felt so many connections since reading this article. I'm a catholic and attend a Catholic School. Another connection with my brother John was that he was born on July 24th, 1984. If I can remember reading correctly, Firefighter John Patrick Tierney was born around then.
Our prayers are with you now and always. May God Bless you all!
Cate Hesser
September 11, 2003
Thank you for sending me this link, Teresa. Bless your family for their contributions.
Robyn Schmidt
September 11, 2003
Bless you, Teresa and family.
Teresa Tierney
September 11, 2003
On the 2nd Anniversary of 9/11, we all mourn the loss of family and friends. I am honored and proud to share the bloodline of Johnny and Tierneys everywhere.
"Its one thing to be a hero once in your life. Its another to be a hero every single day. That's what you firemen are."
God bless each and every hero.
john patrick tierney
August 11, 2003
I put my surname in a search engine and found your page. I feel honoured to share your name.
Patti Cirilli
February 13, 2003
The 911 bracelet I ordered has your son's name on it. I feel very honored to wear it. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Debbie Rivera
January 2, 2003
To John's Family:
I am a friend of Tom's, and I pray for your family constantly - and for your loss. I am so sorry I never got to meet John. I know the Christmas and New Year holidays must be especially difficult and my prayers continue to be there for you all.
Anthony Stabile
October 2, 2002
Though it had been a while since I last spoke or saw John he will forever be in my thoughts. I remember all those times we were hanging out in senior year of high school or just hanging out with friends. John always knew how to make you laugh. I just went to St. Joseph by the Sea's 10 year high school reunion in his honor.
John and his family will forever be in my prayers.
helen tierney
September 21, 2002
Dear Johnny,
It's so hard to believe that a year has gone by since we last saw you. It seems like it was just the other day that you were with us and we miss you more than words can say. Life is difficult for us sometimes and we will never be the same without you. We have very sad moments because you were snatched away from us at a very young age.
However, no one can take away our love for you and all the memories we have of the happy times you brought to our lives. We remember how cool you wanted to be with your fancy sneakers, up-to-date shirts and the hair you couldn't wait to let grow after you graduated from Sea. Your gentle, quiet, easy going manner made you liked by all who met you.
We remember how you loved to play with little Thomas and James and how disappointed you were when you couldn't attend Maggie's Christening because you were new on the job and didn't want to ask for time off. When you graduated from St. John's we gathered here in your honor and then in the evening you hung out with your friends in the backyard. What a great time we all had. Remember how you "borrowed"money sometimes to take guitar lessons and when we asked you to play a tune you said you would when you take more lessons and get better at playing.
We remember how hard you worked to get on the Fire Department. When we went to your graduation last July we were so proud of you because you were happy at your new job. A fellow firefighter told us you were the best probie he ever met.
We know you're telling us to smile more,Johnny. It's not easy right now but I promise you, we will. Your memory is always with us now and forever.
'Til we meet again,
Love always
Mom, Dad, Tom, Mamie, and Jeanne
Nancy Tierney
September 12, 2002
Our uncle, Richard Tierney, saw your son in a stairwell on 9/11. Richie is a supervisor with the New York Port Authority. He was in Tower 1 that day, just going to his office after having breakfast at Windows On The World. His office was on the 77th floor. Immediately after the attack, Richie was leading his staff down the stairwell from the 77th floor. When he was halfway down, he made eye contact with a firefighter who was running up the stairs. A strange feeling came over Richie and he turned around. He saw the name "Tierney" on the back of that firefighter, your son. Richie said that took his breath away. He kept going down and your son continued up the stairs, urging everyone on. Richie made it out of Tower 1 about 3 minutes before it fell. Your son was very brave, thinking of and helping others. We keep John Patrick Tierney, and you, in our prayers.
Adrienne Tierney
September 11, 2002
I would like to say thank you and send my condolences to the family of John Patrick Tierney. Even though I don't know if we are related, I am very proud to share a common last name with one of America's heroes. You are in my prayers. God Bless America!
