Fr. Gary Tierney

Fr. Gary M. Tierney, a devoted Catholic priest and follower of Christ as well as a beloved uncle, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 30, 2025. He was 84 years old.
Born March 13, 1941, in Detroit, to Lewis Roy and Mary Veronica Tierney, he joined his three siblings Roy, Marilyn, and Pete. Out of the family's 103 first cousins Fr. Tierney proudly wore his status as the 101st. He attended Sacred Heart and St. John's Provincial Seminary. His education continued at the University of Detroit, St. Paul Pontifical University, and the University of Ottawa.
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit, Fr. Tierney served the Church in various ways and at many establishments. His pastoral assignments included St. Regis, St. Clement, Guardian Angels, and St. Alan (now Christ, Our Light!). A canon lawyer, he also served the Archdiocesan Tribunal and Office for Clergy, and as a young priest, he was Secretary to Cardinal Dearden. He also served as the first Director of the Permanent Diaconate and was longtime Chaplain to the Felician Sisters, who loved him dearly.
Fr. Tierney was a dedicated and beloved priest, and he will be missed deeply by all those impacted by his lengthy ministry. May he rest in peace.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, his brothers Roy and Pete, and his sister Marilyn. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road, Clawson, Monday, December 8, 2025, 4-8pm. Vigil 7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11am at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 3077 Glouchester Dr, Troy, MI 48084. Friends may visit beginning at 10:30am.
Burial will take place in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.