Noted Filmmaker and theater patron Delbert "Del" Tenney, 82, passed away quietly at his home in Jupiter, FL, February 21, 2013. Del was born in Mason City, IA, and moved to California with his parents at age 12. Attending LA City and State College, he developed an interest in theater, making a living as an actor for most of his young adult life. He acted on Broadway and did extra work in films Stalag 17 and The Wild One before moving to New York. Following successful stints of summer stock, he moved behind the camera as assistant director on independent films. He then co-wrote and co-directed his production of Violent Midnight. Del then made B-movie horror history bringing to the screen cult classics like The Horror of Party Beach and The Curse of the Living Corpse. Along with his wife, Margot Hartman Tenney, Del created the acclaimed Hartman Theater in Stamford, CT. They produced and acted in shows everywhere from the Sharon Playhouse to the Newport Theater and Westport Country Playhouse to the Helen Hayes Theater in NY. Their philanthropic and artistic support of a multitude of theaters was widely known, including The Musical Theater Works in New York City and The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival in Jupiter, FL. Del was an instrument rated pilot for many years. He was also involved in real estate. He built spec homes in Lakeville, CT; Marathon, FL; and condominiums in Middletown, RI. He ran Hanover Realty with his son, Matthew and was the president and co-executive director of The First Stamford Corporation. More recently, Mr. Tenney formed Del Mar Productions with his wife, Margot, and Kermit Christman. They produced the movies The Clean and Narrow, Do You Wanna Know a Secret? and Descendant. Del resided in Jupiter, FL and Greenwich, CT. He is survived by his lovely wife, award-winning actress and patron, Margot Hartman Tenney, as well as children, Matthew Tenney, Karen Tenney, and Jesse Tenney; along with seven grandchildren, Asara, Gwen, Claire, Curtis, Kaya, Ariana and Valerie. His constant smile, loving support and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. There will be a viewing at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home in Greenwich, CT.
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Published in The Palm Beach Post from Feb. 28 to Mar. 1, 2013

Producer (8 credits)
2003 Descendant (executive producer)
2001 Do You Wanna Know a Secret? (executive producer) / (producer)
1999 Clean and Narrow (executive producer)
1966 Danger Grows Wild (executive associate producer)
1964 I Eat Your Skin (producer)
1964 The Curse of the Living Corpse (producer)
1964 The Horror of Party Beach (producer)
1963 Violent Midnight (producer)

Actor (8 credits)

2001 Do You Wanna Know a Secret?
Pastor Clifford Adams

1999 Clean and Narrow
Mayor Reynolds

1964 The Curse of the Living Corpse
The Living Corpse (uncredited)

1964 The Horror of Party Beach
Gas Station Attendant (uncredited)

1963 Violent Midnight
Bar Patron (uncredited)

1962 Satan in High Heels
Paul

1953 The Wild One

1953 Stalag 17 (uncredited)

Director (4 credits)
2003 Descendant
1964 I Eat Your Skin
1964 The Curse of the Living Corpse
1964 The Horror of Party Beach

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director (2 credits)

1963 Orgy at Lil's Place (assistant director)

1962 Satan in High Heels (assistant director)

Writer (4 credits)

2003 Descendant (story)
2001 Do You Wanna Know a Secret?
1964 I Eat Your Skin (written by)
1964 The Curse of the Living Corpse (written by)

Stunts (1 credit)
1964 I Eat Your Skin (stunts)