Calvin L. Close, age 91, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at AHN St. Vincent Hospital. He was born on June 17, 1931 in Chicago, IL, to the late Elizabeth Reed Close West and Frank Close.
Cal graduated from Fairview High School and was a member of the Fairview Fire Department. He also spent 8 years in the Naval Reserves. On May 21, 1960, he married the love of his life, Connie Holder Close, or “Tweetsie”, as he affectionately called her, and they lived in Waterford, PA for 60 years before moving to Summit Township.
Cal retired from Nabisco in 1993 after 40 years of employment. A man with a servant’s heart, Cal spent his retirement years volunteering with CHOSEN, a ministry working to advance Christian healthcare in economically deprived countries. He also helped organize the annual golf tournament which raised significant funds benefiting The Refuge, a family shelter in Erie, and was involved in Koinonia of Erie County (K59). Many Waterford Township residents looked forward to seeing Cal as he helped Connie at the Election polls.
In 2015, Fort LeBoeuf School District inducted Cal into their Wall of Fame, recognizing him as a “Super Fan”. He was an avid hunter and loved playing cards. What brought the most joy to his life was spending time with his grandchildren.
He was a faithful member of Summit United Methodist Church where he sang in the church choir and served on numerous boards/committees. He was instrumental in the planning of the United Methodist Men’s Lenten Breakfasts.
Besides his parents, Cal was preceded in death by his step-father Clifford West, brothers John Thomas Close and Harold Close, and a dearly loved grandson, Jonathan Eby (J3).
He is survived by his wife, Connie; son Chris (Christine) Close of Freedom, PA; daughters Carol (Carl) Eby and Cathy (Mark) Kaday both of North East, PA; grandchildren- Becca (Jay) Funyak of Fleming Island, FL, Erin (Adam) Wright of Germany, Megan (Dylan) Shearer of Freedom, PA, Lauren (Hunter) Rosenberg of Charlotte, NC; Joshua Eby of Charlotte, NC, Justin Eby of Mechanicsburg, PA, Jessica Eby of Mechanicsburg, PA; Jeffrey Kaday of Tucson, AZ, Nathan Kaday of North East, PA and Ryan Kaday of Erie, PA; 7 great-grandchildren- Jaxon, Avery, Alivia, Ansley, Anna, Everett, and Tessa; and a brother, David Close (Bernice) of Youngsville, PA.
Visiting hours will be at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Sunday, November 6th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. Friends may also visit at Summit United Methodist Church on Monday morning from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Summit United Methodist Church, 1510 Townhall Road West, Erie, PA 16509, or Perry Hi-Way Hose Company, 8281 Oliver Road, Erie, PA 16509.
This saddens my heart so much. I may not have seen Cal a lot but every time I did it was amazing. Talking with him was a honor. I’m sorry to say that I only learned of his passing today 12-11-22. It was an absolute privilege having known him & sing with him in choir, was a memory I will cherish for ever. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
I have never, ever, met a kinder, more sincere, hopeful, honest, friendly, helpful, accepting, happy, decent, giving, faithful in all he did kind of guy. I’m blessed to have so many fun memories with Cal and Connie. I will think of Cal often and smile…and not to worry…I will continue to get two hot dogs at Mr. Shivers for you, my friend. Love and miss you. Love you, Connie.
Dear David and Connie,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your brother and husband. Even though I didn’t know Calvin that well, I knew his mother, Elizabeth through the Fairview Presbyterian Church and brother David, who was in my graduating class. What a blessing this Godly family was to the Fairview community. The last time I saw Calvin and David was at the funeral of my sister, Natalya. I was deeply touched that they would make the effort to come.
May God cover you with his love, mercy and grace during this difficult time.
In Him,
Cathy (Holland) Risley…representing the Holland Family
Connie,
We are so sorry to hear of Cal’s passing. He was a wonderful man whom we really admired. Please accept our sincere condolences..
Connie, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences.
My heart is heavy, and like you, I feel the loss. I will miss greatly our summer visits and particularly the love and warmth with which he always greeted “Josi”. He loved life and truly lived life! He was a wonderful man and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carol, I am so sad for you in the loss of your Dad……hugs to you and your family.
Dear Cousins,
We are saddened by your loss.
Your family has given our family many wonderful memories.
Wishing you Heartfelt Peace and Comfort.
With Love,
Your Graff Cousins
Cindy
Bonnie
Becky
Howard Graff