Robert W. Tierney I died Friday October 24, 2008 at home after a long illness. He was 69. Bob was born in Manchester Connecticut, the son of James and Mary Tierney. He graduated from St. Francis College in Biddeford ME. He worked in the insurance, financial, retail and courier industries. Fellow employees remember his smile and sense of humor along with a great work ethic. Bob moved to Tolland CT with his new wife Lillie in 1968. The neighborhood grew up around him during the next 40 years as he raised 3 "true" sons and countless "adopted" neighborhood sons and daughters. Bob was extremely active at St. Thomas Aquinas Church where he wore many "hats." In addition to the weekly events he helped supervise, he established a council and became a Grand Knight of the St. Thomas Aquinas Chapter of the Knights of Columbus in 2007. Mr. Tierney loved camping and the outdoors. He organized large camping groups that traveled yearly to Hammonassett State Park and Ross Hill Park. While camping, Bob led many impromptu parades, pot luck dinners and "No Talent" talent shows. Bob also loved to spend time at Lillie's family home in North Brooksville ME. Willowhurst Farm was a great place to visit and entertain friends and family as well as enjoy his favorite lobster and crabmeat dinners or snack on cashews in the "doah yaad." He also had other hobbies that included travel, biking, hiking, kayaking and TRAINS. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his beloved children and their spouses, Robert II and Katrina Tierney, Tim and Lisa Tierney and Ken and Kelly Tierney. All of his sons live in Vernon. Bob also was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Zachary, Ashley, Kyle, Robert III, Connor, Brendan, and Ryan and he has many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as aunts and uncles. "Grampie" will always be remembered by many as "Pickle Puss" and his famous jokes and phrases such as "I have 7 grandchildren, all are girls except 6." Bob is also survived by his younger sister Jean and David Terza and brother Jim and Penny Tierney of Manchester as well as brothers in law, Charlie Nichols of Brookfield CT and Tom Nichols and his companion Carol McMillan of Penobscot ME. Funeral Services will be held on Monday October 27, 2008 at 10am at St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel North Eagleville Road in Storrs CT. Friends and family may call at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester. The hours will be split from 2 �" 4pm and 6 �" 8pm. In lieu of flowers, Bob's family requests memorial donations to be made in his name to the American Cancer Society and North Central Hospice, Visiting Nurse and Health Services.