Michael Paul Tierney

Michael Paul Tierney obituary, West Hartford, CT

Michael Paul Tierney

Upcoming Events

Sep

22

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Church of St. Peter Claver

47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford, CT 06107

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Michael Tierney Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home on Sep. 17, 2025.

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Michael Paul Tierney, 72, of West Hartford, formerly of East Haddam, passed away peacefully with his wife and son by his side. He was born in Hartford and was the eldest son of the late Jacqueline (Stratton) Tierney and Raymond J. Tierney Jr. Michael is survived by his beloved wife Colleen Kissane; his son Dean (Elaine) Tierney; and his adored granddaughter Skylar. He also leaves behind his brothers, Daniel (Jacqueline) Tierney, Andrew (Ellen) Tierney, and Philip (Sue) Tierney; his sister Patricia Tierney; his sister-in-law Eileen Kissane and her sons Matthew and Godson Michael; his uncle Paul (Mary) Tierney; his aunt Lillian Stratton; his former wife Cathy Hoggatt; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his brother Jeffrey; his aunt and uncle Roberta and Andrew Weigert; his uncle Richard Stratton; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Theresa Kissane.

Growing up in the town of East Haddam, he was affectionally called "Big Mike" by his brothers. He loved to fish and duck hunt along the Connecticut River, deer hunt with his brothers in town, and travel to Maine to hunt. Mike was passionate about everything he did. He loved to play baseball and was a devoted volunteer firefighter for the Town of East Haddam. You never wanted to be on the road when the fire bell went off, because it was Mike's mission to beat his two brothers to the firehouse, each one in their own pick-ups. Mike was a graduate of Nathan Hale-Ray High School, Class of 1971, where he was a standout athlete.

Michael was a 35-year career employee of the State Department of Transportation. He worked in a variety of offices within the Department, always bringing his distinct style to each. You always knew where you stood with Mike because he was very clear on expressing his views, and he did not have a "church voice". He started his field career by plowing snow out the Haddam garage, operated the swing bridge in East Haddam, and ran a Testing Boring crew out of Higganum. He then transferred into the office where he worked in the offices Bridge Safety and Project Estimating. As a true Irishman, he was the life of the party and had the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they looked forward to the trip. After retirement, he cherished his time with his granddaughter. Michael was a proud lifetime member of the Irish American Home Society.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Please meet directly at the church. There are no calling hours, and burial will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the fall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mother Cabrini Shrine, 701 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10040 or online at www.cabrinishrinenyc.org. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.

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September 18, 2025

Bruce M.Dutch posted to the memorial.

September 18, 2025

Bruce and Frances Dutch posted to the memorial.

September 18, 2025

Cheryl King posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

Bruce M.Dutch

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Trees

Bruce and Frances Dutch

September 18, 2025

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family during this sad time. May you be comforted by all the wonderful memories you shared. God bless and keep you until you meet again.

Cheryl King

September 18, 2025

I am so sorry to hear about "Big Mike"- he always made us laugh, he will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences. Rest in Peace..

Deb Traskos Angersola

September 18, 2025

Mike was a pillar to the town of East Haddam. He will always be remembered for the smile on his face, and the joy hecould bring to a crowd.

Mary Ellen Klinck

September 18, 2025

My sincere and loving condolences to all the family. The Tierney families are close to my heart. They were neighbors in EastHaddam. We spent many years visiting each other daily. Our children went to school together. My heart goes out to Michael“s family.

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Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home

1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110

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Upcoming Events

Sep

22

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Church of St. Peter Claver

47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford, CT 06107

Send Flowers

Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.