Patricia A. Tierney
September 11, 2002
May God be with you and all your family on this first anniversary in Fireman's Heaven.
Timothy Tierney
September 11, 2002
September 11, 2002; on the anniversary of this horrifying incident, I want to wish the family of John Patrick Tierney the condolences from the entire Tierney family of Southeastern Michigan. Although I do not know for sure we are related, John Partricks bravery and courage is an inspiration to my family and me. I also knew others who lost their lives in this tragedy who were business acquaintances and former employees. Their sacrifice will always be remembered in our hearts. I pray for them and the others who were needlessly taken from us.
Timothy W Tierney (Brownstown, Michigan)
Brittany Thomas
September 10, 2002
I just wanted to tell your family that I am praying for your son, brother, or uncle and I am wearing a picture of him with his name and occupation on my shirt on September 11, 2002 for him to be specially remembered. I have always believed that prayers really do work, and I am praying for y'all so things will get better everyday. Stay strong always. Thank you!
stanley zielinski
September 8, 2002
To the Tierney Family; for the past
several months ,I have been wearing
a BRACELIET FOR AMERICA,FOR
JOHN PATRICK ,JOHN IS WITH ME
24 HRS A DAY.HE IS MY HERO
GOD BLESS,ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS
Patty Tierney
September 5, 2002
To The Tierney Family
I am not sure if we are related but it is a aroner to have the same name as one of our nations hero. I am sorry that we had to find out this way. But my heart and prayers go out to all of you
Love always Patty Tierney, Daniels Lebanon Missouri
Kip and Karen Clayton
August 17, 2002
In the aftermath of September 11, Kip, a 15-year firefighter in one of our township's volunteer departments, and I wanted to do something. We understood the plea issued by FDNY for people to attend the memorial services and funerals for the fallen, so many there were not enough personnel to go around.
We chose an October service at random, that of John Patrick Tierney. Kip wore his dress uniform.
When we arrived at the church, Kip was invited to be part of the honor guard. I sat with a woman who'd raised her children in the same neighborhood with Mr. and Mrs. Tierney, and whose own son was in one of the Towers that fateful day, and survived.
We were touched by John Patrick's life as dignitaries and family described the boy and the man. We wept for our spiritual brother and those who loved him. Love him still.
We left a note for the Tierney family, expressing our sorrow. And to our surprise, Helen wrote us a lovely response. We were honored to have been there.
John Patrick's mass card is where I see it every day. My husband is now in Saudi Arabia, part of a civilian firefighting force at Eskan Village, protecting American military personnel and their families. His - our - decision to take this year long assignment - flowed from that day we joined a community of family, friends and strangers, united in mourning a young man who lost his life too soon, but doing the thing he loved passionately.
May we all live with such passion. The same integrity.
Thank you, John Patrick, for becoming part of our lives in a way none of us could have ever envisioned. Your legacy survives, just as surely as if you had borne sons and daughters.
God's peace, which passes all understanding, be with you and yours.
Carol Ann Timmel
July 22, 2002
To The Entire Tierney Family,
I just wanted to share my fond memories of John with you. My brothers and I grew up on Kelvin Avenue and attended St. Charles and St. Joseph by the Sea with John. John was in my brother's class (Chris) and I remember Mary too. One day some older kids were picking on John and Chris so I went to defend my brother. When they continued to pick on John, I put my arms around him and said that I was his big sister too. Then they came to my house and I made them sandwiches. He was so cute when he was little. I remember how he and his brothers and sisters all looked so much alike and had the same hair. Who knew that little John would grow up to become a hero... everyone. I'm glad I knew him and only wish we hadn't moved away. So, on behalf of the Kelvin Ave. Timmels (Carol Ann, John and Chris) from the St. Charles and Bay Terrace days, our prayers are with you. John will be missed. God Bless.
Phil Wade
July 7, 2002
You are truly an American Hero. May God keep you Happy Until the rest of your family and friends arrive in Heaven.
