Frederick Jacob Close III, age 87, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Monday, September 17, 2018 in Geneva. He was born June 27, 1931 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Frederick J. and Lillian (Roberts) Close.

Fred was an international businessman who had the opportunity to travel the world. In the late 1980s he decided to settle in the small town of Madison and with his philanthropic spirit he would lend his talents as an artist. For several decades the people of Madison have enjoyed his sculptures. He loved working with school children as a frequent guest art teacher. Fred was instrumental in bringing the local churches together to create the Madison Food Center and was awarded the 2006 Man of the Year by the Madison Perry Chamber of Commerce for his philanthropic work. He was proud of the work he did to form the Friends of Stanton Park and was a Board Member Emeritus at Rabbit Run Community Arts Association.

He is survived by his wife Angela; daughters: Karen Close and Kate (Joshua) Kislevitz; grandsons: Jacob (Jessica) and Maximilian (Natalie) Kislevitz.

Friends and family will be received from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m.

The family suggests contributions in Freds name to be made to Rabbit Run Community Arts Association, 49 Park Street, Madison, OH 44057; the Madison Food Center, 1954 Hubbard Rd, Madison, OH 44057; or the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Cleveland, 10415 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44106.

Online obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com