Peter E. Tenney

Brunswick, ME - Peter E. Tenney died on September 16, 2025, following a long illness. Peter was born in Boston, MA, on April 30, 1948, and grew up in Milton, MA, with summers spent in Castine, ME. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1971 with a degree in English.

Peter embarked on a teaching career, first at the Moses Brown School in Providence, RI (1976-1993), and later at Crossroads Academy in Lyme, NH (1994-2017), teaching diverse global history to students of many ages. He developed a reputation as a thoughtful and creative teacher, and his students benefited from his skills in effective pedagogy. Since his retirement in 2017, Crossroads Academy students honor Peter with a monthly "Tenney Tie Day", recognizing Peter's habit of always wearing a bow tie.

In 2002, Peter met Alexandra (Alix) Howell, a researcher at the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, VT, and they married in 2004. After Peter's retirement, they moved to Brunswick, ME, to be closer to his beloved hometown of Castine. Peter was excited to find that the Joshua Chamberlain Museum was only a few doors away, where he became a docent to continue his passion of teaching history.

Peter's determination to enjoy his life in retirement, despite his illness, led to many happy times with family and friends, marked this summer by playing a round of golf in the annual family golf tournament, and enjoying a reunion with old friends in Castine just days before his passing.

Peter leaves his wife of 21 years, Alexandra Howell; her children Cameron (Christy), Nathan (Rebecca, and grandson Bryson), and Caroline (Tim); his brothers-in-law Nicholas Levintow, Christopher Levintow, and Anthony Levintow; his brothers David (Catherine), Donald (Marty), and Bradford (Laurie); nieces Sarah Stammen (Jeff), Leah Keating (Eamon), Lauren Flewelling; great-nephews Alden Stammen and Miles Keating; and great-nieces Haddie Keating, Seraphina Flewelling, and Aurora Flewelling. There will be a private interment in Castine this fall, with a celebration of Peter's life in late July, 2026, in Castine, ME. Donations in Peter's memory to support the Joshua Chamberlain Museum may be made to the Pejepscot History Center, 159 Park Row, Brunswick, ME 04011 (pejepscothistorical.org).

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Published by Valley News on Sep. 30, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Tenney

Sponsored by Stetson’s Funeral Home - Brunswick.

7 Entries

Mike Rogers

October 15, 2025

I just learned of Peter's Passing. I grew up on the same street in Milton, Massachusetts as Peter and his brothers. Childhood was spent riding bikes to Turner Pond, playing neighborhood football at Thanksgiving on the Putnam's lawn, winter sledding on North Russell Street, climbing trees on a dare. I was in the same 6th grade class at Milton Academy, with Peter, who was for me an endearing friend with a kind generous spirit. He touched lives with an inescapable kindness. Condolences to his family in Maine, and beyond.

Phoebe Hemenway Armstrong

October 5, 2025

Dear Peter and Family,
Peter emailed me to see if it would be all right if he came to our 50th Milton reunion for the class of 1967. He had also asked Betsy Hurd. I enthusiastically responded,"YES"!
Peter and I went to the lower school at Milton Academy. His mother was a teacher there. I lost track of Peter when he left to go to another school. It was wonderful to see him at the 50th reunion at Max Bleakie's house in his signature bowtie.
I wish I had kept touch with Peter after that. I had no idea about his illness. Peter, you were the best of the best! It goes to show that we should all keep in touch before time gets away from us.
I will say a prayer for you from time to time. Rest in peace.
Love,
Phoebe

Jose Tosado

October 2, 2025

I'm saddened to see Pete's passing we were classmates in several cources and got along very well for 3 years .He treated my late wife Maria very well at our 50th anniversary she was very impressed by that.As a NYC kid his friendship was very apprieciated.My deepest condolence to his entire family--Jose Tosado '67

Joe Murphy

October 2, 2025

Peter was one on my best friends at Tabor. Old friendships never fade.

Patty Jenks

October 1, 2025

I remember many visits with both Peter and Alix in the Town Clerks office. I am so very sorry to hear of Peter´s death. Thinking of his family and friends with loving sympathy. Patty

Beth Miller

September 30, 2025

Peter was a delightful friend whom my family and I enjoyed knowing for many years during summers in Castine. We were pleased that he attended my sister's birthday party on September 13th, when Peter and many long-time friends were able to see each other. I'm also pleased that the occasion provided one last visit to lovely Castine for Peter.

Kate Mortimer

September 30, 2025

Peter was one of my favorite teaching colleagues and we enjoyed many conversations about history and the Arts. His former students and colleagues will long remember him.

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