Joseph W. “Joe” Tierney, Jr. of Wayland and Harwich Port (formerly of Wellesley) passed away peacefully after a brief illness on September 6, surrounded by his family at Cape Cod Hospital. He was 75 years old.

Joe was the son of the late Joseph W. Tierney and Ellen Gallagher Tierney. He was born in Olean, NY on December 4, 1950, and grew up in the Village of Allegany. He attended Archbishop Walsh High School where he and his friends had adventures and built memories that he carried throughout his life. In 1968, he enrolled at Boston College. He loved his time at BC and developed many cherished mentors and friends. He became a Double Eagle when he graduated from BC Law School with a focus on tax law in 1976 and later obtained an LLM in Taxation from Boston University.

In his early career, Joe worked for Exxon Mobile, and Digital Equipment Corporation, and then joined PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Tax Partner until his retirement. He always appreciated and valued his colleagues and coworkers.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife Christine Langley Tierney of 49 years, his daughters Martha Tierney (Melanie LoBue), Marianne FitzGerald (Garrett), and his son Joseph W. Tierney, III. He was an adoring grandfather to William and Christopher FitzGerald. He also leaves his loving siblings, Patricia Loop (F. Thomas), Mary Ellen Karuch (John), and his brother John Tierney (Maria), as well as his brothers-in-law Kenneth Langley and David Langley (Ann). He is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Christine Tierney Martell and his niece Meghan Karuch.

Joe will be remembered for his love of so many things - summer, Boston sports, BC events, golf, the beach, Motown music, Jeopardy!, a balanced checkbook, and a fun party. His good humor and dry wit were unmistakable. When Joe traveled far and wide, friends could recognize him anywhere. His genuine, authentic and humble nature, and proclivity to call it like it is, endeared him to all. Despite his accomplishments and successes, he was, at his core, a family man and a small town guy, traits that never left him. He was a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist Church in Wellesley and served as a Eucharistic Minister and parish council member. He also served on the Advisory Board for the nonprofit organization Art in Giving. He was a multi-decade member of Wychmere Beach Club, Brae Burn County Club and, shockingly to him, Stone Horse and Allen Harbor Yacht Clubs. Joe was loved by his friends, adored by his family, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. He was, unequivocally, a great guy.

Friends and relatives will be welcomed at Henry J. Burke and Sons Funeral Home (56 Washington St. Wellesley 02481) on Sunday, September 13 from 2-6 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church (9 Glen Rd. Wellesley 02481) on Monday, September 14 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Joe’s memory to Catholic Charities Boston (275 West Broadway, Boston, MA 02127) or to Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation (PO Box 370 Hyannis, MA 02601).