Angie Campbell
May 29, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Joe and Bernadette Connor
May 29, 2002
May God have mercy on the soul of John Tierney - a true hero - and a cousin we never had a chance to meet. Our sorrow and prayers are for John and also for Helen and Sean, his Mom and Dad who will have to live with this tragedy forever, but will always have the memories of a courageous and amazing young man.
Proud to be part of their family.
Love, Joe and Bernadette Connor
bill counihan
May 26, 2002
You are with the Angels now, Johnnie. We all loved you. Life is so short and you knew that and yet, you gave your all to help save those who didn't even know you. You did it out of duty, bravery and above all, love.
You are sorely missed. God grant strength to your loving parents, John and Helen,and brother Tom and your sisters, Mary Ellen and Jeannie.
Your loving Godfather,
"Uncle" Bill.
Jeanine Hart-Seaman
May 14, 2002
Your name John Patrick caught my eye. I am the sister of another John Patrick who died in the WTC that day. Your name will be along side my brothers in my prayers each and every day. Thank you for your brave spirit and for being there and rushing in for my little brother and for all the people you helped that day.
In Friendship,
Jeanine Hart-Seaman
John Patrick Hart's Sister Forever
May 14, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG HERO..JOHN PATRICK TIERNEY AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS ST.JOHN ..AND ST.PATRICK GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Michael Iezzi
May 8, 2002
Father we entrust our brother John to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Sister Mary Ann Cody, IHM
April 21, 2002
When I look back and reflect on my thirty-three years
ministering in education, there are many young men and
women whose faces come before me. Some I remember or
see more clearly than others, but all are there, woven
into the tapestry of my life. They have shown me both
strength and weakness, complacency with the status-quo
and a persistent questioning of what might yet be.
With some I have walked the journey of illness and
weakness of mind or body. With some I have had the
privilege to be present for their passage into the
newness of eternal life. But for the majority, it has
been the daily journey of growing "in wisdom, age and
grace" that has been their gift to my life.
On September 11, 2001, the taking for granted of the
quiet and resilient majority became for me a
gut-wrenching experience of pain, sorrow and joy. I
was privileged to have known five young men who were
so tragically taken from us on that day. Each in his
own way was, and continues to be, a part of my life.
Timothy Byrne and Thomas Mahon were graduates of St.
Dominic High School in Oyster Bay. Tom was married
and the father of a little girl. He was a quiet boy
who had grown into a husband and father, rooted in
faith and a simplicity of living he had learned from
his parents. Timmy had assumed a role of leadership
in his family of 10 brothers and sisters. His father
had died while he was in college and Timmy, who had
never married, quickly gravitated to being the one
called upon.
Michael D'Auria, Joseph Doyle and John Tierney were
graduates of St. Joseph-by-the-Sea High School on
Staten Island. Mike and John were firefighters. John
had just finished his shift and jumped on the truck as
it pulled out of the station. Michael was a rookie
who had not yet graduated from the Fire Academy. He
had taken up painting as a way of expressing his
spiritual side. Joseph had gone to college on a
baseball scholarship and had just begun his career at
Cantor Fitzgerald.
In these days, when the importance of WHO we are
speaks so much more clearly than WHAT we do or say, I
share with you five young men, vibrant with
possibilities, who are part of my life. They speak of
the fragility of life and the depth of the human
spirit. They remind me that the choices we make in
life, determine WHO we become. I celebrate their
lives, and I thank God for the threads of gold they
have woven in the tapestry of my life.
Sister Mary Ann Cody, IHM
April 21, 2002
Ken AuCoin
April 13, 2002
As a friend and roomate with a cousin of this man, I give my heart out to the family...K Aucoin
Dawn McPhie
April 6, 2002
To the friends and family on John Tierney, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I am a distant relative, who had only met your family a few times as I child. My mother recently informed me of our relation, and your loss. I am honored to be related to a true hero.
