Noel Henry Merrihew, III

Noel Henry Merrihew, III passed away Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Noel was born in Elizabethtown on December 7, 1953 to Dr. Noel H. Merrihew, Jr. and Doris Hicks Merrihew. He was the third of their four children. He grew up on River Street and had many entertaining stories of his childhood adventures with his siblings and neighborhood friends.

Noel graduated from Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School in 1972. His school years were defined by friends, athletics, and adolescent antics (to describe it diplomatically).

He had a short, yet memorable stint at SUNY Cobleskill before joining the US Army. After achieving his certification as a medical lab technician, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado where he worked at an army hospital. Upon completion of his service, he returned home to Elizabethtown, where he worked in the lab at the Community Hospital. Years later, Noel amused his doctors and other medical staff with tales of hospital work in the "old days".

While working at the hospital, Noel took classes at SUNY Plattsburgh, receiving his bachelor's degree of science in chemistry. Upon receiving his degree, he left the hospital to become a salesman, selling John Deere heavy equipment for Schroon Lake Tractors. He often described this transition as an example of how "life is funny". He spent the mid 1980s - mid 90s traveling all over the North Country, selling yellow tractors and making friends.

When Schroon Lake Tractors was bought by KC Canary, he stayed in the business for a few more years before taking a position with A Johnson Lumber Company. Besides opening and closing the gate for lumber deliveries, his job duties were vague so this era is referred to by his children as "the gatekeeper years". In true Noel fashion, he enjoyed this work as much as any other and became friends with a new set of customers and co-workers.

In 2001, Noel was elected to the office of Supervisor for the Town of Elizabethtown, a position he held for 20 years. He found great personal satisfaction in serving his community and assisting community members through difficulties. He took pride in being fiscally conservative and was always mindful of his responsibility to the taxpayers. He especially enjoyed representing the Town on the Essex County Board of Supervisors.

Over the years, Noel was a member of various community boards and organizations, most notably: Elizabethtown Community Hospital, Elizabethtown - Lewis Youth Commission, Elizabethtown United Church of Christ, Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club, and Essex County American Legion Post 551. He also served as Town Assessor from 1992 to 2001.

However, of all the roles he held in his lifetime, his undisputed favorite was that of family man. He greatly enjoyed being Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle. His playful personality, devilish wit, and mischievous streak made him a favorite amongst youngsters and the young at heart. He had the ability to turn mundane chores into playtime. He was the best Easter egg hider, never above giving hints in exchange for candy. He was a shameless card cheat, just to keep you on your toes. He was fun and funny, quick with a laugh and full of anecdotes. He always made time for the kids.

Noel loved his family and his community. He had a strong sense of civic and personal duty but remained unassuming and kind. He made friends easily and maintained relationships with an eclectic group of individuals. He was an optimist, who always counted his blessings and saw the silver linings in his disappointments. He was one of a kind, unique and irreplaceable. He will be deeply missed by his friends and loved ones.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Hedy; his daughter Chelsea and son in-law Ryan; his son Noel Hartley and daughter in-law Sara; and his grandchildren Samantha, William, and Audie.

His absence will be felt by his sisters and their husbands, Marsha and Ken, and Karen and Jack; his sister in-law Suzie; his Hume in-laws; and his nieces and nephews, each with their own Uncle Noel bestowed nickname.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Greg, and too many friends.

A visitation will be held on November 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, NY. Following the visitation, a reception will take place at the parish hall at 3:00 PM.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick Funeral Home, PO Box 188, Elizabethtown, NY 12932.