Joseph Tierney Obituary

Joseph John Tierney CHARLESTON - Joseph J. Tierney, of Charleston, SC, passed away peacefully at Low Country Community Hospice House in Summerville, SC on December 1, 2023, surrounded by his family. A private family service will take place at Nativity Catholic Church at a later date. Joseph was born on August 29, 1937 in Montclair, New Jersey. He was the son of the late Mildred and Francis Tierney, and was preceded in death by his sisters, Jeanne Tierney and Jane Tierney Heddy (Richard Heddy), and his brother, Arthur Tierney (Carolyn Tierney). Surviving are his beloved wife of 64 years, Suzanne S. Tierney, brother, Jack Tierney (Connie Tierney), son, Paul F. Tierney (S. Margaret Belk), son, Michael E. Tierney, son, Peter J. Tierney (Jeanne C. Tierney), daughter, Sheila Tierney Burleson (Aaron F. Burleson), daughter, Anne Tierney Tidwell (Ken D. Tidwell), daughter, Katherine S. Tierney (Kara A. Powis), son, Kevin P. Tierney (Amy C. Tierney), son, Joseph J. Tierney, Jr. (Lauren C. Tierney), and 19 grandchildren. In every facet of his life, Joseph was brave and determined. He graduated from Seton Hall University in the spring of 1959, married Suzanne in the summer, and went to work for his father-in-law. Joseph and Suzanne's first child came in the summer of 1960. A short time later, with their second son on the way, the family moved to Richmond, Virginia, thus beginning an epic journey of new cities, professional achievements, and children. By the time their youngest child (number 8) arrived, they had moved to 8 different cities in the eastern US. The couple eventually settled in Charleston, where they were longtime members of Nativity Catholic Church. They also spent cherished time at second homes in Naples, Florida, and Boone, North Carolina. Joseph was a man with many gifts. In his career in marketing image solutions and software products, he emerged as an early leader, going on to manage many successful teams. He trained and mentored dozens of professionals as a demanding yet undeniably approachable boss. Joseph was also exceedingly intelligent. A history major and lifelong learner, he devoured books of all kinds, but his extensive library was packed with history titles and biographies (military history was his specialty). Joseph had an excellent memory to the end. He never forgot a past conversation (even in a family of his size) and always followed up on the smallest details. He was modest about his brain power, but it was clear to everyone who knew him: the man was smart. Most importantly, Joseph was a devoted husband and father. He loved Suzanne with his whole heart, and the couple's long, beautiful marriage was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith they shared. If you asked Joseph about his greatest accomplishment, he would name his family every time. He was immensely proud of his children and the fine people they became, not to mention his legion of grandchildren. He went to great lengths to give each of them his time, attention, and care, and his love for them was one of the defining joys of his life. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.