It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and husband, Budd Centrone, "The Kid from Brooklyn." He departed this life on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025, a day that held deep meaning given his proud service as a Marine. Born on Oct. 22, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in the Red Hook housing projects with his mother and three siblings. At age seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving in Hawaii and Japan. His time in the Marines shaped the rest of his life, instilling in him a deep sense of honor, discipline, and loyalty. He carried himself with the pride of a Marine every day, and those who knew him could see that spirit in his strength, his integrity, and his love of country. After his service, he married, started a family, and moved to California, where he began a 25-year career with Volkswagen of America. He built a home in Malibu where, consistent with his lifelong love of the sea, he could always see his beloved ocean. Upon retirement, he settled in Vero Beach, Florida, where he could be found almost every day at the Jaycee Beach gazebo, enjoying the ocean view. There he found not only the peace and joy of the sea, but also the friendship of fellow beach lovers. When not at the beach, he could often be found enjoying live music at his favorite local spots, appreciating the simple pleasures of good tunes and good company. Always a Dodgers fan, he never forgave the team for leaving Brooklyn yet always followed them faithfully with undying enthusiasm. He was a patriot who valued individual freedom and conservative principles, and he lived his beliefs with strength and conviction. His Catholic faith and commitment to prayer were central to his life, grounding him in gratitude and peace. He had a gift for appreciating the simplest things; an outlook that was admirable and inspirational to all who knew him. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an easy, genuine way of connecting with people, making everyone feel welcome and heard. His warmth and laughter left a lasting impression on all who had the good fortune to know him.

He is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Semper Fi!

He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Centrone, his brother Daniel Centrone, his sister Grace Velez and his grandson Brandon Murry. He is survived by his wife Sandra Centrone; his two children Cherie Lohr (husband Joel) and Kym DiRocco (husband David), from his first marriage; his stepdaughter Patricia Albiol (husband Les), from his second marriage; his former wife Jacqueline Ingerson; his stepchildren through his current marriage Jason Rudd (partner Annora) and Shannon Carter; his grandchildren Anthony, April, Kurstyn, Heather, Mark, Ian and Austin; ten great grandchildren and his sister, Clare Verdonik. He will be fondly remembered by extended family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers in his memory, a cause dear to his heart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM, Friday, January 30, 2026 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory.