Charles E. Tenney, 94

STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Charles (Chig) E. Tenney, 94, a lifelong resident of Stockbridge, Mass., peacefully passed away at his home on March 6, 2020.

He was born in Glendale, Mass., on April 23, 1925, son of Hugh L. Tenney and Effie (Stowell) Tenney. A 1942 graduate of Williams High School, he was a member of the baseball and basketball teams.

Mr. Tenney served in the 2nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II.  On D-Day, his division landed on Omaha Beach and he remained in combat until he was captured near Belgium before the Battle of the Bulge.  He was then taken to a prison camp in Bad Orb, Germany, where he remained until Liberation Day in April 1945.  For his service to his country, Mr. Tenney received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star, along with other campaign ribbons.

After the war, Mr. Tenney settled in Stockbridge where he and his then wife, Verna (Kennedy) Tenney raised their three children. He was the water superintendent for the town of Stockbridge for 30 years, retiring in 1987.

Loved and respected by many, Mr. Tenney was known for his ever-present smile, his gift of gab and quick wit. His ability to remember jokes and recall childhood memories was uncanny, even near the end of his life.

Mr. Tenney loved the outdoors, where he spent countless hours hunting and fishing and instilled this love of the outdoors in his children. His love of music was infectious. A self-taught musician with a beautiful voice, he played several instruments including guitar, mandolin, fiddle, piano and harmonica.  He brought joy to many through his music and was happiest when playing and singing with family and friends. Mr. Tenney took up golf in his 40s and quickly fell in love with the sport, playing on weekends with his buddies, participating in local tournaments and enjoying vacation golf in Bermuda.

Mr. Tenney was predeceased by his brothers, Donald, Ralph, Raymond and Robert Tenney.

Mr. Tenney is survived by his fiancé, Helen McCormick; two sons, Wayne C. Tenney and his wife Lisa of West Stockbridge, and Gary L. Tenney and his partner Janet of North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; daughter Karen Tenney Williams of Stockbridge; sisters Gladys LaGrant of Lee and Grace Pixley of Stockbridge; brother Herbert Tenney of South Egremont; Helen McCormick's son and daughter-in-law Craig and Lisa McCormick; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren

The children of Charles E. Tenney would like to express their deepest, heartfelt appreciation to Helen McCormick for her dedication to their father and compassionate care of him in his final years.

Funeral notice: A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

Donations in memory of Mr. Tenney can be made to Hospice of Western and Central Mass in care of Finnerty and Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA  01230.