Merrill Bruce Stickler

Merrill Bruce Stickler, 95, passed away on Monday, June 30 at his residence in Dedham, surrounded by family.
He was born and raised in Boston by his parents, Hyman and Lillian Stickler, and was a proud big brother to Barry and Brian. He met his future wife, Harriet, when he was 19 and she was 17. They wrote to each other every day during his two tours of duty in the Army. He loved sharing stories of his time as a Cavalry Trooper and served in the 101st Airborne Division. He also served as a photographer, a passion and profession he continued for most of his life. They married in 1953 and later moved to Stoughton where they raised their four children.
Merrill was active in the local community and was instrumental in building the new synagogue for Ahavath Torah Congregation. In the 1970's he started a 25-plus year career in convention services. Merrill took great pride in his children and grandchildren's accomplishments and enjoyed some memorable trips with his wife to Israel and to Alaska. Later, Merrill was a devoted caregiver to his beloved Harriet until her passing in 2015, the last chapter in their 66-year love story.
Merrill is survived by his children, Susan Altshuler and her husband Barry, Lauren Stickler and her husband David Guillette, Nancy Weihrauch and her husband Erick, and Lee Stickler and his partner Jay Levy; grandchildren Nathan, Gayle and Emma; sister-in-law Reva Stickler, brother-in-law Mike Malone, and many cherished nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Brian Stickler and Barry Stickler.
Graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 3 at 10am at Lindwood Memorial Park, 497 North Street, Randolph. Memorial observance will be held at the family home in Stoughton following interment Thursday until 8pm and continuing Friday from 1pm to 8pm.
Donations in Merrill's memory may be made to Lifeworks Development, 789 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA 02090 or online at https://lifeworksarc.org