Kenneth “Kenny” J Bena

KENNETH J. BENA 

Age 89 of Munson Twp., formerly of Chardon and Winter Haven FL, passed away peacefully the evening of January 3, 2022 at home. Born July 21, 1932 in North Royalton, he graduated from West Tech High School and began his career at the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. He decided to enter the US Coast Guard and proudly served during the Korean War. Upon his discharge, he married Donna Marie Clark of Cleveland on October 16, 1954, whom he met through her brother, while serving in the Coast Guard. He then returned to CEI Cleveland, fulfilling many rolls within the company until his retirement at age 55 in 1987. Together, he and Donna settled in Chardon and raised three children and during that time, he built three homes. He was very active in the community as a Little League Coach, a member of the Chardon School Board, a member of the Chardon Zoning Board of Appeals, the Chardon Village Review Board and a member of Geauga Aerie Eagles #2261, where he was instrumental in the building of the baseball fields. 

Upon retirement, he and Donna climbed into their motorhome, and traveled the United States, eventually settling in Winter Haven, FL, where he spent time helping everyone with whom he came in contact. As his health declined, they moved back to Chardon in July, 2021.

He is survived by his wonderful wife, Donna, his children K. Scott (Karen) Bena of Hambden Twp., Gary (Louise) Bena of Chardon and Lisa (Kurt) Feigle of Chesterland; his grandchildren Hannah, Noah, Sara (Josh) Simpson, Elizabeth and Courtney (Nicholas) Szabo, step-grandsons Jake Francis and Paul Feigle, great grandson Jack Simpson and was anticipating the arrival of 3 great granddaughters in 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton Joseph and Anna Elaine (nee: Farencz) Bena and his brother, Robert J. Bena.

Kenny will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. He especially enjoyed gathering with family, from both sides of the Mississippi River. Many memories were made at any gathering he attended, no matter the size, celebrating anniversaries, weddings and other important life events. He would spend summers attending and coaching Baseball and Softball games, musical concerts and enjoying family milestones. No matter where Kenny was, he could easily be found out back chopping wood, climbing a roof to repair a leak or rewiring a faulty outlet. At the end of a long day of being the best handyman around, he liked to enjoy a Budweiser with family close by.

The family would like to thank the Seidman Cancer Center at UH Geauga Medical Center, Holly Hill Rehabilitation Center and Western Reserve Hospice for their wonderful compassionate care he received in his final days.

A private family burial was held at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens, Chesterland.