Rev. Wallace Merdinyan

1925 - 2017

New London - Rev. Wallace Merdinyan, 92, of New London, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, at his home.

He was born in Pawtucket, R.I., on March 5, 1925, son of the late Ardashes H. and Jeanette M. (Ohlinger) Merdinyan. Rev. Wallace was a graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. He went on to be the pastor at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Mountain Lakes, N.J. until 1958 when he moved to New London to become pastor at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. He stayed there until 1997, then becoming the visitation pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Meriden.

Rev. Wallace is survived by his brother, Stuart Merdinyan and his wife, Elaine; companion and caregiver, Steven Lanphear Sr.; nieces, Lane Newman, Joanne Blake, Paula Meridan, Nancy Tashjian, and H. Jeanne Hill; and nephews, Dave and Mark Merdinyan. He is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews.

Rev. Wallace was predeceased by his brothers, Edward (Gladys), William (Gertrude) and Phillip (Marjorie) Merdinyan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Rev. Wallace's Eucharist celebration at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 31 Cedar Grove Ave., New London. Visitation with Rev. Wallace's family will take place from 9 to 10 a.m., in the church. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rev. Wallace's name may be made to Wheat Ridge Ministries, One Pierce Place, Suite 250E, Itasca, IL 60143-2634. Those donations will be used for medical missionary work.

To share a condolence with his family, please visit www.beecherandbennett.com.