Thomas Louis Tiernan, 1st LT, USAF, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the age of 85.
A proud veteran, amazing athlete, successful businessman in radio advertising, loving father, devoted grandfather and proud great-grandfather, Tom was a man that left behind a legacy of hard work, humor, and dedication to his family and his faith.
He was born in Macomb, Illinois on September 12, 1930 to the late Louis and Kathryn Tiernan. Tom graduated from Morgan Park Military Academy in Chicago, Illinois where he was an All-State athlete in football, basketball, and track. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree and played on the basketball team from 1949-1951. He later joined the United States Air Force and served proudly during the Korean conflict as a 1st Lieutenant, stationed in Germany. While serving in the Air Force, his athleticism and basketball talent served him well as he traveled with the Air Force on the United States Air Force basketball team.
After his time in the military, he took a job in Red Oak, Iowa where he worked for Union Carbide in labor relations. While in Iowa, he started announcing basketball games on the radio. A career in radio was born. Tom then left for West Virginia and later Cleveland, Ohio working with Westinghouse Broadcasting. He also spent time in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he worked with Major Market Radio. It was in 1969 that he transferred to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and worked in Detroit. He later went to work in New York as well as Chicago while working with Mutual Broadcasting. Tom gained extensive knowledge in his profession, and in 1983, started selling print and radio advertising for the NCAA basketball tournament as an independent representative of Host Communications.
When he wasn't working, Tom was a family man. He was always at sporting and school events of children and grandchildren. He was a man of strong Catholic faith and was a longtime member of St. Regis Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. He served proudly as an usher for many years. Tom was also a regular attendee of the Manresa Jesuit Retreat every year. His devotion to others also came out in his volunteering of his time at local jails for drug and alcohol abuse with those that were incarcerated.
Tom loved spending time and travelling the world with his companion Jeanne McCall. He was also an avid fisherman, equally excited to cast his fortunes in the teeming rivers of Alaska or the quiet waters off the pier in Kincardine, Ontario. One of his favorite vacation spots was Bruce Beach, Ontario, where he became legendary for his unique "hands-off" approach to playing right field at Sunday pickup softball games. Tom was also a season ticket holder for Michigan basketball games, from 1969 to the last game he attended in February, 2016, where he was honored, along with other former Wolverine players.
Tom leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and commitment to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.
Loving father of Dave (Donna) and Peter (Michelle). Devoted grandfather of John (Kirstie), Robert (Jessica), Jessica, Meghan, and Sarah. Proud great-grandfather of Miles, Dylan, and Norah. Dear brother of Robert (Marilyn) and the late Jim. He is also survived by his loving companion, Jeanne McCall.
Family will receive friends Friday, April 1, 2016 from 4-8pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel) 32515 Woodward Ave (between 13-14 Mile).
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at 1:00pm at St Regis Catholic Church 3695 Lincoln (at Lahser), Bloomfield Hills, Michigan . Visitation begins at the church at 12:30pm.
Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
- See more at: http://www.desmondfuneralhome.com/obituary/Thomas-Louis-Tiernan/_/16018…
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