Robert Alvin Klenk

Portsmouth, RI - Robert A. Klenk, 86, of Portsmouth, RI, died Tuesday, April 22, 2008. He was a WWII Navy veteran and was one of the countrys leading aluminum impact extrusion experts.He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Buck Klenk of Portsmouth, where they moved upon his retirement in 1986. Prior to that, they lived for many years in Tenafly, NJ.Born in Philadelphia, PA Bob was the youngest of George and Florence Klenks 8 children. He joined Alcoas machinist apprenticeship program after graduation from high school and was in their Edgewater, NJ plant when WWII broke out. Although exempt from military service because of the essential nature of his work he enlisted in the Navy in 1944. He became a Quartermaster, 2nd Class on LST 1084 and was awarded the American Campaign, Asiatic-Campaign, and World War II Victory medals. Although encouraged to attend Officer Candidate School he chose to attend Clarkson College and then return to Alcoa where he worked for a total of 24 years. While there, he co-authored a section of Aluminum: Volumes I, II, and III still the bible for aluminum production. In 1968 he started the aluminum-impact-extrusion division for RG Thomas Co. He developed critically important components for the defense industry and was known throughout the industry as the man that can solve any engineering problem. The company closed that division upon his retirement and has since gone out of business.Bob greatly enjoyed life in Portsmouth sailing with friends and family, particularly on his boat, Sunshine, exploring the local boatyards, and helping out his neighbors. Throughout his life he loved working with his hands either building, fixing, or creating things. He was known for remembering all the words to an incredible number of classic songs from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. A devoted husband and family man, Bob leaves behind a daughter Alison Comstock, of Wilton, CT and her husband Larry and their 2 daughters, Courtney and Lexie; a son Bob Klenk of Monroe, NY; and a son Bruce Klenk of Wellesley, MA, and his wife, Kate and their 3 daughters Eliza, Victoria, and Abigail.Calling hours will be on Friday April 25th, 5-7pm at Connors Funeral Home on West Main Road in Portsmouth. The memorial service will be held at the Connors Funeral Home on May 10th at 11am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association, Rhode Island Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Providence, RI 02906, or the Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown, RI 02842.