Joseph Tierney

BREWSTER - Joseph Tierney, 83, husband of Elaine (Lavin) Tierney, died on October 4th, 2013 as a result of injuries sustained after being hit by a car in May. He was born on November 14th, 1929 in New York City to the late Joseph and Florence (Veit) Tierney. He was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Until the time of the accident, Joe was physically and mentally fit and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Joe grew up in Cambria Heights, NY and graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in 1948. He earned a degree in Physical Education from New York University in 1952 and received a Certificate in Administration and Supervision from Hofstra University. He spent his career on Long Island, starting as a physical education teacher and baseball coach at Floral Park High School in from 1956 to 1966, where he led the varsity baseball team to several titles. In 1966, he began working as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Three Village School District until his retirement in 1986.

On July 2, 1955 he married the love of his life, Elaine Lavin. They began their married life in Queens, and in 1958 moved to Long Island, living in Deer Park from 1958 to 1967, then Setauket until 1986. They retired to Brewster, MA in 1986, building a beautiful home with plenty of room for their children and grandchildren, and the family's annual Thanksgiving celebration.

Joe was known for his devotion to his family and his unconditional love for his many canine friends.

His knowledge of and enthusiasm for the game of baseball inspired him to build a pitch simulator machine, earning him a patent on the first try in 1993. He was a loyal fan of the New York Mets, being their armchair manager year after year. He often said that everything he had in life he owed to baseball.

Joe spent his retirement years traveling the U.S. and the world with Elaine, including a bike trip across Holland and a luxury cruise on a clipper ship on the Mediterranean. When at home, he loved nothing more than to work on his house, watch baseball and old movies on TV, and to spend time with his family and his dogs.

He also loved talking politics and was proud to be a liberal, always concerned with the plight of those less fortunate.

In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by his three daughters and their families: Loraine McNaboe and her husband, Mike, of Farmington, CT; Jill Heneghan and her husband, Doug, of Oneonta, N.Y.; and Barbara Tierney of Orleans, MA. ; five grandchildren, Peter McNaboe in Hoboken, N.J., Dan Heneghan and his fiance, Melissa Chrin, in Pittsburgh, PA; Keith McNaboe in Cambridge, MA; Michael Heneghan in Ajo, AZ; and Jennifer McNaboe in Pittsburgh, PA.

He is also survived by two nephews, Kenneth Purcell and Thomas Purcell, and a niece, Marianne Schwers, and their families. He was predeceased by his sister, Florence Purcell, and her husband, Donald.

A special thanks goes to family friend Sandy Sanddal for her help, support and blessings of love over the last four months. Also, many thanks to the staff at the Senior Behavioral Unit at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, and to the staff at Epoch Senior Living of Harwich and Beacon Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Boston, or to the charity of one's choice

A memorial visitation will be held from 2p-4p on Sunday, October 13 at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans. A memorial service will be held at 10am on Monday, October 14th, also at Nickerson Funeral Home, Orleans. A burial of ashes will follow in the Orleans Cemetery.

For online guest book and directions please visit nickersonfunerals.com