This Book of Memories memorial website is designed to be a permanent tribute paying tribute to the life and memory of Reverend Monsignor John Close. It allows family and friends a place to re-visit, interact with each other, share and enhance this tribute for future generations. We are both pleased and proud to provide the Book of Memories to the families of our community.

Thank you.

Cancel
Select Candle

Obituary for Reverend Monsignor John A. Close

Reverend Monsignor John A.  Close
Reverend Monsignor John A. Close, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Katharine of Siena Parish, Wayne, died on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

Monsignor Close was born on December 16, 1943, in Paterson, New Jersey. He is the son of the late Richard F. Close and the late Helen T. (Kerwick) Close. Monsignor Close attended Saint Robert’s Parochial School, Chester, and Saint James High School, Chester, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Monsignor Close was ordained on May 17, 1969, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by John Cardinal Krol, and named Honorary Prelate to His Holiness Pope John Paul II on March 14, 1998. Monsignor Close served as Parochial Vicar at Christ the King Parish, Philadelphia. He then served on the faculty of Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield and Saint James Catholic High School for Boys, Chester. He went on to serve as Principal at Saint Pius X High School, Pottstown and Archbishop Wood High School, Warminster. Monsignor Close then served as Pastor, Saint Michael the Archangel Parish, Levittown; Vice Rector for Institutional Advancement, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook. He was appointed Pastor, Cathedral SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Philadelphia. In June 2006, Monsignor Close was appointed Pastor, Saint Katharine of Siena Parish, Wayne, and named Pastor Emeritus there in 2012.

Reception of the Body will be held at Saint Dorothy Church, Drexel Hill, on Monday, March 12, 2018, at 9:00 AM, followed by a viewing. Most Reverend John J. McIntyre will celebrate a Funeral Mass for Monsignor Close at 11:00 AM. Among those concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Richard Maisano, Reverend Charles R. O’Hara and Reverend Matthew Weber, Diocese of Camden. Reverend Monsignor James P. Beisel will be the homilist.

Monsignor Close is survived by his brothers: Richard F. Close, Patrick J. Close and Robert J. Close, his sister: Cathleen M. Skinner and nephews and nieces. Interment will be at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield.
Recently Shared Condolences
Recently Shared Stories
Recently Shared Photos