RICHARD MERYMAN

MERYMAN--Richard, 88, a LIFE magazine writer who pioneered the art of taped interviews, died in Manhattan on February 5. By excising his questions, he created vividly candid magazine monologues by Marilyn Monroe, Laurence Olivier, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Louis Armstrong, and his life-long friend, Andrew Wyeth. Many interviews became books such as Andrew Wyeth: A Secret Life (1996). Raised in Dublin, NH, he graduated from Andover and Williams College, was an All-American lacrosse player, and a WWII Navy ensign. His first wife, artist Hope Brooks, died in 1975. He married Elizabeth Burns, an art consultant, in 1980. Along with his wife, he is survived by four children Meredith, Helena, Ned, Christopher and their spouses, and six beloved grandchildren. Plus innumerable friends-too many to count, much less name. A tribute will be held Saturday February 14, 3:30pm at 91 Horatio Street.