Donald J. “Buddy” Clemente, 99, of Fort Wayne and formerly of Boston Mass., died peacefully on Sunday July 5, 2026, at VA Hospice Center with his son by his side. Nicknamed “Buddy” by family & friends, he was born in Boston on May 15, 1927, the son of the late Alfred E. and Agatha (Farrell) Clemente. Buddy served his country proudly in the US Navy during WWII and was stationed in the Philippines. On September 1, 1952, he married the love of his life, Theresa (Grady) Clemente, who preceded him in death on December 3, 2020 after 68 years of marriage. In addition to his parents and his wife, Buddy was also preceded by his beloved grandson Richard Clemente in 1998, as well as by brothers, David Clemente, Gerald “Chubby” Clemente, Alfred E. “Sonny” Clemente, Jr. and Robert “Vicky” Clemente.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Paul (Susan) Clemente; granddaughter, Pamela (Ryan) Fritz, and great-grandchildren, Hayden & Alex Fritz, all of Fort Wayne; by his sisters, Janice McPherson and Carol Catanzaro, both of Boston, and by many nieces & nephews in the Boston area.

In his younger years, Buddy worked with his father & brothers in the family business, Clemens Market in Allston, Mass. He later began a career in sales for major beer companies in the Boston area, with the Falstaff, Schlitz and Miller Breweries, earning numerous salesman of the year awards. He was an ardent fan of Boston College athletics, the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins and the Red Sox.

After his retirement in 1992, Buddy and Theresa moved to Fort Wayne. As an avid golfer, he soon made good friends at Foster Park Golf Club, who referred to their gang as “The Railroaders”. They enjoyed travelling to play various clubs and courses, but always called Foster Park their home.

Buddy was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 241, VFW Post 1421 and of course, the Fort Wayne Railroaders.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am Tuesday July 14, 2026 in St. Peter Catholic Church, 518 E. DeWald St. with visitation from 10-11am in the church. Visitation also on Monday July 13, from 4-7pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave. Buddy will be laid to rest in Catholic Cemetery with military honors. The family’s preferred memorials are St. Peter Catholic Church, online at https://osvhub.com/st-peters-church/giving/funds , or by mail to 518 E. DeWald St, Fort Wayne, IN 46803 or to Bishop Dwenger High School, online at https://bishopdwenger.com/Online-Donation, or by mail to Office of Development, Bishop Dwenger High School, 1300 E. Washington Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. To share a remembrance of Buddy or to offer condolences, please visit www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

.