John C. Tierney

John C. “Jack” Tierney, 87 of Westfield, Massachusetts passed away on Tuesday, July 9th at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke surrounded by his family. Jack was born and raised in Cherry Valley (Leicester, MA) on March 16, 1932, the fifth of six children of Mildred Shaughnessy and Joseph Tierney.  He graduated from St. John’s High School of Worcester in 1950 and served as a tank driver during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954.  Corporal John Tierney returned home after being honorably discharged and attended the Stockbridge School at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.  He was captain of the football team his senior year and graduated with a degree in Ornamental Horticulture in 1956.  In 1959, after a successful courtship, Jack married June Florini of North Adams at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (now St. Elizabeth of Hungary). They moved to Westfield in 1963 and resided on King Street before moving up to Prospect Hill.  After retiring as a Claims Adjuster for Utica he established his own private investigation firm, in which he was active through most of his retirement years.  John Tierney was a charter member of the Sons of Erin in Westfield, and served as a Westfield City Councilor from 1981-1984. Jack was a member of the Italian Fraternal Club and a proud member of American Legion Post 124 in Westfield.   An avid outdoorsman, Jack frequently spent his weekends at his Vermont cabin in the company of his wife, sons, neighbors, relatives, and friends. Jack was predeceased by his brothers William and Paul, and by his sisters Kathleen, Mildred, and Claire.  He is survived by June his wife of 60 years and their four children:  Joseph, John, James, and Joan, as well as six grandchildren:  Julia, John, Joseph, Bryn, Jameson, and Rylie.  He leaves behind a beloved abundance of nieces, nephews, extended family members, neighbors, and friends who will miss his quick wit and boundless good humor.  Jack’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the level of care offered to him in his final days by the dedicated staff at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke.  Calling hours for Jack Tierney will be on the evening of Thursday July 11, from 4pm to 7pm at the Firtion Adams Funeral Home located at 76 Broad Street in Westfield.  His funeral will be held on Friday at 10 AM in the funeral home and his Mass will take place on at 11am at Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road in Westfield, with burial private at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street in Agawam. Donations in Jack’s name may be directed to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry St. Holyoke, MA 01040 or to the Special Olympics, 512 Forest St. Marlborough, MA 01752. www.firtionadams.com

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