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Ralph Merrill Obituary
Born on April 10, 1932, in Thompsonville, Father Merrill graduated from Rockville High School in 1949 and Trinity College in 1953, before attending General Theological Seminary in New York City, from which he graduated in 1956.
Ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1957, Father Merrill was appointed curate at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in New Britain. While there, he met Audrey Neal, whom he married in 1958.
In 1960, Father Merrill was appointed rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Huntington, where he served until 1974, when he became rector of St. James Episcopal Church in New London.
While serving at St. James, Father Merrill co-founded the Covenant Shelter with Fr. Richard Fontaine of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, which still serves the city's homeless population. He was also a member of the New London Rotary Club for many years. Father Merrill retired from St. James in 1995, and was named Rector Emeritus in 1999. He continued to live in New London until the time of his death and was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Niantic. When not traveling with his wife, Father Merrill volunteered at the New London Information Trolley where he enjoyed greeting visitors to the city.
In addition to his wife, Father Merrill is survived by his sister, Anne Larson of Somers; his three children, Ellen, Thomas, and Sarah; and three grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Hazel Merrill, and by a sister and two brothers.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 25, at St. James Episcopal Church Church, 76 Federal St., New London CT 06320 with The Right Reverend James E. Curry, Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut, presiding. His ashes will be committed at a time yet to be determined in St. John's Episcopal Church Memorial Garden in Niantic. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Father Merrill's memory may be made to St. James Church, 76 Federal St., New London CT 06320, St. John's Church, PO Box 810, Niantic CT 06357, or to Covenant Shelter, 42 Jay St., PO Box 1653, New London CT 06320.
Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London, is assisting with the arrangements.
Please visit www.Byles.com for directions or to sign the online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Merrill
December 2, 2011
Our Condolences to the family. We will miss seeing Father Merrill at St. John's in Niantic. He always had a smile on his face, and a gentle way about him.
The Aldrich Family
November 26, 2011
Ralph was a wonderful, loving, kind holy and generous man. I am honored that he was a special friend. He will be missed. Condolences to Audrey and the rest of his famliy. Dennis Vargo
Deborah Salerno Albanese
November 26, 2011
Audrey and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was very sad to hear the news of Ralph's passing. A finer person you couldn't find. He has left his mark on the shoreline community and will never be forgotten. God be with you at this difficult time.
Tony Suarez
November 26, 2011
There are few who would touch someone's heart so deeply like Ralph. His firm , passionate guidance with the Covenant Shelter was a constant. He was a joy to be with and feel his guidance at every sermon. My condolences to his family as I too miss my gentle man friend.
lisa mellow
November 25, 2011
My condolences go out to the Merrill family,He was a kind man who did all for anyone in need.thoughts and prayers go out to you,god bless
The Bond Family
November 25, 2011
Fr.Merrill was a man of infinite wisdom and charm. While we are saddened by his loss, heaven will be richer by his presence. He gave comfort and solace to those who needed him. He will be sadly missed.
Bob Bradshaw
November 25, 2011
Ralph Merrill was a gentleman and a scholar. It was an honor to have known him. My deepest condolences to his family.
Stephanie Collier
November 24, 2011
Dear Merrill family: I feel as though I have lost another member of my family. Rev. Merrill was a kind and truely spiritual man. He was always there when anyone needed him with a warm giant smile or a much needed hug. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
tammy cruz
November 23, 2011
dear merrill family,
i have known Father Merrill my entire life. i grew up as member there with my late
grandmother, eleanor sutton. what a sweet man father
merrill was. i will always
remember him and his smile
and his sense of humor! he
has been a great support to me many times in my past. he
truly loved serving god and people. he will be sadly
missed and forever in my
prayers. may god bless you
during your time of grief.
love,
tammy cruz
Hazel (Nelson) Raynes
November 23, 2011
My family worshipped at St James in the early 80's. Our daughter, Tristan, was bapisted there. I will remember Father Merrill as a man of great faith, kind and loving. God Bless!
Kathleen and Frank Welch
November 23, 2011
Our sincere condolences go out to the Merrill family and their friends. It is humbling to read an obituary such as his. What a sweet man, and what a life devoted to God. We are losing the generation of good souls who not only give so much to God and others, they find time to volunteer to welcome people visiting New London. God bless his sweet soul!
The Holth Family
November 23, 2011
Rev. Merrill was a truly generous and kind man. He was the kind of person we can all aspire to be. Our condolences to the Merrill family. Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Wayne Vendetto Jr
November 23, 2011
My condolences to the Merrill family. Father Merrill was truly one of the good guys.
Kathie Lewis - Cassidy
November 23, 2011
Mrs. Merrill, Ellen, Tom, and Sara -
I was so sad to read of Rev. Merrill's passing. I will always remember the times our families spent on the shores of the Thames River watching the Yale / Harvard races.
There were many times our families were together, but those images have stuck with me. He was a very special man and will be missed. May the good memories keep you going.
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