William Roorebach Closs

Lieutenant Colonel

William Roorebach Closs

U.S. Army, Retired William Roorebach Closs, LTC, U.S. Army (retired), age 79, died on October 14, 2010, at his home in Manassas, Virginia. He was born on August 17, 1931, in Sparta, New Jersey, son of the late Edwin and Ruth (Anderson) Closs.

Bill Closs was a devoted Catholic and a true family man, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. His life was significant to many people, but most of all to his large extended family. Bill touched many lives and everyone he touched was positively impacted. He was a U.S. Army Veteran who served our nation for 22 years, with service that included multiple tours in Vietnam and overseas. During Bill's distinguished career, he received many awards to include the Bronze Star.

He was preceded in death by his son, Eric; his parents; two sisters; one brother and his first wife, Alice Gray Closs. Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, COL (retired) Virginia Marie Closs of Manassas, Virginia; seven children: James Closs of Hampton, Virginia; Leslie Blessing and husband, James, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; COL Thomas Closs and wife, Christina, of Richmond, Kentucky; Patrick Closs and wife, Alisa, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Tyler Closs and wife, Susannah, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Susan Suckfiel and husband, Eric, of Bristow, Virginia; and Michelle Closs of Manassas, Virginia; 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 20, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., where a rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m. A memorial mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, Virginia, on Thursday, October 21, 2010, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Francis J. Peffley officiating. A Mass of Christian burial will be said at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Thursday, January 20, 2011, at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on January 20 at 3 p.m. with full military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Building Fund, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, Virginia 20155, in loving memory of LTC William R. Closs. Condolences may be sent to: www.piercefh.com.





This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).