Richard T. Close, 88, of Mount Gretna, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at home. He was the husband of Barbara (Cawley) Close, to whom he was married for 18 years.

Born in New York City on December 24, 1934, Richard was the son of the late Thomas and Marie (Doyle) Close. He earned his bachelor's degree from Iona College and his PhD, from The Catholic University of America. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, achieving the rank of colonel, retiring in 1987. After 28 years as a professor of physics and computer science, he retired from the United States Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT, in 2005. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Sigma XI, IEEE, and the American Legion. Richard enjoyed woodworking and traveling.  Having grown up in the Bronx, Richard was a life-long Yankees fan.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by six children:  Steven Close, JoAnn Close, wife of Michael Good, Karen Close Tanaka, wife of Katsunori, Mary Close Hubner, wife of Edward, Nancy Close, and Timothy Close, husband of Ana Ederich; two step-daughters, Amy Tulley Taber, wife of Ryan, and Sarah Tulley Anderson, wife of AJ; five grandchildren:  Samantha Hubner, Paul Hubner, Michelle Hubner, Jena Close, and Andrea Close; three step-grandchildren:  Jack Taber, Ella Taber, and Sloane Anderson; two sisters, Jane Close Conoley, wife of Collie, and Joan Close.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jena (Larson) Close; a son, Michael Close; and a brother Thomas Close.

A visitation will be held from 10-11 AM, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 2596 Cornwall Road, Cornwall PA 17016. Internment with full military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's name may be made to The Richard ('56) and Barbara Close Endowed Scholarship, Iona University, Office of Alumni Engagement, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. Please share your memories with the family at our online guest book at Thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com