Michael P. Tierney

Michael Patrick Tierney of Niantic, formerly of Manchester and Bolton, died peacefully at his home on January 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family with views of the moonlit Pattagansett River. Michael was born on May 20, 1954, in Manchester, CT to Robert John Tierney and Jean (Hagenow) Tierney. After he and his siblings lost their dad Robert at a young age, Michael became an exemplary father figure to his three younger sisters Maureen, Marcia, and Marjorie. He attended Saint James and East Catholic where he made lifelong friends, and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in biology. He then pursued a career in engineering and hardware, including major contributions to the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) for over thirty years; first as a member and then as the leader of product standards development until his retirement in May 2024. His combination of technical knowledge and personal relationship building was renowned, and his efforts directly enhanced life safety and security for all Americans. He will be sincerely missed by his many friends at BHMA and Kellen. Michael and his wife Karen lived in Bolton, CT for 34 years where they raised their two boys, Brendan and Daniel. He was integral to building the Bolton Land Trust and conceived the Bogsucker Slog, a communal celebration of Spring featuring the unique mating rituals of the American Woodcock. An avid birder and lover of nature, he enjoyed nothing more than quiet walks in the woods, porgy fishing on Long Island Sound, and appreciating the precious beauty of the world around us. He was embodied by his eccentric vehicle collection, and after moving to Niantic he traded his baby blue MG Midget for a sprightly 13' Gheenoe, an electric scooter and his trusty Kubota. Michael was a passionate gardener and appreciated the miracle of his annual tradition of raising heirloom tomatoes from seed. He never stopped building and had a true knack for envisioning and improving his living spaces. He'll be forever known for his delightfully contrarian spirit, captured perfectly by memories of him walking through town in all seasons with bare feet. Above all, Michael cherished his relationships with his family and friends and will be especially missed as the beloved Opa to his five dear grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Karen (Latini) Tierney of Niantic; his son Brendan and wife Cassandra (Godman) of Niantic and their children Julia, Margaret, and Patrick; his son Daniel and wife Jennifer (Bavier) of Vernon and their children Amalia and Auden; his sister Marcia Looney and husband Kevin of Bolton; his niece Laura (Looney) Persson and husband Erik of New York and their twins Mia and Declan; his nephew Robert "Alex" Looney; and niece Emily Tolx of Idaho and her son Ollie. He will be joining his parents and departed sisters Marjorie and Maureen. A celebration of his life will be held at John F. Tierney Funeral Home at 219 West Center Street in Manchester, CT on Thursday, January 23 with calling hours from 9-11am and a service to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the CT Ornithological Society or the Bolton Land Trust. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael, please visit our floral store.