Allen Gary Tenneson

In the early hours of March 15^th 2024, Allen Gary Tenneson of Pasadena, Maryland unexpectedly passed away after a gradual deterioration of health. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Amos and Verna (nee Stendahl) Tenneson. He was predeceased by them, as well as stepfather Gordie Lee and sister Rosemary. He is survived by his loving family: wife of 36 years Cecelia Forms, children Christopher (Jessica Cades) and Erin (Eugene Klemkowski III), granddaughter Kennedy Klemkowski and granddogs Melo and Stella.

After being in one of the first graduating classes at LaFollette High School in Madison, Al went on his first adventure, going to Europe for over a year, mainly staying in Ibiza, Spain. Returning to the Midwest, he continued his lifelong quest for knowledge, enjoying both attending the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and then at Madison. In search of warmth, he moved to several cities in Texas, becoming the retailer COLORTILE’s nationwide store set up man. This led him to working in Jessup, Maryland and living in Pasadena, where he decided to become an entrepreneur. He co-owned Pasadena Boatel and Beach Club (now Atlantic Marina on the Patapsco) from 1984-2004.

Al was part of the crew of the “Sea Heir” which participated in the 1986 Bermuda Ocean Race from Annapolis to St. George. He met Cecelia on a blind date in Pasadena organized by mutual friends, and they married and started their family. Al volunteered at both his children’s schools throughout the years, continuing after they both graduated from Chesapeake High. He became a lover of lacrosse (and sports in general) when his children started to play and was president of the Chesapeake High School Lacrosse Parents’ Association for several years. He and Cecelia enjoyed traveling up and down the East Coast and into the Midwest, watching his children play lacrosse.

In retirement he attended classes at Anne Arundel Community College and the University of Baltimore, worked as a substitute at both Northeast and Chesapeake High Schools and was president of the Sillery Bay Forest Homeowners Association. He also was a dedicated overseer of the care of Cecelia’s mother Margaret and his sister “RoRo” in their declining years.

Always wanting to be busy, he made his home his project. He built a heated shop in his garage to complete many improvements and to build furniture. You would find him in his shop or tending to the yard or watching woodworking, home building, historical or sailing the world You-Tube videos and pod casts. He dreamed and planned to build his own home and sail the ocean again. He also enjoyed listening to National Public Radio (WXPN), as well as attending live music events, traveling to new places, drinking an occasional glass of bourbon and becoming a breakfast regular at “Cookie’s Kitchen” in Pasadena.

In 2011 he was diagnosed with tonsil cancer and persevered through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, resulting in complete remission. His battle with cancer led to a new perspective that ruled his life: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” The side-effects of the treatment, however, eventually led to his decline. He made many lifelong friends and most of all loved his family. He will be missed by all.

No flowers please. If you wish, please make a donation to Radio Station 90.5 WKHS (Kent Island High School-note memorial tributes possible), Radio Station 88.5 WXPN (Philadelphia) or National Public Radio.