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SJ 378

Celebrating the life of Harry Arthur Tenney.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Katrina Callsen and 2 co-sponsors

The resolution formally honors Harry Arthur Tenney’s life and service as a veteran, businessman, and Charlottesville community member, expressing sympathy and respect.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ378ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 378

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 378 (SJ378ER) – Celebrating the life of Harry Arthur Tenney

Overview

SJ378ER is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution that honors and memorializes the life and service of Harry Arthur Tenney, a longtime Charlottesville community member, veteran, and businessman. The measure, which is enrolled after passage by both chambers, expresses the General Assembly’s condolences and respect and directs the Clerk of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Tenney’s family. It is a non-binding, symbolic act recognizing his contributions to the community.

  • Status: Enrolled as SJ378ER; agreed to by the Senate on February 19, 2025 and by the House of Delegates on February 20, 2025.
  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Enrolled/Final status: SJ378ER (as passed by both chambers)

Purpose and Intent

  • To publicly acknowledge the life, service, and civic contributions of Harry Arthur Tenney.
  • To express the General Assembly’s sadness at his passing and to honor his memory.
  • To present a copy of the resolution to Tenney’s family as a formal expression of respect.

Key Provisions and Provisions摘要

  • The resolution provides a biographical outline of Tenney’s life and service (summarized below) and memorializes him as a veteran, businessman, and active Charlottesville community member.
  • It notes Tenney’s death on September 5, 2024.
  • It outlines Tenney’s career:
    • Early life: One of nine children from Paramus, New Jersey; graduated from Ridgewood High School.
    • Military service: U.S. Army radar technician, stationed in Japan (1953).
    • Education: Attended Fairleigh Dickinson University (with support from the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944) and transferred to Michigan State University.
    • Career in Virginia: Moved to Charlottesville; general sales manager at Peyton Pontiac, Cadillac, Datsun (which he later acquired); later worked for New York Life Insurance Company.
  • Civic and community involvement:
    • Served on the Charlottesville School Board in the early 1970s.
    • Actively volunteered at polling stations on election days.
  • Personal life and interests:
    • Master gardener and beekeeper; avid birdwatcher and fisherman; skilled chef and baker.
    • Restored and enjoyed an 1880s farmhouse in Buckingham County.
    • Preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Chica; survived by children Elizabeth and John and their families.
  • Formal action:
    • The General Assembly “notes with great sadness the loss” of Tenney and expresses respect for his memory.
    • directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Tenney’s family.

Who is Affected

  • The resolution primarily affects the General Assembly’s record and Tenney’s family and community, with public acknowledgment of his contributions. There are no fiscal implications or policy changes associated with this ceremonial measure.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: February 13, 2025
  • Senate actions: Engrossed (Feb 19, 2025); Agreed to by Senate (Feb 19, 2025)
  • House actions: Agreed to by House (Feb 20, 2025)
  • Enrolled as SJ378ER: February 21, 2025
  • Patrons: Senator Deeds; Delegates Callsen and Laufer

Final Note

SJ378ER is a formal, commemorative acknowledgment of Harry Arthur Tenney’s life and service, reflecting the General Assembly’s respect for a local prominent figure and his contributions to Charlottesville and surrounding communities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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