Donald E. Close Sr.

Donald E. Close Sr. "beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather"
Eldred- Donald E. Close Sr., 89, of Central St., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (August 20th, 2017) at the UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie.
Born October 2nd, 1927 in Emporium, Pa,  he was a son of Herman E. and Lettie Craven Close Sr.  On July 23rd, 1949 at his parents’ home in Eldred he married Helen B. Johnson, who survives.
Mr. Close was a veteran of World War II, having served with the US Army from December 1945 to July 1947, in the occupation of Germany.  He was a 1945 graduate of Emporium High School and had resided in Eldred since 1947.
After his military service Don joined with his father and brother in operating Close’s Feed and Supply in Eldred until it was destroyed during the 1972 flood.  He then joined with his brother Jack at the building supply in Roulette, which would later become Close’s Lumber Co., Inc.  Don retired in 1992.  Closes's Lumber Co is still family owned and operated.
Mr. Close was a lifetime member of the Eldred Borough Fire Department.  He enjoyed traveling, watching his son, Bob, race, and attending his great- grandchildren's sporting events.
His greatest joy was sharing 68 years with his one and only true love, Helen, and their family.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are two sons, Don (Sandy) Close Jr.  and Bob (Rene) Close, both of Eldred; a daughter, Patty Fitch of Eldred; four grandchildren, Michael (Barb) Close, Valerie (Keith) Cousins, Amanda (Todd) Tanner, all of Eldred, and Clint (Beth) Hicks of Fredericksburg, VA; eight great-grandchildren, Lauren and Haley Cousins, Dylan and Brooke Close, Riley and Ty Tanner, and Dakota and Dustin Hicks; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Robert Fitch; and three brothers, Edwin, Jack, and Alvin Close; as well as two sisters, Grace Anderson and Aletha Slottji.
Friends may call Wednesday from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 at the Frame Funeral Home, Eldred where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 am with the Rev. Ernie Perry officiating.  Burial will be in Lamphier Cemetery, Eldred.  
In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eldred Boro Fire Department or their Ambulance Fund, or to the McKean County SPCA.
Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com

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