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John Tenanes Obituary
Palo Alto, CA -
John Tenanes Jr., 68, a native of Northampton and residing in Palo Alto, CA, passed away after a brief illness on August 4, 2025. John was born in Northampton, the son of Jean (Sears) and John Tenanes. He graduated from Northampton High School in 1975 and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston in 1979, majoring in Architectural Engineering. In 1982, John drove his prized, red Alfa Romeo from Boston, with his sister, Joanne, and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area. He spent most of his career developing real estate for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. The last 14 years before his retirement, John served as Vice President of Global Real Estate for Facebook/Meta, developing campuses around the world with well-renowned architects, like Frank Gehry. John leaves his wife, Becky, and their two children and spouses, Sara Tenanes and Jared Taylor, and Cory and Amanda Tenanes, and their new son, Owen John, all from Palo Alto. He also leaves his three sisters and their families: Jinny and Jack Reilly of Hatfield, Nancy and David Gokey of Cummington, and Joanne Weir and Joe Ehrlich of San Francisco. We would like to thank the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation (CJD) for their guidance and support during this difficult time.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Tenanes
Judy Henriques
August 24, 2025
I was numb and saddened to hear of the passing of John and wanted to extend my sincere condolences.
I had the opportunity to work under John’s leadership at Meta and always respected his professionalism and dedication. He made a meaningful contribution to the organization and will be remembered by many.
He talked so often about the love for his family; my thoughts and prayers are with all during this difficult time.
Rest in peace JT.
Judy
Judith K. Mussel
August 19, 2025
My heart goes out upon hearing of John Tenanes' passing. He was a remarkable person and a pleasure to work for. I will miss him dearly.
Gabor Nagy
August 18, 2025
I´ve had the honor and privilege to get to know John at FB. He was a truly visionary leader, and more importantly, a very nice person. I´m very sad to hear about his passing, so early in life. My thoughts are with his family. I miss you John - rest in piece!
Tracy Woods
August 14, 2025
I will be forever grateful to JT for his outstanding leadership and direction. He gave me some great advice over the years, words which I have never forgotten. His calm, steady leadership and unwavering belief in Meta´s mission, further strengthened the organisation to always insuring that as a team, we could continue creating the very best workplaces around the globe. His wisdom and dedication was always thoughtful and measured, but also deeply human, always holding Meta´s mission at the heart of every decision. His footprint will leave a lasting impact on all who knew him. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Rest easy JT. Thank you for everything.
Tucker Bounds
August 14, 2025
John and I worked closely at Facebook and we were friends. He was an extraordinary man with the most uniquely unflappable demeanor. So many lessons I took away from our work together. He will be missed.
Pam & Tim Jara
August 13, 2025
We have known John distantly through our wonderful, longtime friend Becky. He was always a generous & thoughtful friend. We are so very sad to have gone so young.He will be missed by everyone very much.
Josephine Kelliher
August 13, 2025
I am so very very sad to hear of Johns passing, my thoughts are with his family and all his loved ones. In his daunting role as lead of Meta Real Estate, John brought great warmth, trust, humour and respect for others to all of his exchanges. I appreciated that part of him greatly.
Jürgen Decker
August 12, 2025
John, it has been a pleasure working with you, you were a solid leader and a good person, this picture shows what you valued, you will always be remembered as a partner and friend.
Nivi Gupta
August 12, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to his family and everyone who knew him . He was a truly lovely, warm person - ever-smiling, gentle, and always caring, making sure everyone was okay. I´m grateful to have known and worked for him at Meta, amazing leader and i will always treasure the day he visited Singapore, when we explored the city, admired its buildings, and enjoyed local food together. He will be deeply missed. Really sad with the news ! May his soul rest in peace
Ariyendrah Reveedram
August 12, 2025
My deepest condolence wishes to the family of John Tenanes on his demise. He was a great leader. We are deeply saddened with this news and May his soul RIP.
Ed Wolf
August 12, 2025
Saddened to hear of John's passing. He was one of the first people that I had the opportunity to work with at Facebook. I greatly admired his kindness, care for his team, and ambition. My deepest condolences are with his family and all those who knew him.
Justin Gurvitz
August 12, 2025
John was a great colleague and friend. He had a tremendous impact on me, and I am fortunate to have spent over a decade working with him. I will fondly remember our accomplishments and travels. My thoughts are with his family.
Jose Loren
August 11, 2025
I'm so saddened to hear of John's passing. He will forever be a legend in silicon valley as his impact lives on in everything he designed and built. Thinking of the Tenanes family.
Steve Tsuruoka
August 11, 2025
My sincerest and deepest sympathy to Becky, Sara, and Cory who lost a loving and caring husband and father way much too early. John was an inspirational leader whose vision and energy led his organization on a journey creating amazing workplace environments and experiences for the benefit of all the "Peeps" and visitors at Facebook/Meta. I am so grateful to John for allowing me to join this exciting journey and will always cherish our time working together. Thank you, John, and may you rest in peace...
