Obituary of Robert William Close

Robert William Close, 78, formerly of Broadalbin, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at the Evergreen Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in East Greenbush. Bob was surrounded by the love of his wife, Cathie. 

He was born in Gloversville on February 11, 1945.  He is survived by his loving wife Cathie Close (Decker) (Arcaro) (Greive) and his daughters Kathryn Mary Corrie (Stephen) of Longwood, Florida, Caryn Elizabeth Lynam (Stephen) of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, Lisa Bethel (deceased) of South Glens Falls, New York.  His sons Robert William Close (Lyndsay) of Oak Island, North Carolina, Christopher Jonathan Greive of Schuylerville, New York, Todd Joseph Greive (Sara) of Scotia, New York and his beloved grandchildren Christopher Jonathan Greive Jr. and Nicholas Greive of Schuylerville, New York, Samuel, Julia, Aidan Corrie, Casey Logan Saleem (Daniel), Paxton, Asher, Witten Close, Mary Kathryn Lynam.  His beloved great grandchildren Olivia and Jayden Bethel, Ashton and Wesson Greive and many cherished nieces and nephews.  He is survived by his sister Carol Fisher (Peter) of Henrico, Virginia.  He was predeceased by his father Robert William Close, his mother Doris (Smith) Simmons Lockrow (Edward) and his beloved stepfather Harold Simmons.

Robert graduated from Broadalbin High School in 1963 and went to Brooklyn YMCA Technical School operated by Bedford Young Men’s Christian Association.  He graduated in April 64 and In May 1964 he went to work for General Electric, in Schenectady, as a machine operator.

He served in the Air Force National Guard during the Vietnam War from 1965 till 1969 as an air automotive repairman.   He studied at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois.  He was honorably discharged in December 1969.   After joining the Air Force 109th military airlift group he pursued a career in salesmanship. He went to work in 1970 for Almor Distribution in Amsterdam as a salesman. In 1973, he joined Clairol, Inc. and retired in August 1988 after 18 years of service.  He continued to work for Proctor and Gamble as a sales representative and retired from Proctor and Gamble in 1993 with 13 years' service.

Bob did many part time jobs.  He delivered the Daily Gazette for 29 years with his wife. They both worked at the Saratoga Racetrack summers.  He worked at Alphin Haus, and part time worked for Walrath and Stewart and Jeffords and Stewart Funeral Homes.

Bob loved to camp and meet new people.  He enjoyed tinkering in the garage and was always willing to help others.  He loved country music and drinking a bottle of beer with friends. He was known for his witty sense of humor.

A special thank you to the staff at Evergreen Commons for the wonderful care Bob received.  A special thank you to Heather Spoon who adopted Bob as her uncle and watched over him day and night.  All the staff called him Uncle Bob. 

The family will receive relatives and friends from 1 to 3 pm Sunday, September 24th at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, 51 Fremont St, Gloversville, where a memorial service will follow at 3 pm with the Rev. Dr. R.W. Williams officiating.

Interment will take place at Broadalbin Mayfield Rural Cemetery, Broadalbin.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 421 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205; or the American Parkinson's Disease Association, PO Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306 (apda@apdaparkinson.org).

Online condolences to the family may be made at www.brbsfuneral.com