Richard (Dick) Lincoln Merritt, loving husband to Betty Merritt (Markham) of Marlborough, died on February 2, 2022 at the age of 86. Richard was the son of Harold and Doris Merritt (Lincoln). He grew up in Coventry, Hartford, and Willington, CT, Richard graduated from Windham HS, and attended UConn before moving to East Hampton where he worked at Palm’s Delicatessen and met the love of his life Betty. They married 60 years ago this coming April and had 2 children, Mark and Rachel.
Richard worked for Food Mart/Waldbaum’s for 35 years as a store manager, district manager, and Director of Loss Prevention and Security in CT and MA. Upon retirement in 1996 he started a second career as “Junk Dealer Extraordinaire” and, with Betty, was a common fixture at auctions, antique shows, tag sales, and especially the Mansfield Flea Market. His sarcastic humor will be missed by many.
Living in Marlborough for 55 years, Richard Merritt was active in the Marlborough Youth Athletic League serving as treasurer for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, world politics, good music, long drives and camping with his family in Maine during the summer. He enjoyed theater and travel, taking retirement cruises to Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean. He mostly enjoyed quality time and conversation with his family as well as the weekly picnics with his wife or a glass of sherry with her on the back deck.
Richard is predeceased by his parents, brothers Arnold Merritt and Phillip Merritt, and grandson, Cameron Merritt. He is survived by his wife, Betty; son, Mark Merritt and daughter-in-law Melanie Merritt of Marlborough; daughter Rachel Rogers and son-in-law Brian Rogers of Ridgefield; and grandchildren Michael Figueiredo of Denver, CO, Elizabeth, Zachary, and Lydia.
If you so choose, in lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Roy B. Pettengill Ambulance Association at PO Box 308, Marlborough, CT. Or A charity of your choice in his memory. Calling hours will be on Friday February 25th, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Spencer Funeral Home 112 Main St in East Hampton, CT. There will be a memorial service on Saturday February 26 at 11:00 am with a reception immediately following at the Marlborough Congregational Church, Marlborough, CT.
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