Roland John Tierney

Just after first light on the morning of Thursday, May 9, 2024, while in the loving arms of his wife, Roland John Tierney departed this life and walked into the glorious arms of Jesus in Paradise.

Beloved husband to his bride of 33 cherished years, Gayle Maronge Tierney, who will be forever grateful for their everlasting love.

Daddy to his precious daughters JudyJo Ann Tierney Troxler, and Julie Marie Tierney Klein who will always carry their father's adoring love in their hearts.

Finest stepfather to Gayle's daughters, Beth Anne Daigle and Staci Marie Daigle whose lives have been made wealthier because Roland embraced and loved them as though they were his own.

Loving Paw Paw to Jana Kate Klein Bordelon, Austin Joseph Troxler (Haley), and Bryce Lane Klein who are now entrusted with the responsibility of carrying on his rich legacy of love, faith, and integrity.

Step grandfather to Gayle's infant granddaughter, the late Audrey Leigh Davis with whom he is now reunited.



Proud great grandfather to Jude Joseph, and Spencer Rene Bordelon; and

step great grandfather to Aiden Cole Bordelon.

Godfather to Melanie Leonard Coulter, Paul Wilson, and Heather Pelitere Arnold.

Son of the late Grace Webber Tierney and the late John Joseph Tierney, Jr.

Brother to the late Anna Mae Tierney Juno Leonard, the late Catherine Tierney Wilson, and the late John Joseph Tierney III.

Brother-in-law to Darnell Hargis Tierney, Lloyd Joseph Maronge (Bridget), Mary Maronge Lee (Gary), Neil J. Maronge (Melinda), Gaynell Maronge Molaison (Craig Allen), Judy Stamps Pelitere (Frank), the late James J. Wilson Sr., the late Harold J. Juno Sr., and the late Peter J. Leonard.

Uncle to Patricia Leonard (the late Joseph Manale), Melanie Coulter (the late Scott), Nancy W. Espana (the late Miguel), James Wilson, Jr. (Pauline), Paul Wilson (Lisa), Bonnie W. Duval (the late Jerry), Jessica T. Cheffer (Scott), Michael Pelitere (Margaret), Heather Pelitere Arnold (the late Darren), Jason Maronge (Nikki), Justin Maronge (Stephanie), Christopher Lee, Nicholas Lee, Jeremy Lee, Matthew Maronge, Sean Molaison, Daniel Molaison, Tiffany Millstid-Dixon (Jamie), Dustin Millstid (Jennifer), the late Harold J. Juno, Jr. (Kim), and the late Jerimy Millstid (Kristina).

Best friend and "Brother" to J. Collins Tackaberry, Jr.

Lifelong friend to the late Frederick Hebert, Jr., the late (cousin) James Tierney, Jr., Rodney Bower, (cousin) August Tierney, Jr., and (cousin) Alfred "Bootsie" Chestnut, Jr.

Dear friend to and co-parent with Clyde R. Daigle.

Leader of their pack(s) & Puppy Paw Paw to Buttons, Mildred, Isaac, Wrigley, Wookie Davis, Josephina (Joey), Rosie, Frank, Ziggy, and The Little Guy.

A cousin, great uncle, friend, and co-worker, to so many who will miss him greatly.

On August 6, 1944, Roland John Tierney was welcomed into this world as the third child born to Grace and John Tierney, Jr. He and his siblings, Anna Mae, Catherine, and Johnny were raised on Whitney Avenue in Algiers on the Westbank of New Orleans. When he was a young boy, he grew up amongst a plethora of cousins and neighborhood friends whom he treasured all of his life.

God obviously deposited within Roland the gift of natural athletic ability, and Coach "Jim" Tackaberry recognized Roland's talent when he was just little fellow. Coach "Tack's" son, Collins, and Roland were teammates & best friends and always together; and, so it was only natural that Mr. Tack, Mrs. Patsy, and their sons became a very special "Lagniappe Family" to him.

During the school year Roland attended Adolph Meyer School; whereas; his summers were spent with Anna Mae and Pete, his sister and brother-in-law, at The Crow's Nest on Bay Adams in Empire, Louisiana. It was a playground on water where he fished, swam, boated, skied, and, played. He loved "The Camp," and it was his second home. He loved Anna Mae because she, being 14 years Roland's senior, was his second mother.

Roland attended Martin Behrman High School in Algiers, and he took great pride in being a Behrman Bee. He continued to establish friendships which would weather the test of time – 60 years worth of time. In high school, Coach Emmett Michel and Coach John Brown saw those same qualities in Roland as did Coach Tackaberry years before. He proved himself to be an outstanding athlete in baseball, basketball, and football. Roland was a graduate of Martin Behrman High School Class of 1962.

