How to recover iPad after forgetting iCloud password and closed email account?

An AppleID (now known as an Apple Account) is intended to be used for life, with account details being updated as necessary to accommodate life's changes as they occur; a change of email address is a relatively common event.

Presumably you have encountered an Activation Lock - for which you will require the AppleID account credentials last used to successfully activate the iPad. If you are using the same AppleID Account Account, this should be straightforward - however, if you have since started using a completely different Apple Account, you must use the credentials of the Apple Account that was used to activate the device.

If the email address associated with the AppleID Account is no longer accessible, you may encounter difficulties.

Activation Lock

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be satisfied:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.

If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have introduced a portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.

Apple Account (AppleID)

You may need your AppleID and associated password. If these have also been forgotten, they can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com

To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to one of the following:

• Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
• Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
• Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID

More information about recovery of your AppleID and associated Password:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

Apple Account Maintenance

To reiterate, an AppleID account is intended to be used for life. If you need to change the primary email address that identifies your account, or your secondary (recovery) email addresses or trusted telephone numbers, you simply need to update your AppleID account as necessary.

Change your Apple ID - Apple Support

Change your Apple ID password - Apple Support

What to do after you change your Apple ID or password - Apple Support

Change, add, or remove Apple ID payment methods - Apple Support

Few of us will have the luxury of forever keeping the same email addresses or telephone numbers - sometimes these needing to be changed for a variety of reasons. However, updating our Apple Account (AppleID), maintaining access to our data and purchases, is easy and relatively straightforward - accommodating life’s many changes as they occur. Using a completely different AppleID can introduce many complications and issues, not limited to losing access to paid Apps, subscriptions and services - these being forever tied to the Apple Account from which they were purchased.

Go to an Apple Store with the iPad recite and they will help you with this problem.