Richard E. Merrill

Richard E. Merrill

Concord, NH — Richard E. Merrill, 77, passed away peacefully at home in Concord, on February 8th surrounded by his loving family.

Born in South Waterford, Maine June 11, 1944, the son of Edgar and Margaret (Bell) Merrill. He married his wife, Cynthia (Read) Merrill in 1967 and had two children. He leaves behind his wife Cinny, of 55 years, his daughter Sarah, husband Rick Bragg and their children, Molly and Eben and son John and wife Meghan and their children Read and Lilly. He was lovingly known as Bup to his grandchildren. He was an impressive craftsman, a British car enthusiast and was always willing to lend his skillful hand to help friends, family, and neighbors.

He attended Waterford Memorial School, and graduated from Oxford Hills High School in So Paris, Maine in 1962. He graduated from Keene State College with a Bachelor Degree in Education in 1966 and earned a Masters Degree in Occupational Education from the University of New Hampshire in 1975. His teaching career included 33 years, at Central High School, Manchester NH, Pinkerton Academy, Derry, NH, and at the Junior and Senior High schools in Concord, NH.

He also served as the Department Chairperson for the Industrial Arts and Technology Departments in Concord for over twenty years. He was a member of the Concord Education Association, serving as lead negotiator for over ten years. He was a member of NEA-NH, serving on the Board of Directors and as NEA-NH Budget Chairperson.

He received his commission as a US Army 2nd Lt., in May of 1970 and served on active duty from 1969 through 1972. In September 1972, he joined the United States Army Reserve 76th Division, as a training officer, and later as an instructor at 1034th USAR School. He was assigned to the Army Materiel Command, Alexandria, Va., in the late 70's, serving in numerous assignments within the Army Depot Systems Command during his 28 year career. His military education included the Army Officer Basic Course, the Army Advance Course and is a graduate of the US Army War College. He retired from the Army in 2004 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retirement, he and his wife have enjoyed family reunions, vacations, attending grandchildren's school activities and sporting events, and spending summers at "Ta-Kit-E-Z", their 1911 summer cottage, with friends and family. Together they achieved many items on their bucket list including 49 of our 50 United States and many National/Military Parks. Their international travels included trips to the Bahamas, Canada, China, Russia, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Africa and a 50th wedding anniversary "Grand European Tour" river cruise in June/July of 2017.

He is survived by his 6 brothers and 7 sisters, Robert Merrill (Beth), Beebe, AR; Elizabeth Ouellette (Donald), Eastham, MA; Jane Jones, Norway, ME; Ed Merrill (Sharon), Lee Center, NY; Shirley Merrill, Waterford, ME; Mary Delamater, Oxford, ME; Russ Merrill (Martha), Harrison, ME; Ray Merrill (Dorene), Waterford, ME; Gail Merrill, Waterford ME; Bill Merrill (Penny), South Paris, ME; Karen Hill (Herb), Norway, ME; Marcia Butters (John), Waterford, ME; Jim Merrill, Waterford, ME; sister-in-law Judy Read, Hutchinson, MN; sister-in-law Michel Read, Fairbanks, AL and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother-in-law Ken Read of Carrollton TX, brother-in-law Robert Jones, Norway ME, sister-in-law Joyce Keating and husband Dick, Yonkers NY; brother-in-law Chris Read, Fairbanks, AL.

At Richard's request, graveside services will be held on June 17th, 3 pm at the NH Veterans Cemetery, DW Highway, Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Richard's memory to the Granite VNA Hospice Program, 30 Pillsbury Street, Concord, NH 03301 or online at www.granitevna.org/donate.

The Waters Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.