John Tener

December 8, 1938 – September 3, 2026

John Tener, who grew up in Noblesville, died on September 3, 2026 after health complications from cancer.

John was born near Cleveland, Ohio in 1938 to Grace and Alan Tener. He was the middle son between brothers Bob and Jim. The family soon moved to Noblesville. Their home was a welcoming place for many of the kids’ friends. John’s mother dubbed their home “Grace’s Home for Wayward Boys.” Steeped in Indiana basketball at an early age, he took great pride in being a member of the starting five of the Noblesville High School basketball team, whose winning streak took them to the semi-finals in the state-wide championship tournament.

John graduated from DePauw University, where he met his first wife, Ellie. Following college, he served for four years as an officer in the U.S. Navy. During much of that time, he served as a supply officer on the U.S.S. Randolph aircraft carrier, which was called to duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After the Navy, he attended Indiana Law School and was on a team that attended the National Moot Court competition and won Best Brief. John’s oldest daughter, Beth, was born that same year. After law school, he worked a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge J.E. Eschbach in Fort Wayne, Ind., an opportunity to learn about trial law which he treasured.

John joined the Robinson + Cole law firm in Hartford, Conn. He and Ellie had their second daughter, Sharon, the next year. He worked with the firm for 40 years, specializing in complex commercial litigation and property insurance coverage litigation. John took great pleasure in training young lawyers, helping them to try cases and work as a team.

John moved to the Boston office of Robinson + Cole, as his first marriage ended. He later married Nancy Sconyers and they moved to Newton, Mass., where they lived for 20 years.

John was involved in many community activities, including the nuclear freeze movement, fundraising bike rides, cycling advocacy, and political campaigns. Physical exercise was one of his joys: he played basketball into his ‘50s, ran two marathons, and enjoyed hiking, cycling, and rowing.

John relished his role as father and grandfather. He took delight in children. His welcoming, spirit, sense of humor, and curiosity extended to those he just met and lifelong friends. He maintained meaningful friendships from every phase of his life. His oldest friends described him as the glue that held his friendship circles together.

John is predeceased by his father, Alan Tener, his mother, Grace Tener, and his brothers, Bob Tener and Jim Tener. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Tener, his daughters, Beth Tener and Sharon Tener, his grandson, Arlo Tener, and his first wife, Ellie Tener.

Details on where to make donations in John’s name are included at the bottom this page: eatonfuneralhomes.com/obituary/John-Tener.