Wilber Merritt

HOLYOKE- Wil E. Merritt, 80, passed away on Monday March 4, 2013 at Holyoke Medical Center. He was born in Frankton, Indiana on July 29, 1932 a son of the late Paul and Ruby (Davis) Merritt. He enlisted in the US. Air Force as a young man and served at Westover Air Base as a fuels mechanic from 1952-1956. While serving in Chicopee he met his wife, Irene (Roberge) Merritt and the couple recently celebrated over 60 years together this August. Wil served overseas in England for a period of time before his discharge from the US Air Force. Returning stateside he worked for several years at the former AMF lanes on Appleton Street as the manager before enlisting in the Seabees in 1968. Wil served honorably in Vietnam, the South Pacific and retired from the US Navy in 1977 while being stationed in Puerto Rico as a heavy equipment operator. Most recently he was employed at Universal Forest Products in Belchertown as an escort dedicating over 30 years to the company. Wil loved working, being an umpire and celebrating with his family, especially on Halloween. He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife and cruising partner Irene; his three sons, Bob Merritt of Northampton, MA; Kevin Merritt of Feeding Hills, MA; Gary Merritt of Enfield, CT; six adored grandchildren and two cherished great grandchildren. He is survived by two brothers, Larry and David Merritt of Anderson, Indiana. Wil also leaves his many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013 from 4-7 PM at Messier Funeral Home, 1944 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. The funeral ceremony will begin at 8:30 AM on Friday, March 8, 2013 from the funeral home and be followed by the burial with military honor in the chapel of The Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001. If friends desire, memorial donations in Wil’s name may be made to the Holyoke Soldiers Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Please visit www.messierfuneralhome.com for more details.