George F. Closter

A memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, April 23, at St. Vincent of Paul Church, Cape Vincent.  There will be no calling hours.

April 18, 2010

CAPE VINCENT, N.Y.  —  George F. Closter, 86, of 523 Broadway Ave., died Saturday, April 17, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Syracuse.  

Born Aug. 7, 1923, in Mt. Vernon, N.Y., the son of George and May Closter, he graduated from Fordham University.

He married Kathleen A. Culkin in 1947. 

He served as a naval officer in the Pacific during World War II, and he was also recalled for the Korean War. He received a master’s degree in Education from the University of Rochester, as well as a master's of science degree from Syracuse University. 

His career was spent as a teacher of math and science at LaFargeville, Clayton, and East Syracuse- Minoa Schools. Retiring in 1983, George returned to Cape Vincent, N.Y. 

He remained active teaching an AARP defensive driving course for 17 years. He also volunteered at the Lighthouse and Historical Museums. He initiated and taught a sailing course for several years for the Cape Vincent Recreation Department.  

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen A. Closter; three children, Linda C. Bush (Bill), Kathleen M. Skelly (Michael), Gary S. Closter (Lori); eight grandchildren, and a great- granddaughter. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to St. Vincent of Paul Church.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, April 23, at St. Vincent of Paul Church, Cape Vincent.  There will be no calling hours.