Edward J. Tierney

Edward J. Tierney, more affectionately known as EJ, a retired Battalion Chief for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and a resident of Pearl River, NY, died of his World Trade Center (WTC) related illness on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the age of 69.

EJ is survived by his wife Norine Tierney (nee Corker); his daughter Allyson; and his siblings Kevin and Elizabeth (Beth). He is predeceased by his parents Robert & Eleanor (nee Mulvey) Tierney; and his brother Robert Tierney.

EJ was born in New York City on September 07, 1952 to Robert and Eleanor Tierney. He graduated from CUNY Lehman College in the Bronx with a degree in Physical Education and joined the FDNY on July 11, 1981. He married Norine, a nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center on September 06, 1986; and On May 16, 1997, they welcomed their beautiful daughter Allyson, who was one of the most important people in his life.

EJ was a great guy who was beloved and well respected in the FDNY. He began his career in Engine 45, rising through the ranks from Firefighter (FF) to Battalion Chief (BC) in his 36 years of service to the city of New York. Those who worked with him speak highly of his character as a leader in the department. EJ went on to receive 4 individual medals and 5-unit citations in his career for acts of bravery. Even as a Battalion Chief, if there was a fire, he was side by side with his men; never at a command post.

Always placing others before himself, EJ took part in many special deployments in the FDNY including responding to the disaster relief of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. On September 11, 2001, EJ, like so many of his fellow FDNY brothers, responded to the attacks on the WTC; participating in the rescue and recovery efforts of that tragic day. The time spent searching for the fallen members of the department, as well as the countless civilians, would later lead to toxic exposures that would cause his illness. He was a warrior in his battle and EJ would later have to retire on September 07, 2017 so that he could focus on his health.

EJ was a proud father, devoted husband and an avid skier. He loved the NY Rangers, the FDNY and running marathons. He holds a black belt in karate and enjoyed the simple things in life; including boogie boarding, Mike and Ikes, chocolate, and his absolute favorite Häagen-Dazs Vanilla Ice Cream. EJ was a great man taken way too soon. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him. A life well lived and so much to be proud of.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11:30am at St Paul's Catholic Church: 82 Lake Rd, Congers, NY 10920. Father Fred Pellegrini will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of BC Tierney be made to: FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation either Online: http://www.firefamilytransport.org/donate.html ; or By Mail: FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation, Ltd.; P.O. BOX 340949; Brooklyn, NY 11234

May his memory be a blessing and May his soul rest in eternal peace.