Mr. Terry K. Tiernan

Terry K. Tiernan, age 71 passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at home. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at the Garner Funeral Home in Potsdam at 4 pm with Rev. Stephen Rocker officiating. Calling hours will be held prior to the service from 2pm until the service.

Terry is survived by his wife Virginia; Sons Mike Bowman (Patty), Scott (Aimee) and Steve Tiernan (Meg); daughters Kimberly Shellberg, Michele Mendenhall, Christina Tiernan-Tiska (Matt); a brother Andy Tiernan; sisters Diane Church, Judy Coleman (Willis), Debbie Hill (Roger); grandchildren Keely and Tanner Bowman, Fisher Tiernan, Grace King, Jack and Isabelle Tiska, Asia Mendenhall and Kara Shellberg. He is predeceased by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Ron and Marie Tiernan. A prior marriage to Jayne Hertzel ended in divorce.

Terry was born on May 20, 1945 to Lillian and William Tiernan in Potsdam, NY. He attended Potsdam High School and left early to join the United States Marines and served until he was given a medical discharge. Terry worked in numerous construction jobs in the North Country, and was a longstanding member of Laborers Union 322 in Massena. His fingerprints can be seen on such project as; Bucks Bridge, the ski jumps at the Olympic Complex in Lake Placid, the headquarters of Atlantic Testing Laboratories and the train whistle at Cheel Arena. In later years Terry owned NewWays Construction and worked extensively on the Clarkson University campus and around the area.

Terry was an avid lover for the outdoors and was a consummate putterer. He tended to a large garden each summer and took great pride in the lawn, landscape and giving the fruits of his labor to others. He had a particularly deep fondness for this grandchildren and always lent a helping hand to others in need. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Terry to the St. Lawrence County SCPA 6718 State Highway 68; Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Condolences can be made at www.garnerfh.com.