After graduation, Roland married his former wife, the late Karen Stamps Tierney, and they brought two beautiful daughters into this world. JudyJo and Julie provided him with absolute fatherly joy. He was the epitome of, what is now considered to be, a "Girl Dad." You could find him sitting proudly at dance recitals, coaching ball teams, and taking his girls shopping at the mall. He was "hands-on," and he loved every minute of.

Early on, Roland was employed by D.H. Holmes and The New Orleans Saints.

To make ends meet, he often held a second or third job such as cutting grass at Pontchartrain Beach, driving a cab, and refereeing at Behrman Gym and other playgrounds on the Westbank. In subsequent years, he was hired by Amoco to work in their mail room; and, before long, he achieved the position of Lease Analyst. Many years later, he then became a contracted consultant for several oil companies before he retired. He was highly respected, and a valuable employee.

Roland was a member of The Fighting 69er's Social Club, played in various men's baseball leagues, and was a frequent flyer at Bronco's Country Saloon with his niece, Tricia, where he mastered the two step and various line dances.

In 1987, Roland met and began dating the love of his life, Gayle Maronge. In 1989, he was transferred to Amoco Houston. As they affectionately referred to each other, Bucko and Tootsie Roll, defeated the odds, and survived the long distance relationship. After 4 years of dating and 335 miles separating them, Roland proposed marriage. In June of 1991, they were married. Roland was a happy man, and from that day forward, he beamed blissfully having his beautiful wife on his arm. Eight days later, Mrs. Tierney followed her new husband to Houston, Texas.

Life in Houston was grand! Roland and Gayle were blessed with an amazing group of friends who were also transplants to Houston from New Orleans which made for an easy social transition to a new city. Roland and Gayle didn't waste an opportunity to take pleasure in their new life and each other. Together they enjoyed concerts, dancing, taking cruises, day-trips to the country, visiting with friends and family, and cooking together. Not only did they love each other; they genuinely liked each other. Roland was a marvelous husband to Gayle! Gayle was an amazing wife to Roland! They were blessed!

Roland was a brave man because it never fazed him to take his wife, daughters, and all of their teenage friends on vacations. It never crossed his mind that going on several (50+ person) extended family vacations was a crazy idea. Roland loved life, and he appreciated the opportunity to celebrate each and every chapter of it; so much so, that when guests would visit, he played EVERY home movie on the VHS machine. He also enjoyed his nightly snacks from his own concession stand located in the kitchen pantry.

Roland was a true "Algerine" who possessed a special love for the community in which he was brought up. He knew and loved the people, the places, the traditions, and the food. … and, everyone knew and loved him, too! In the opinion of our family, there should have been a TV sitcom called "Everybody Loves Roland" because everybody really did love Ro, and it is safe to say that they always will. Roland could work a room better than a politician. The man never met a stranger because after meeting a person for the first time, he walked away having made a new friend.

Roland possessed a heart with exquisite depth filled with faith, generosity, compassion, and love. Shortly after Gayle's sister moved to Houston with her young son, she was diagnosed with cancer. Roland was adamant about him and Gayle caring for Gaynell through and beyond her illness and helping her to raise her son, Daniel. Roland was not a perfect man, but he was a good man. He loved God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He loved his family, and his fellow man. Roland had a genuine interest in people and their life circumstances. He prayed for them, remembered them, and valued time spent with them. He was a gentleman and a gentle man - humble, honest, and loyal.

Roland enjoyed his visits home to New Orleans. He looked forward to quality time with his daughters, grand babies, extended family and friends. After living in Houston for 31 years, the decision was made to move back home to New Orleans permanently.

Although it was for a short time, Roland did come back to the place he called home – his earthly home. He now basks in the glory of his heavenly home. May the Perpetual Light shine upon him; and may he dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those who have been so beautifully instrumental in the excellent care given to Roland throughout his illness. Dr. Jimmie Holmes; Dieu McCuen, R.N. and Faye Arocha of Mercy Home Health, and Michele Gunnells, R.N. and Wendy Neave, R.N. of Heart of Hospice. We would also like to thank Patrick Ancore of Plaquemines Council on Aging; Mr. John Hart, Mrs. Young, MA3 Tristan Parcus,Watch Commands, Base Security, and Navy Fire Department & EMT first responders at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Belle Chasse for all of the assistance you have afforded our family.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Christ the King Catholic Church, 535 Deerfield Road in Terrytown, Louisiana on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:00am to 12:00pm. A Memorial Mass will follow, with Fr. Kyle Dave as celebrant and Deacon Tyrell "Terry" Manieri assisting. Interment will be private and at a later date.

Heritage Funeral Directors are assisting the Tierney Family during this difficult season

We ask that you honor Roland by recognizing and acting upon every opportunity to grace others with your heart and your time. In lieu of flowers, masses are preferred.