The Groom's Page

Vincent David Close was born on October 25, 1970 at Ashtabula General Hospital to David and Simone Close. His parents still live in the house they built in Ashtabula in 1978. Vinnie also has a younger brother Andrew, who lives with his wife Kelly in North Royalton, OH.

Vinnie attended State Road Elementary, Columbus Junior High School and then Harbor High School, graduating in 1989. He then went on to John Carroll University for his undergraduate degree in Computer Science. He graduated in 1993, and began working for Barudan America, Inc., a manufacturer of embroidery and monogramming equipment, in the fall of that year. He is still active in activities at John Carroll, as the alumni Webmaster and serving on the National Alumni Association Executive Board, with responsibilities for Reunion Weekend. Vinnie also owns his own mobile disc jockey service, Jukebox Music D.J. Service, and teaches computer classes for Hudson Community Education and Recreation.

Renee is always joking with him for his obsession with Cleveland sports, as the two attend approximately 20 Cleveland Indians games a year. It is his goal to some day attend a game in every major league city (the count is up to 17 parks, past and present!). Vinnie has also done his fair share of travel, having visited 28 states and seven countries. He enjoys Lionel Trains, baseball cards, classic video games, and anything to do with Pooh's nemesis, Tigger.