Thomas J Tenney

Thomas J. Tenney, 75, of Birmingham, died Thursday, August 30, 2018 at Mercy New Life Hospice after a year long battle with cancer. He was born September 26, 1942 in Elyria and had been a Birmingham resident for the past 47 years moving from Elyria. Thomas graduated from Midview High School in 1960 and was a veteran of the US AirForce. He worked as an electrician for IBEW Local 129 for 50 years, retiring in 2001. During his career he worked with Lake Erie Electric and traveled all over the world installing paint booths for Ford Motor Co. Thomas joined the Florence Twp. Fire Department July 9, 1972 where he served 45 years, rising to the rank of Assistant Chief before retiring form that position and staying on as firefighter. He also owned and operated Yellow Bird fishing charter and had been a partner in Captain's Corner Marina. He was a member of Birmingham United Methodist Church, AMVETS Post #22, and the American Legion #397. Thomas was a "Jack of all trades" and could fix anything. If he didn't have the correct part to fix something he would fabricate it himself. He enjoyed fishing and traveling on his boat. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beverley (nee Webber) Tenney of Birmingham; son, Nathan Tenney of Birmingham; daughter, Renee Shinsky of Lorain; grandson, Michael Shinsky; granddaughter; Shana Furline; great-granddaughter, Nilana Baker; great-grandson, Gabriel Shinsky; sister, Judy Wallace; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy (nee Swanson) Tenney and his brother, David Rodgers. 　The family will receive friends on  Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018  from 10 am until the time a memorial service at 11:00 am at the Birmingham United Methodist Church, 15018 South Street, Birmingham. Inurnment will follow at Birmingham Cemetery where the Vermilion Veterans Council will conduct military honors.　 The family suggests memorial contributions to Birmingham United Methodist Church, 15018 South Street, Wakeman, OH 44889 or the American Cancer Society Ohio Division Inc., 10501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.