TIMOTHY MICHAEL TIERNEY

TIERNEY, Timothy Michael Age 67, of Worcester, MA, died peacefully at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, in Burlington, MA, on September 10, following a 10-month illness. The cause of death was infiltrate pneumonia and heart failure. Timothy grew up in Acton, MA, where he graduated from Acton Boxboro High School. He attended Boston College and went on to work for the State of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for 38 years. He retired as Coordinator of Admissions at Tewksbury State Hospital in 2019. Tim had many challenges in his life but managed to fight through adversity, driven by his strong faith, determination, a stubborn streak and his Irish humor. He suffered a traumatic crush injury in 1974, at 15 years old, in an accident while operating a ski tow at Nashoba Valley Ski Area, in Westford, MA. He underwent grueling surgeries and skin grafts and had to be in a body cast for nearly a year following the accident. Tim had lifelong challenges because of the mangled left leg and fused hip he suffered. He endured treatments, surgeries and tremendous pain through the years but fought his way back, against all odds and managed to carve out a life and career helping others and overcoming obstacles at every turn. After losing his father in 1975 to lung cancer and his mother in 1976 to pancreatic cancer, Tim regrouped and found a calling that allowed him to devote himself to the care of troubled youth and adults within the State of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health System. He worked at several different institutions, in a variety different positions, throughout his career. He won numerous awards and recognitions throughout his tenure, all noting his compassion and meticulous work ethic. Colleagues said not only was he a terrific service provider but no matter what the circumstances, he was able to guide patients and staff, with expertise and optimism, that helped build their confidence. Tim was diagnosed with Stage 4 Throat Cancer in 2014 and again, his determination and strength, along with the incredible medical care he received at Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston, particularly from Dr. Robert Haddad, pulled him through. Away from work, as a lifelong Boston sports fan, he found great pleasure attending baseball, hockey, football and Celtics games with friends and had a great love for several special dogs and pets in his life. Tim was also an accomplished musician with a great voice and spent hours singing at his piano, while building an incredible vinyl record collection that he cherished. Tim was predeceased by his parents, John William Tierney, former Chair and CEO of Newsome and Company Public Relations in Boston and Mary Sullivan Tierney, who wrote the Acton Center column for the Assabet Valley Beacon for many years. He is survived by his sisters, Deborah of Brimfield MA, Lynn of Owls Head, ME and brother, John of Manchester New Hampshire; as well his nephew, Gerhard Marcinkowski of Natick; and two grandnieces, Elizabeth and Margaret Marcinkowski. There will be a Wake at Acton Funeral Home, on October 27, from 4 to 6 pm and a Funeral Mass on October 28, at 10am, at St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, in Acton, followed by interment in the family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery, in Acton. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation should direct it to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, c/o danafarber.jimmyfund.org

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