Paul Cleveland Jenne

Paul C. Jenne, a resident of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire took his final breath at his Florida home on December 6, 2025 at the age of 78. After a lifesaving lung transplant at Duke University Hospital in 2020, Paul persevered with strength, courage, determination and grace. Supported by the advocacy of his loving wife, Penny Sommer, this brave choice added five precious years to Paul’s already amazing life. This gift gave his family and friends more time to appreciate his gentle kindness, sweet smile, quick wit, genuine goodness and love of life.

Paul was born on January 4, 1947 in Haverhill, MA, the second of four sons to parents Muriel A. (Chase) and Aldred A. Jenne Jr. His brothers were his best friends. Growing up in Georgetown and Haverhill amongst family and cousins, Paul was active in his youth community. He was a proud Eagle Scout and inducted into the Order of the Arrow of the Boy Scouts of America. He was Master Councilor of the Order of DeMolay. He continued his community involvement as an adult, serving as President and a charter member of the Pentucket Kiwanis Club of Haverhill, and coaching both youth soccer and basketball. After graduating from Haverhill High School in 1965, Paul attended Northeastern University, where he served in ROTC. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts/Boston in 1969.

Paul enjoyed a successful business career in the Promotional Products industry, working for Keezer Manufacturing in Plaistow, NH.; Schaeffer Pen; and Amsterdam Advertising. This work ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and, in 1990, Paul created Discovery Marketing, the first travelling trade shows in the Promotional Products industry.

Paul’s childhood summers were spent on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. He can point to many spots on Rattlesnake and Treasure Islands where the family set up camp. These wonderful memories brought him back as an adult to Wolfeboro ,where he enjoyed boating on the Big Lake. Paul realized that joining the Chamber of Commerce would allow him and Penny to quickly become part of the community. He created the shops “Flags Over Winnipesaukee” and “Penny Candy” in the center of town. These successful businesses became a cherished part of the downtown Wolfeboro landscape for over 10 years.

He will be remembered by his numerous shop employees, many of whom he mentored and watched grow during their work experience.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 15 years, Penny Sommer and her entire extended large family who adore “St. Paul;” his son Jeremiah Jenne (Yajun Zhang) residing in Geneva, Switzerland; his daughter Abigail Jenne (Jason Batdorff) and their children, Jesse and Ava, of Berlin, VT.

In addition, he leaves his former wife, Jennifer Selfridge of Andover MA, currently in Montpelier, VT with whom he shares his two children; his brothers John (Jack) Jenne (Raelene) of Murrells Inlet, SC; Joel Jenne (Nancy Michelson) of Berlin, MD; Alan Jenne (Kenneth Ng) of Haverhill, MA; as well as many adoring nieces, nephews, in-laws and other close family members and friends.

Paul was a true gentleman. Throughout his life he exhibited warmth, humility, compassion and a sharp sense of humor. He left an immeasurable impact on the many lives he touched with his sage advice and willingness to listen, teach, understand, and help.

Services have not been planned at this time. There will be an appropriate Celebration of Life when the snow melts at the top of the mountains and the ice is out of Lake Winnipesaukee. Paul’s family suggests donations made in his honor to organizations that he supported: St Judes, Shriners Hospital and Feed the Children.