Derek DJ Merrell

Derek J. "DJ" Merrell, 17, of Manchester, passed away at his home on September 29, 2018, after a long childhood illness, severe cerebral palsy. He was born in Manchester on July 19, 2001, the son of William Merrell and Colleen Hernandez. He was a junior at Manchester West High School. He loved watching cartoons, especially Sponge Bob and Paw Patrol. Family members include his mother, Colleen Hernandez and her husband Jose of Manchester; his father, William Merrell and his wife Lauren of Bedford; his maternal grandmother, Elaine Sharples and partner John Lavallee of Manchester; his paternal grandmother, Janice Gadwah of Manchester; two brothers, Donnie Myers of Manchester and Hunter Merrell of Bedford; four sisters, Tasha Long of VT, Tayler Merrell of Bedford, Destiny Hernandez of Manchester, and Alexis Hernandez of Manchester; three aunts, Denise Carter, Tina Gonzalez and Tabatha Santiago; nephews, nieces, uncles, and cousins. He also leaves behind his long-time nurse, caregiver, and friend, Patricia Greene. A memorial gathering will take place at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Ave, Manchester, on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 PM in the funeral home. To view an online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or make donations in DJ memory to Make A Wish Foundation, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net