Robert Merriman

Robert Smith Merriman, 96, of Burlington, died on Tuesday (March 3, 2015). Born in Bristol, Bob was the youngest of four sons of the late George and Rachel (Harper) Merriman. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1940 and served in the South Pacific in WW II, holding the rank of Army Captain. After the war, he was employed by the New Departure Division of GM. In 1950, he married Carmen Valentine and they moved to Burlington. In the mid-1960s, Bob changed careers and served as Director of Public Relations and Development of St Joseph College, after which he established and served as Executive Director of the Coordinating Council for Foundations (CCFF) in Hartford. Retiring from CCFF in the late 1970s, Bob and Carmen started and grew a nursery/landscape business. A born naturalist, he was a keen observer of flora and fauna. With his wife and children, he spent countless hours hiking, camping, canoeing throughout New England, the US, Canada and Alaska. A kayaking trip with Carmen in 1988 found them exploring several remote rivers in China. The family summered at a cabin in a remote bay of Lake Huron, and, for years, skied the slopes and backwoods of New England. During his lifetime, Bob helped to found or to serve many community organizations in the area. He helped raise funds for the Burlington Library to acquire a permanent location; founded and served on the board of the Friends of Sessions Woods; was an original founder of Main Street Community Foundation; and most recently, founded and nurtured the Burlington Bell Community Fund. An avid reader, Bob joined a local book group and also studied world affairs, history, nature, travel and the interests that his family members were pursuing. He is survived by his daughter Valentine and her husband Robert Murray; daughter-in-law Migdalia; son David and fiancée Lisa Barondes; son Macy and his wife Bernadette, as well as 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his wife Carmen and son Jeffrey. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday (April 12, 2015) at 1 PM at the New England Carousel Museum, 95 Riverside Ave., Bristol. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Merriman Family Fund or Burlington Bell Community Fund, C/O Main Street Community Foundation, 120 Halcyon Dr., Bristol, CT 06010, or to the Friends of Sessions Woods, PO Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol is assisting the family. Please visit Bob's memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.