Remembering Bill Tiernan Jr.: Ridgewood Mourns a Dedicated Coach and Community Leader
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The Ridgewood community is pausing to honor the life of William “Bill” C. Tiernan Jr., a man whose dedication to local youth sports and community service left an indelible mark on generations of athletes. Bill passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the age of 76.
For decades, Bill was a familiar face on the sidelines and in the boardrooms of Ridgewood’s most cherished athletic programs. His passing marks the end of an era for the many families he mentored through the years.
A Legacy on the Field: Coaching and Leadership
Bill Tiernan wasn’t just a spectator; he was a builder of programs. His commitment to Ridgewood youth was reflected in his extensive volunteer work:
-
Ridgewood Junior Football Association: Served as President, helping shape the program’s growth.
-
Little League Coach: Mentored countless young players, teaching them the fundamentals of the game and sportsmanship.
-
RHS Football Scholarship Committee: Served on the board, ensuring that graduating athletes had the support needed for their next chapters.
From Greenwich Village to Ridgewood
Born in 1949 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Greenwich Village, Bill’s journey took him from the streets of Stuyvesant Town to Waldwick, NJ. A proud graduate of St. Luke’s High School (Ho-Ho-Kus) and Merrimack College, it was during his college years that he met his “best friend and the love of his life,” Bernadette. The couple married in 1974 and chose Ridgewood as the place to build their life and family.
A Career in the City, A Heart in the Suburbs
Before his retirement, Bill enjoyed a successful career in television advertising sales in New York City, working for major firms like Harrington, Righter & Parsons (HRP) and TeleRep, Inc. Even after retirement, his tireless work ethic led him to a part-time role at Fisher Auto Parts.
Known for his unique sports loyalties, Bill was the rare fan who rooted for both the Mets and the Yankees—though his heart leaned toward the Mets during a Subway Series. He remained a lifelong, hopeful fan of the New York Giants, always waiting for the next “big win.”
How to Honor Bill’s Memory
Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bernadette, his three children, five grandchildren, and a large extended family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Catholic Charities of Newark (ccannj.org).
Services Information:
-
Wake: Thursday, March 19, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Feeney Funeral Home, Ridgewood.
-
Funeral: Friday, March 20, 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Ridgewood.
Tell your story #TheRidgewoodblog , #Indpendentnews, #information, #advertise, #guestpost, #affiliatemarketing,#NorthJersey, #NJ , #News, #localnews, #bergencounty, #sponsoredpost, #SponsoredContent, #contentplacement , #linkplacement, Email: Onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
-
Tags: #RidgewoodNJ #CommunityLeader #LittleLeague #JuniorFootball #InMemoriam #NJNews #NewYorkGiants
