In Loving Memory of
Tenney Hall Wheatley, Jr., age 87 of Wilmington, DE, formerly of Brooklyn, NY, was cleared for departure and “flew West,” passing away peacefully on May, 31, 2026. Tenney graduated from Poly Prep in Brooklyn in 1957, from Hamilton College in Clinton, NY in 1961 where he was a member of the Delta Phi Fraternity, and received his MBA from NYU in 1963. He began his lifelong career with Pilot Training at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama where he flew T-33 and T-37 jet trainer aircraft. In the spring of 1964, he married the love of his life, Barbara in the Craig AFB chapel. Upon completion of his training, Tenney was stationed at Beale Air Force Base in Marysville, CA where he flew the KC-135Q. He was assigned to the 103rd Air Refueling Squadron for worldwide special operations in reconnaissance support and air fueling of the Lockheed U-2, the SR-71 Blackbird, and similar high altitude aircraft of a classified nature (Area 51). In 1969, with Barbara and two of their three daughters, Tenney transitioned from the Air Force to the Delaware Air National Guard where he flew The C-130 Hercules, and in 1971, he began his 54-year career with New York Life Insurance Company. A decorated veteran, he proudly served his country in both the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. After 28 years of service and over 8,000 hours of flying time, he retired in 1991. In 2011, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (the highest award given for extraordinary achievement or heroism while participating in aerial flight) for actions taken during a C-97 transport mission in 1970 that helped save the lives of 12 Airmen. This was just three months after the arrival of his third daughter. His successful career contributed to his induction into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame in 2012.
Tenney had many hobbies. While his career took him to every state and over 40 countries, traveling with his beloved wife, Barbara, brought him the most joy. Together they explored many destinations around the world including Alaska, Australia, Japan, China, Argentina, Bermuda, and Russia. He had a great love for the U.S. National Parks where you could always find him with his camera in hand. Tenney and his family enjoyed numerous trips over the years to some of his favorite places: Randolph, VT; Cape Cod, MA; Lake Hopatcong, NJ; Dexter, ME; and Canada, where he spent many summers during his childhood. Tenney was an armchair athlete and devoted fan of the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, golf, tennis, and the University of Delawareʼs womenʼs basketball team (during the Elena Delle Donne era), an avid reader, and he was well-known for his cowboy and holiday hats. Many will remember him cruising around town in his blue 1965 Cadillac convertible, receiving a hand-written card from him, his words of wisdom, and “reading” by the pool. Tenney cherished his time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He attended their many sporting events, concerts, and theater productions.
Tenney was a devoted and active member of the following organizations: Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (as a 32nd degree Mason), Red Cross of Constantine, Shriners, Cultural Society Club, Sons of the American Revolution, The George Washington Society, Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, and QB Fraternity of Pilots. He spent many mornings volunteering with Westminster Presbyterian Churchʼs Saturday Breakfast Club.
Tenney was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys (Brown) and Dr. Tenney Hall Wheatley; his sisters, Muriel and Dorothy; and his beloved wife of 43 years, Barbara Wolf. He is survived by his three daughters; Allison Freeth (Bill), Kristen Marvel (Scott), and Megan Thomas (Craig); five cherished grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who, along with many of their friends, lovingly called him Papa: Corinne Salvemini (Nicholas), and their son, Theodore; Emma Wolfe (David), their daughter Tommie Leigh and son Tucker; Julia Freeth (Felix), and their daughters Elena and Celine; Tenney James Thomas; and Greer Marvel. “Mr. Wheat” and his honorary fourth daughter Erin Lee had a special bond that spanned over 48 years. Tenneyʼs family would also like to recognize and lovingly acknowledge Laya Cooper, his devoted caregiver and dear friend, who became family over the years through her kindness, companionship, humor, and unwavering patience.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W. 13th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following: American Cancer Society; www.cancer.org, American Heart Association; www.heart.org/ or Make-A-Wish Foundation (Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Chapter) Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley | Make a Wish
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
