Bill Close

CHESHIRE – “Bill” Close, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at his residence in Cheshire.

Mr. Close was born July 5, 1934, in New Haven, son of the late George and Elizabeth (Kelly) Close. He was a proud graduate of Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Class of 1953, and served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1958. Before his retirement, he was Vice President for many years of the Litchfield Farm Shop, president of Lobster Broker, Inc., and former owner of Close Harbour Seafood in Plantsville, CT.

Mr. Close is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Rick and Jill Close of Cheshire, and his daughters, Lynn Ubermuth of Thomaston, CT and Lisa Onofri, of Cheshire. The oldest of seven children, Bill is survived by his sisters, Maureen Guckin, Margaret Smith, Elizabeth Backman, and Georgeann Hajnal. He will be greatly missed by his nine grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Robert and Gerald Close, his nephew, Brian Guckin and great grandson, Oliver Squire.

Bill squeezed a tremendous amount of life in his 86 years. He was an avid skier into his 80's. Bill was happiest when gathered with family and friends at Close Harbour Seafood, cruising down the CT River on his boat out of Andrew’s Marina in Haddam, CT or on the golf course with his weekly Hamden Marketing League golf buddies. Bill’s quick wit, enthusiasm for life, and love of people was contagious. He was a cherished friend to many!

Arrangements – Visitation will be held at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main Street on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 9:15 A.M. from the funeral home to St. Bridget of Sweden Parish/St. Bridget Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hamden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Bill’s memory, may be made to the Franciscan Home Care & Hospice, 267 Finch Avenue, Meriden, CT, 06451. For online condolences, to share a photo or a story, please visit www.fordfh.com.