Lt. Col. Samuel Jay Closkey, U.S. Army-ret., 73, of Ruskin, Fla., passed away March 24, 2016 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

A recipient of the Bronze Star, he served his country honorably in Vietnam, Europe, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and within the U.S.

Sam gregariously enjoyed life through motorcycles, tennis, golf, sailing, fishing, good food, wine, and was an avid reader.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Harriet Jordan; sisters, Carol Macomber and Margaret Brown (Robert); parents-in-law, Harry and Esther Marie Jordan; sister-in-law, Norma Baker (Kris), and his two dogs, Calypso and Jack.

Burial with military honors took place on Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla.

Sam knew no strangers and was a friend to all. He will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to honor his request that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Southeastern Guide Dogs www.guidedogs.org/donate.