Timothy J. Riordan

Timothy “Tiny” J. Riordan, Jr., age 87, of Canton, MA and Edgewater, FL, passed away surrounded by his children on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, just over a week after he lost his love of almost 70 years, the recently departed Anne T. Riordan.

Born in Cambridge, MA on March 13, 1936, Tiny was the devoted son of the late Timothy J.  and Anna M. (Conway) Riordan. His early years were spent in Charlestown until his family moved to Canton. This is where he set up roots, fell in love, built a home, and raised his wonderful family of four with his beloved wife, Anne.

Tiny was a terrific provider and instilled the importance of hard work in every member of his family. He joined the IUOE Local Four at the age of 17 and eventually became a Master Mechanic. Prior to his retirement in 2000, Tiny was proud to have contributed to several local projects, including the Big Dig, the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant, the reconstruction of Route 128, and the Braga Bridge. Once retired, Tiny and Anne would “snowbird” in Edgewater, FL, where they enjoyed the sunshine, watching boats in the canal, and socializing with friends and extended family.

While Tiny’s body showed the wear and tear of working Construction for 50 years, his mind remained sharp until the end. In retirement, Tiny became a voracious reader and was often seen sitting outside reading his kindle or working on a puzzle at the dining room table with his black coffee with one SWEET’N LOW nearby. He also was an incredibly talented woodworker, and, despite limited mobility in his arthritic hands, he built several ornate wooden ships in varying shapes and sizes which he generously gifted to anyone interested. These heirlooms are proudly displayed in the homes of all of his children and grandchildren and will be treasured for generations to come.  

Tiny is survived by his devoted children Debbie O’Brien and her husband “OB” of Canton, Betty Jane Doody and her husband Steve of Laconia, NH, Carol Vesey and her husband Tom of Canton, and Tim Riordan and his wife Kathy of Canton. He was the proud “Papa” of Stephen (Margaret) Doody, Kim (Jamie) McCourt, Kate (TJ) Tatarzyn, Bob (Joe) O’Brien, Sarah (Dan) Shaw, Emily Riordan, and Hannah Riordan. He also delighted in being the great grandfather of James and Josie McCourt, Teddy and Ellie Tatarzyn, and Nicholas Doody. He was the brother of Marilyn Henley and her late husband Peter of Buzzards Bay, Joanne Sullivan and her late husband Leo of Easton, and the late Carol Riordan, and Bill Riordan and his wife Claire of Canton. He was the brother-in-law of Mary Caron and her late husband Walter of Florida, Betty Smith and her husband John of Brookfield, Cathy Nichols and her husband Bruce of Florida, and the late Lenny (Rosemary) Langill, Ellie (Henry) Holland, and Helen (Donnie) Russell. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 23rd, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home [455 Washington St., Canton]. His Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Church [560 Page St., Stoughton] on Saturday morning at 10:00.  Burial to follow at Knollwood Memorial Park.

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