Richard E. Merrill Jr.

Richard E. Merrill Jr. of Bristol, VT passed away peacefully at home,
surrounded by family and friends on Friday, July 17, 2020 after a long
illness.  He was born in Henniker, NH, November 7, 1938.   Dick was a
First-Class Boy Scout and graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont,
NH, Class of 1957.  He served as a Private First Class in the U.S. Army
Reserves from 1956 to 1963.  Dick was employed at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
located in East Hartford, CT for thirty-eight years.  He was raised to
Sublime Master Mason in 1987 in Manchester Lodge #73, Manchester, CT.  He
was a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Burlington, a
Noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in
Rutland, VT, a Past Master of the Libanus Lodge #47 F.&A.M., a volunteer
coordinator for Greater Middlebury and Greater Bristol Meals on Wheels, and
a member of the Mini-Monster Unit of Cairo Temple.  Dick was raised to the
Right Worshipful District Deputy Grand Master for Vermont District #3.  
Dick is survived by his significant other and soulmate Linda L. Hekkala.  He
was predeceased by his father, Richard E. Merrill Sr., and his mother,
Myrtle (Crane) Merrill, as well as his two sons, Robert Merrill Wendus and
Charles LaBonte Merrill.
He is survived by two sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Charland and spouse Thomas
Charland, Claremont, NH and Lynette Bangs and spouse Joseph Bangs, San
Antonio, TX.  Surviving children include son Michael Merrill Wendus his wife
Angela, son Robert LaBonte Merrill his wife Mary, son Stephen LaBonte
Merrill his wife Linda.  He is survived by eight Grandchildren and many
Nieces and Nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Libanus Masonic Lodge #47 located at
2 Elm Street, Bristol, VT at 11:00 on Saturday July 25, 2020 and are open to
the public. Please bring a mask for the service.
Family suggests memorials be made to the Masonic Temple and/or the Eastern
Star. To send online condolences to his family please visit
www.brownmcclayfuneral.com