Remembering Mark Tierney, longtime Hart Middle School history teacher

Hart Middle School is mourning the loss of longtime history teacher Mark Tierney, who died on Friday surrounded by family at the age of 46, according to an obituary posted on the Weekly’s Lasting Memories page. A cause of death has not been disclosed.

A Tri-Valley native, Tierney was born in Livermore and raised in Pleasanton, where he attended Alisal Elementary and Harvest Park Middle schools before graduating from Amador Valley High. He received his history degree from Cal State Hayward, then earned his teaching credential from Chico State.

Tierney spent 19 years teaching eighth-grade American history at Hart and loved “watching, coaching and playing all sports” –especially baseball, soccer and fishing, according to his personal page on the Pleasanton Unified School District website. He and his family were living in San Ramon.

In an email sent to families over the weekend, Hart principal Leslie Heller said that Tierney “will be remembered for the profound impact and immeasurable difference he has made for our students and staff.” Counselors are available at school for students and staff in need of support.

Tierney’s family said “his generous, loving spirit will be missed by all who knew him.” He is survived by his wife Erin and daughters Mackenzie, Madison and Mia, as well as his mother, two sisters and several nieces. A funeral service will be held on May 18 at 1:30 p.m. in San Ramon at St. Joan of Arc Parish, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd.