Merrill R. Zwicker

of Leominster; 88

LEOMINSTER -- Merrill R. Zwicker, 88 years old, of Leominster died Sunday, September 9, 2012 at River Terrace Healthcare in Lancaster. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Mary D. (Weir) Zwicker, 4 daughters Linda Wilson of Mechanicsville, VA, Cynthia Zwicker of Ashby, Marlene Bardsley of Port St. John, FL and Laurie Courtney of Fitchburg, 4 sons Guy Zwicker of Dracut, James Zwicker of Fitchburg, Merrill Zwicker of Cheektowaga, NY and Scott Zwicker of Leominster, 2 sisters Marion Weeden of Oklahoma and Dawn Lee Lowe of Ohio, 16 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by 2 grandchildren.

Merrill was born Wilson's Beach, Campobello Island, N.B., Canada on October 12, 1923, son of Guy and Myrtle (Brown) Zwicker and lived in Leominster most of his life. He graduated from Leominster High School in 1941 and was a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked as a tool & die maker for many years. He was a member of the Leominster Lodge of Elks, the Leominster AMVETS, the Leominster Sportsmen's Club, and was a member and past president of the Leominster Eagles. In his younger years, Merrill was an outstanding baseball player, playing on the U. S. Navy team and had a tryout with the Boston Red Sox.

ZWICKER -- A private burial service will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon. There are no calling hours. The Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster is assisting the family with arrangements. www.richardsonfuneralhome.net