Donald Eugene Close

ELDRED, Pa. - Donald E. Close Sr., 89, of Central St., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (Aug. 20, 2017), at the UPMC Hamot Medical Center in Erie.

Born Oct. 2, 1927, in Emporium, he was a son of Herman E. and Lettie Craven Close Sr. On July 23, 1949, at his parents' home in Eldred, he married Helen B. Johnson, who survives.

He was a 1945 graduate of Emporium High School and had resided in Eldred since 1947.

Mr. Close was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army from December 1945 to July 1947 in the occupation of Germany.

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; three brothers, Edwin, Jack and Alvin Close; as well as two sisters, Grace Anderson and Aletha Slottji.

Friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today (Aug. 23, 2017) at the Frame Funeral Home, Eldred, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday with the Rev. Ernie Perry officiating. Burial will be in Lamphier Cemetery, Eldred.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eldred Borough Fire Department or their Ambulance Fund, or to the McKean County SPCA.

Online condolences may be made at www.framefuneralhome.com.