Paul Michael Tenan was born Oct. 12, 1950 in Springfield, Mass. to Irene Breault Tenan and Douglas Eliot Tenan. Paul spent his childhood in Springfield, Mass., the American Virgin Islands, and Maclean, Va. where he met two boys who became lifelong pals enjoying laughs and camaraderie till Paul’s passing.
Paul earned a B.S. in history from the University of Dayton and an MPA from Pennsylvania State University. Selected to be a member of the New York State Internship Program, Paul began his career in the office of Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. From there he worked in various bureaus of NYS Government concluding his time as a bureau director for ambulatory long-term care reimbursement. From there he developed relationships and became a consultant for various healthcare initiatives locally and nationally specializing in palliative care programs.
Paul was passionate about camping, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and enjoyed the opportunity to introduce his children to these activities. As a dad one of his fondest activities was supporting the Albany Youth Soccer Program whether as a board member, coach or parent on the bleachers, Paul was proud of this organization, its roots, and the community it served well.
His greatest passion was spending time at Ambleside the Adirondack camp, always with a dog by his side and perhaps a fishing rod, though alas few fish. Music, especially the jazz, blues, and rock were central to his leisure and added an incenting backdrop while conducting research.
Retiring in 2016, Paul returned to his patriarchal home, Maine, where he became active in various community activities including the Damariscotta/Newcastle Rotary and the Ecumenical Food Pantry.
Paul is survived by his wife and lifelong pal, Julie Ann Niedhamer Tenan; his son, Brendan Tenan and partner, Danielle Sanzone, of New York; and daughter, Olivia Tenan, of Colorado; his lifelong pals, Fred Hannett, of Virginia, and Joseph O’Hare, of Maryland; his brothers, Marc Tenan and wife, Ann, of Virginia, and Alan Tenan and wife, Rosemarie, of North Carolina; along with several awesome nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at the Sheepscott Community Church – Hill Church, at 1825 Sheepscot Road in Newcastle on May 16, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to The Ecumenical Food Pantry at newcastlefoodpantry.org or P.O. Box 46, Newcastle, ME 04553; the Community Home Improvement Program at chipinc.org; or the Alzheimer’s Association at alzheimersresearchfoundation.com.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro. To extend a condolence or share a story with the Tenan family, please visit Paul’s book of memories at hallfuneralhomes.com.
