Robert F Merritt

ROBERT F. MERRITT SOUTH HADLEY - Robert Fisher Merritt, 91, of South Hadley, died at home on June 24, 2017. Mr. Merritt was the devoted husband of the late Patricia Scudder Merritt, to whom he was married for 63 years. He is survived by his son, Frederic Merritt, his daughter, Grace Merritt Briccetti, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Mr. Merritt was born at home in Hackettstown, New Jersey, on August 6, 1925, to Frederic and Helen Merritt. He served his country in Europe during World War II, after which he attended Lehigh University on the GI bill, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He had an extensive career in the copper wire industry, and served as chief engineer at Revere Copper & Brass in Rome, New York, Nonotuck Manufacturing Company in South Hadley, and Leonische of America in Chicopee. Mr. Merritt was an avid musician who sang in the South Hadley Chorale and Springfield Symphony Chorus for many years. He also wrote poetry and was a lifelong clarinetist. He was a competitive long-distance cyclist, winning state championships in the Massachusetts and Connecticut Senior Olympic games. He was actively involved for many decades at Center Church in South Hadley, serving on every board and committee, and singing in the choir. Mr. Merritt was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He had a profound impact on his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and community. A funeral service will be held at Center Church, One Church Street, South Hadley, MA 01075, on July 29, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mr. Merritt�s name to Center Church. Please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com for more details.