Randy Howder
August 11, 2025
So saddened to learn of John's passing. He was such a huge influence on my career and always took the time to provide constructive feedback and advice. He will be deeply missed.
Tony Castellucci
August 11, 2025
I´m so shocked and saddened to hear this, I talked to John not long ago, we were planning a lunch at some point. My deepest condolences to the family. John was a great boss and friend. God bless.
Derrick Mitcham
August 11, 2025
So very sad to learn of John's passing. He was always so kind, and led with empathy and compassion. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones.
Emily Goodenow
August 11, 2025
I am completely shocked and sadened by this news. John was an incredible leader, mentor and boss. I got to know John personally and professionally and think of him and his guidance regularly: WWJTD? My condolences to the entire Tenanes family. #Kobayashimaru
Leah Soaft
August 11, 2025
Extremely saddened to hear of John´s passing. You are all in my thoughts during this very sad time x
Esther Fong
August 11, 2025
I was deeply saddened to hear of John´s passing. He was a truly remarkable leader, he was kind, approachable and generous with his time and wisdom. He always made the effort to connect with everyone whenever he could, his warmth and genuine care left a lasting impression on all of us. John will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
RIP, John...
Robert Doyle
August 11, 2025
Very sad to hear this news and my deepest condolences to John´s family. John was an inspirational leader in many ways and his passion for good design has left a huge imprint on me and the many others who had the privilege to work alongside him. Thanks John and so long.
Amanda Meister
August 11, 2025
The news of John's passing is very saddening. My father (Bobby Meister) went to Wentworth with him, always spoke fondly of their college days together. When I moved to the Bay Area in 2012, John reached out to help with adjusting. My deepest condolences to the family. Thinking of the Tenanes Family. May John's memory be a blessing.
Mike Bunje
August 10, 2025
So sad to see this. John was a great person with infectious energy and excitement. I worked with John early in my career back at Sun and he taught me about how your attitude at work influences what you create and the others around you. Bring a great attitude and you´ll create great things. I am glad I got to know you John. Rest in peace.
Sonia Flynn
August 10, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear about John´s passing, he was an absolute gentleman to work with. Thinking of his family at this very sad time
Simon Hill
August 10, 2025
I am deeply saddened by this news. John was a wonderful, kind, leader. He treated everyone at all levels with respect and kindness, and he was just a joy to work with. My deepest sympathies to friends and family.
Brandon Halpin
August 10, 2025
John led with authenticity and heart. His impact was felt worldwide. May his memory and spirit live on.
Jack Xiao
August 10, 2025
John was so nice & kind through every encounter / meeting we´ve had together. He had a consistent smile & humor through both good times and stressful ones. Thanks John for your leadership all these years.
Rest Easy.
Kim Denning
August 10, 2025
I am devastated by this news. John always had time for anyone who needed him. His warmth and care were unmatched. My deepest sympathy to all of his family.
VP
August 10, 2025
OMG, I´m shocked!! Deepest condolences to John Tenanes´ family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP John!!
Farrah Sims
August 10, 2025
John was a wonderful man to work with and support at Meta. I am deeply saddened for this news. He told me many stories of work, things he did throughout his career. My fondest memories though of him was his love for his family. He talked often and was so proud. My deepest condolences to you all. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Pris Teh
August 10, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the news. JT had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen, he cared deeply and somehow remembered every single person´s name in his organization. His kindness, leadership, and humanity left a lasting mark on all of us. My deepest condolences to his family and all who loved him. RIP, John.
Vannessa Kaplen
August 10, 2025
I'm so shocked and saddened by this news. JT was such a character in and out of work. His care and kindness will never be forgotten.
Wishing you peace and love as you celebrate his life.
Elisabeth Arslaner
August 9, 2025
John was a wonderful leader, friend and mentor to us. And, he loved his family with all his heart. You are in our hearts.
Jill Jones
August 9, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful and compassionate leader, and always spoke so lovingly of his family.
Nancy Coscolluela
August 9, 2025
My sincere condolences to John Tenanes´ family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace John.
Timothy Trevino
August 9, 2025
My condolences go out to John Tenanes's family. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts go out to the loved ones that are left behind.
Elaine LU
August 9, 2025
John was a brilliant architect, a charismatic leader, and a true gentleman. His vision and creativity shaped office designs around the world, and his work touched so many communities. My deepest condolences to his family.
Terry Carr
August 9, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. R.I.P John.
Amanda St.Amant
August 9, 2025
John´s vision and commitment left a lasting mark on the workplace and the people he worked with. He will be remembered with great respect. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the Corporate Real Estate Community.
Suzanne Farrington
August 9, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss.
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