Richard Austin Tierney

Richard "Dick" Austin Tierney, passed away on February 26, 2024, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 22, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of William Austin and Anna Evelyn (McKenna) Tierney. Dick's journey was one marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, and an unwavering faith.
Dick's life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and commitment. He was the beloved husband of Sally Marie (Sousa) Tierney, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, a partnership that was a cornerstone of strength and joy for their entire family. Together, they raised a close-knit family of 47 and counting, who Dick instilled to be strong, independent, and to always do what was right.
A proud graduate of St. Mary's of Redford High School class of 1951, Dick went on to serve his nation in the US Army from September 1954 to September 1956, where he was honorably discharged as a Private First Class. His military service included time as a private cook assigned to officers in France and Germany, and he continued to honor his fellow servicemen as a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
Following his military service, Dick became a respected business owner, establishing Commercial Coverall, Wolverine Coverall and Linen Supply, Austin Industrial, Austin Coin Laundry, and Austin Vending Company. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his work were matched only by his commitment to his faith as a long-standing member of St. John Catholic Church in Howell.
Dick's interests were as rich and varied as his life. He treasured the times spent hunting and fishing with his sons, friends, and family. His love for family traditions like Fourth of July fireworks, St. Patrick's Day parades, and annual Tierney family Christmas parties was infectious. He was the heart of the family, always prioritizing his loved ones, celebrating their achievements with report card dinners, and offering support during challenging times. He loved to travel and see all parts of the world with his trusty companion Sally, and their travel friends. Dick loved telling stories of his life adventures and loved cracking a good joke.
An avid card player, Dick's passion for games like liar's poker or blackjack was well known, as was his enthusiasm for collecting coins and duck stamps. His Irish and Catholic heritage was a source of immense pride, and it shone brightly through his actions and the way he lived his life. As Dick would say, "Never forget that you are a Tierney; never forget that you are an Irish Catholic; and always protect your integrity."
Described by those who knew him as loving, handy, and faith-filled, Dick's presence was a beacon of positivity. He saw the best in his family members, cared deeply about what was happening in their lives, and his heart could truly be seen through his smile. Dick gave his family the strength to be able to tackle anything. He would not fix something for them, but rather, fix it with him.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Sally Tierney; his children, Anne (Jim) Goudie, Dennis (Suzanne Gareiss) Tierney, Lynn (Maurice) Holly, Patrick Tierney, and Janet DeVine. His legacy also lives on through his cherished grandchildren, James (Dayna) Goudie, Elizabeth (Robert) Gregory, Andrea Goudie, Shawn (Lauren) Steckroth, Ryan (Joanna) Strom, Kevin (Gabbi) Strom, Amber (Travis) Maney, Abbey Tierney, Dylan Tierney, Jessie (Brad) Terberg, Danielle DeVine, Drew DeVine, Trevor Tierney, Lauren Tierney, Max (Katie) Holly, and Rachel Holly, as well as his adored great-grandchildren, Sloan, Zachary, Lincoln, Tessa, Sutton, Parker, and Addison; his sisters, Elaine Turner and Dorothy Mann; and so many loving family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Wanda Eldridge, Charles Tierney, Virginia Schumacher, Mary Tierney, and Ronald Tierney, and his daughter-in-law, Kelli (Beauchamp) Tierney.
A visitation for Dick will be held Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 3PM to 7PM at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel, 315 N. Michigan Ave, Howell. A rosary will be prayed at 6:30PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 1PM Friday, March 1, 2024 at St. John Catholic Church, 2099 N. Hacker Road, Howell, with visitation an hour prior. Interment will immediately follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions in Dick's honor may be made to Special Olympics Michigan Area 8, 2901 Wabash Road, Lansing, MI 48910.
http://give.classy.org/richardtierneymemorial