Fred Klena

KURE BEACH- Fred "Budd" "Grumpy" Klena was born to Bessie and Fred Klena on Jan 24, 1933. Budd was a caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. In his life he was an avid painter and golfer, and a life member of the AT&T Pioneers Volunteer Organization with whom he helped to build countless ramps for disabled individuals in his community. His true passion was singing with his brotherhood of barbershoppers. He returned to stardust on April 6th 2022 under his daughter's loving care at her home in Kure Beach, NC.
Budd joined the Navy in 1951 and soon broadened his horizons far beyond his hometown of Newark, NJ. During his 4 years of service he traveled to California, through the Caribbean, and enjoyed his time stationed in London as well as Paris. Budd received a Good Conduct and a National Defense Medal for his service. He was honorably discharged in May of 1955.
The moment Budd saw Alice Maureen Brennan he knew he would spend the rest of his life with her. They were married on October 26th, 1957. They were married for 63 years when Budd's beloved Alice passed away in January 2020.
Budd doted on his and Alice's only child Candyce Ann Klena. Budd loved his peanut more than anything. They shared their love of old movies, travel, building things and the ocean. In 1985 Candy married, and Fred welcomed Bill McClernan into his family. Budd would always tell everyone that he loved Bill like he was his own son.
Soon after "Budd" became "Grumpy" to his two grandchildren. The hours spent playing with his grandson William "Bud" McClernan will be cherished forever. Grumpy and Bud spent countless hours imagining grand battles together around the castle that Grumpy built and painted for Bud. They loved going for adventures, especially family camping trips. A great memory is the "Great Snowball Fight of Christmas Tree Mountain" during their annual Christmas tree hunts in Boone, NC. Grumpy loved watching Bud marry the love of his life Laura Ludwig in October 2020.
Granddaughter Keary McClernan was fortunate to live with and care for Grumpy and Alice "Grammy" at their shared home in Wilmington, NC with her partner Randall Nault. They enjoyed countless laughs and stories over dinners around the kitchen table. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were a nightly ritual where Grumpy would regularly trounce Keary and Randy while playing along with Wheel of Fortune. They loved their shared time together on the patio watching the hawks fish in the pond during the day and looking for shooting stars at night.
Grumpy will be missed dearly by his family, friends, Pioneers, and Barbershoppers who have all been positively impacted by his kind and giving presence.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to either the Greensboro Tarheel Chorus or the Cape Fear Chordsmen. Links to donate can be found on each organization's website shared below. http://www.greensborobarbershop.com/ https://capefearchordsmen.com/
Aquamation services provided by Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation.