Donald J. Close, 86, of Whitehall, died Dec. 26, 2013, in Whitehall.

Born in Whitehall, he was a son of the late Richard V. and Florence (Ellwood) Close.

He earned bachelor's and master's degrees fron Penn State University.

A World War II veteran, he was a corporal in the Army Air Corps and later served in the Navy.

He was a hydrologist-in-charge for the National Weather Service, Ohio River Forecast Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, retiring in 1989. He served in the Peace Corps from 1962 to 1964. He was a past treasurer of the Coplay-Whitehall Sewer Authority.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception BVM Catholic Church, Allentown.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Calvary Council #528, Allentown; the Allentown Fireman's Relief Association; and the former Haraguri Club, Allentown.

He is survived by two sisters, Florence A. Close and Mary R. Yudt, both of Whitehall; nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; great-great-nieces; and great-great-nephews.

He was predeceased by a brother, Charles Close.

Contributions may be made to the church or to St. Peter's Church, both c/o the funeral home, 327 Chestnut St., Coplay, 18037.

Arrangements were made by Hauke Funeral Home Inc.