George A. Close, Sr.

George A. Close, Sr., 83, of Galeton, PA, passed away on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at his home.

Born June 18, 1927 in Galeton, he was a son of the late Alfred and Rose (Pagano) Close. He was a Veteran, having served with the United States Army Air Force.

On January 20, 1951, in Galeton, he married the former M. Ilene Bickford, who survives.

George worked at the B & O Railroad in Rochester, NY, the WAG Railroad in Galeton, Galeton Production and the PA Lumber Museum retiring in 1979.

He was a member of St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church in Galeton and the Knights of Columbus. George was an avid Galeton sports fan who enjoyed gardening, flowers, and woodworking. He greatly cherished his wife, loved his family, and was a dedicated church activity organizer and promoter, especially dinners and festivals.

Surviving besides his wife of 59 years, M. Ilene Close, are, two sons, George (Rita) Close, Jr., Leland, NC and David (Lorraine) Close, Galeton; three daughters, Mary Ann (Michael) Greves, West Palm Beach, FL, Susan (Daniel) Thompson, Coudersport, PA, and Jane Close, Rochester, NY; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a brother, James (Kay) Close, Harpers Ferry, WV; a brother-in-law, Howard James; a sister-in-law, Beverly Close; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas and Charles Close and a sister, Angeline James.

Friends may call at the Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Collins Chapel, Galeton, on Sunday, December 19, 2010 from 6:00-8:00pm and at St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church on Monday, December 20, 2010 from 10:00-11:00am.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with the Rev. Joseph Dougherty as Celebrant. Military Honors will be accorded by the Potter County Honor Guard. Internment will be made in West Hill Cemetery, Galeton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bibiana’s Catholic Church in Galeton, PA.