Harry H. Merkel

Harry H. Merkel, 86, died Monday, August 27, 2007 from lung cancer. He was the husband of Nancy V. (Ellis) Merkel and the late Frances (Rickard) Merkel. He leaves three children, Andrea F. McLean and her husband, Weldon of Ashland, MA, Glenn B. Merkel and his wife, Linda of New Braintree, MA, and Janis E. Ward and her husband, Noel of Amherst, N.H; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was born in Ludlow, MA, son of Oswald Merkel and Lena (McRobbie) Merkel. He graduated from Ludlow High School and Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Mr. Merkel was employed by Mercury Company of Norwood for 36 years retiring as Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Mr. Merkel served in World War II as a torpedo and gunnery officer in the Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander and was awarded numerous medals and ribbons for his service in the Southwest Pacific Surface Combat Task Forces.

Mr. Merkel was an accomplished watercolorist upon retirement and was a member of The Creative Arts Center in Chatham, The Guild of Chatham Painters, and the Cape Cod Art Association. He was also a member of the Barber Shop Harmony Society and sang with the several well known choruses. He also presented illustrated lectures of PT boat operations in the Southwest Pacific during World War II and was a member of The Weston Military History Group.

Visiting hours will be held at Doane Beal and Ames Funeral Home in West Harwich, MA on Thursday, August 30th from 11:30-1:00 concluding with funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Burial for immediate family members will be held at Otis National Cemetery on September 4th.