Francis Tierney Passes

Published: December 18, 2017 09:43 pm EST

Francis J. Tierney of Chesapeake City, Maryland passed away Thursday, December 12, 2017 at the age of 97. Born June 27, 1920 in Newark, Delaware, the second of eleven children.

He attended Newark Public School, and then entered St. Charles College in Catonsville, Md. followed by St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, graduating in 1942 with a BA in Philosophy. He continued studying Theology and was ordained to the Catholic priesthood for the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware in December 1945.

For 31 years, Father Tierney served as pastoral assistant at St. Mary's, St. Ann's, and St. Helena's in Wilmington, Good Shepherd in Perryville, Maryland, and chaplain at the Veteran's Hospital at Perry Point. He also served as Captain and Chaplain in the Delaware National Guard, then as Pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Ridgely, Maryland. He was founding Pastor of St. Polycarp Parish in Smyrna, Delaware then returned to the Wilmington area as Pastor of St. Mary Magdelain Parish and Dean of Suburban Wilmington.

After a brief leave of absence, he returned to Ridgley, Maryland as pastor until his retirement from active ministry and laicization.

Married to Carol Gerstenberg in 1976, Frank and Carol devoted themselves to breeding, training, and harness racing and settled in Chesapeake City. Among the young people who were associated with his harness stable was Joe Holloway.

Frank is survived by his wife, Carol of 41 years; his sisters Gertrude McKay and Marguerite Downey; brother, Joseph Tierney as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 301 Lock Street, Chesapeake City, Maryland 21915. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Francis Tierney.

(Dover Downs)

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