Frederick J. Close,III
June 27, 1931 ~ September 17, 2018
Frederick Jacob Close III, age 87, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 in Geneva. He was born June 27, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Frederick J. and Lillian (Roberts) Close.
Fred was an international businessman who had the opportunity to travel the world. In the late 1980s he decided to settle in the small town of Madison and with his philanthropic spirit he would lend his talents as an artist. For several decades the people of Madison have enjoyed his sculptures. He loved working with school children as a frequent guest art teacher. Fred was instrumental in bringing the local churches together to create the Madison Food Center and was awarded the 2006 Man of the Year by the Madison Perry Chamber of Commerce for his philanthropic work. He was proud of the work he did to form the Friends of Stanton Park and was a Board Member Emeritus at Rabbit Run Community Arts Association.
He is survived by his wife Angela; daughters: Karen Close and Kate (Joshua) Kislevitz; grandsons: Jacob (Jessica) and Maximilian (Natalie) Kislevitz.
Friends and family will be received from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m.
The family suggests contributions in Freds name to be made to Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, 49 Park Street, Madison, OH 44057; the Madison Food Center, 1954 Hubbard Rd, Madison, OH 44057; or the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Cleveland, 10415 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106.
Online obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com
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Dear American mate Fred Although we only met infrequently we had known each other for over 40 years. Your ideas and compassion for others will I'm sure live on, they certainly will with me. It takes a lot to gain my respect, you did, and I shall miss you very much. Your friend, Alan Martin
We will miss you, Pete Harry and Ann
Dear Angela, I am so sorry to hear this very sad news. Having lunch at the diner was always heartfelt and substantive. Even though he ordered the same thing over and over again. I have hockey games to ref this Satuday, otherwise I would be there. He was one of the most complete person's I ever knew. And you were the most perfect pair. My heart aches for you. David Dewey Madison Schools.
Dearest Fred, In fifty years we never had a cross word, not even when I gave you Brussels Sprouts for dinner. Thank you for your friendship, I shall miss you. Eileen
We will miss you my dear friend, we were blessed to have you in our lives! The love and genuine humanity and care that he bestowed on everyone he encountered was just part of the special man that was Fred Close. Until we meet again and I'm sure we will. All our love, Gerri & Patrick & Liam and Kitty
I met Fred when he began working with schools. Thoroughly enjoyed his freeship over the years. He hadsomuch enthusiasm for his work and shared that with everyone he encountered. I am the proud owner of two of his works of sculptured concrete. My sincere sympathies to his family
I will miss seeing kind Fred at the library and around Madison. Thinking of Angela with sympathy and love.
Thank you, Fred, for all you have done for the Madison community. You will be missed.
Dear Fred, You were a larger than life figure and the world is a quieter place without you. Will miss our long lunches at Sofra. Thinking of you, Angela Love, Patricia and Al
Rest in Peace dear friend until we meet again!