TIERNEY, Thomas E. Of South Natick, MA (formerly of Dover, MA and Naples, FL) beloved husband of the late Janice Tierney, father to Elizabeth Tierney Scallon (with son-in-law Mike Scallon) and Thomas F. Tierney (with daughter-in-law Lisa), peacefully passed from this life surrounded by love on December 26, 2015. His Jan meant the world to him, they were married 62 priceless years. They are together again. He had a wonderful zest for life and love of people. We will miss him, but he is forever in our hearts.
Tom was a highly regarded Executive Vice President and General Manager of The Kendall Company's Worldwide Hospital Products Division. His exemplary Kendall career spanned four decades in various sales, marketing and executive management positions. During his tenure, sales of Kendall's healthcare division, including its significant wound care products business, grew from $50 to $800 million through a combination of internally generated domestic growth, innovative international expansion and five major acquisitions. Tom served as one of the original founders of the Health Industry Manufacturing Association (HIMA), the leading industry association for healthcare device manufacturers, and served on HIMA's Board for 12 years. Tom sat on many other boards into retirement while continuing to be a keynote industry speaker.
Tom's passing completes his family's journey. Born in rural Pennsylvania to loving parents Thomas and Claire Tierney, he was brought up in a house full of scholarly relatives including brother Jack and sister Joan. He leaves behind grandchildren Rachel, Jack and Brianna who brought him such joy along with 13 nieces and nephews, numerous lifelong friends and colleagues. Tom was an officer in-training at the close of World War II and a proud 1952 graduate of Colgate University (where he was one of the original Colgate 13) and Harvard University's Advanced Management Program in 1970. He was an avid golfer and member of Wellesley CC, Collier's Reserve and Royal Poinciana CC in Naples, FL.
Tom's love of God and faith surely helped him in his final days. The family wishes to thank all our "Earth Angels" who lovingly supported Tom in his journey. A celebratory mass will be held on Tuesday, January 5th, 10:00 AM, St. Paul's Church, Wellesley where he was a long time parishioner. Interment in Highland Cemetery in Dover will be private. A luncheon in Tom's honor will announced in the spring as he would want everyone to enjoy the happiest of New Years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis House, 39 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, LLS.org or Colgate University, Thomas Tierney Chair, a scholarship fund.