Francis X. Closter III

Francis X. Closter, III, age 63, died unexpectedly on May 27, 2011. He was the loving husband of Barbara Frey of Haddam. He was born in Dorchester, Mass. on October 7, 1947 and was the son of Eleanor E. Closter and the late Francis X. Closter, Jr. Frank is survived by his children, Matthew and Erika Closter, and three grandchildren, Jasper, Kai Ipo Mai, and Cedar. He was the brother of Susan Closter-Godoy of Middletown, R.I., Thomas Closter of Danbury, and Robert Closter of Block Island, R.I. Frank was predeceased by Shannon Driscoll, a daughter, and David, a brother. Frank was educated at Fairfield Preparatory School and graduated from Fairfield University in 1969. He received a master's degree from the University of Bridgeport. He worked for several years at Assumption College and was involved in research and teaching as well as training and development. His career also included 36 years as a Vocational Rehabilitation Senior Counselor with the Connecticut Department of Social Services. He had retired in 2003. Frank loved life, lived it fully, finding joy in favorite pastimes and always eager to discover a new adventure and experience. He was a scholar and an avid reader; he was an athlete and a coach; he was creative and had a gift for woodworking. Frank mastered the challenges of many sports, active physical ones as well as games that were intellectually stimulating. From a young age, Frank had a passion for sailing, responded as "Captain," and cherished memories of offshore racing and sailing in Long Island Sound. Skiing was a passion for many years that was replaced by golf. When his children were growing up, Frank shared his enthusiasm with them and also spent many years coaching softball and soccer in the town of Madison, all the time being his children's fan and supporter. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at First Church of Christ Congregational UCC, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107 on Sunday, June 12 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to he American Diabetes Association, 2080 Silas Dean Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 or to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Street, Building #3, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Please indicate in a note or on the check memo line, "in memory of Francis X. Closter III." For directions and online condolences, please visit www.taylorandmodeen.com.