Patricia (Connor) McPhie
April 5, 2002
To the whole Tierney family: If I had Aunt Helen and Aunt Margie here, I'd fully understand my relationship to your family....I just know you're my cousins. I lost a friend in the WTC...and just found out that I lost a relative too. I didn't think it was possible, but that made this whole thing hurt even more! Will we ever get over this tradgedy? No!! Must we go on? Yess!! John Patrick and the others will always be heroes...and will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you. With love, Cousin Patricia
Ed Morales
March 20, 2002
Brother John, I too am a Fireman, a Los Angeles County Fireman. And although you are in a place far better than here, we wish you and all the victims of 9-11 we here in body. God Bless You and your family for your heroic nature. I wear your bracelet everyday at home and work to tell people about you. You will never be forgotten for your bravery.
Thank You for being you,
Ed Morales
Engine Company 18
Laurie Buscemi
March 15, 2002
Thank you. My name is Laurie and I am a firefighter/medic in training in Michigan. I wear a bracelet with your name and company on it everyday on my runs.
6 Month after 9-11-01..
John Hynes
March 11, 2002
John you will be miss by all .
and will always be in our hearts
and minds FOREVER .
thank you for being a great guy .
Ken Dale
February 19, 2002
Dear John,
We all miss you dearly. Ill never forget the many nights...We are all very proud of you Baby Kenny
joseph mcgrew
February 6, 2002
DEAR MR&MRS Tierney I wan't to say how sorry I am for the loss of your son. He sounded like he loved being A FIREFIGHTER. I'm a Captain with the Dearborn Fire Dept. OR I was until January 28 when I retired. MY son grew up with MAT & jeff and that is how I found out John was at the WTC that day. I send my thoughts & prayers to your famely Sencerly Ccpt. Joseph McGrew
Judy Mabry
January 31, 2002
September 11, 2001 was the date our world changed. America will never quite be the same again. I work in a high rise in Dallas and we were sent home at 10:00 from fear of another catastrophy happening. As I watched television all day the pictures coming across the screen were like from a movie - too much and so unbelieveable. To see the police and firemen rush into those buildings without even stopping to think about themselves was so beyond anything I had seen before and hopefully will never have to see again.
I went into the CNN Memorial site a couple of months back and found a site called Mercy Band. I ordered one and instructed them to pick a name at random from the fire department. I received my bracelet yesterday and I am proud to say that the name on it is John Patrick Tierney. I read the short bio of his life and was saddened to learn he was so young. I will wear my bracelet proudly and think of John and you when I look at it and will keep him and you in my prayers daily. It such a tragedy to lose someone so young but he died doing something he loved.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jennifer Anderson
January 12, 2002
Dear John
Well - what can I say but you will be missed by all. Growing up with you, Jean, and Mary and always having fun in your pool on hot summer days will always be a great memory for me and my brother.
You are with God now - and he will take care of you! We will miss you and will always remember your funny ways, and wonderful heart.
Pauline White
January 6, 2002
Dear John Patrick:
I did not know you, but you were related to some of my relatives on my father's side. You gave the ultimate sacrifice. You are truly a hero. My heart and prayers go out to your family, they are surely in pain with the loss of you. But rest assured, they know what a great young man you were.
It would have been an honour and a privilege to have met you.
Sleep well.
Judy C
January 5, 2002
Dear John Patrick,
You and your fellow firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, made the world know how many heroes lived and worked in New York City.
I never met you, but just the fact that you were a firefighter says it all! You must have been a wonderful, caring, compassionate and loving man.
My heart grieves for your loss and the terrible pain your loved ones have and will endure forever!
You will always remain in my thoughts and prayers and each night when I see the stars in the darkest sky, I will forever think of the brave men and women who gave up their lives to save someone else.
God Bless you John Patrick and the loves ones you left behind.
Rest In Peace with God and enjoy your Angel wings!
Teresa Jahn
December 10, 2001
We are extremely sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man as John. His heart wanted to help others so much that he chose a caring job. The world thanks him for all he did for others. The world will miss him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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