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Dennis Alan Merkwan
September 24, 2017

Obituary


Hooksett-----Dennis Alan Merkwan, 69, of Berry Hill Estates, died Sunday afternoon, on September 24, 2017, at Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center in Manchester. He died peacefully with his loving wife, Pam, at his side.

He was born in Laconia, NH, on May 17, 1948, the son of Leonard Merkwan and Aileen (Lacasse) Merkwan, McLetchie, of Belmont, NH. Dennis was educated in Laconia, NH and graduated from Laconia High School in 1966. Upon graduation, he attended the University of New Hampshire, where he earned a bachelors degree in Science and Physics in 1970, and the University of Massachusetts, where he earned a masters degree in Science in 1972.

After graduation he worked as a computer programmer for Allen Rogers from 1978 to1986, and Bedford Data Systems from 1986 to 2000. In 2000 Dennis founded his own company, Granite State Mid-Range Programming, Inc., where he remained until his retirement in 2010, due to illness.

Dennis was diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis in 2005 and valiantly fought the insidious disease for 12 years. With the help of his wife he was able to remain at home until 2016, when he entered Villa Crest Nursing and Retirement Center. He was dearly loved by the staff at Villa Crest where he received exceptional care and made many friends. Pam, and the family, would like to express their sincere gratitude to both the staff at Villa Crest, and Hospice Care, for the wonderful care Dennis received while at Villa Crest.

Dennis was a gentle, kind and soft-spoken man. His first love was his beloved wife Pam, his stepson Eric McGilvreay, and his extended family. He also had a deep love of trains, and was a member of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, as well as the Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society for many years.Of special interest to Dennis was the B&M Railroad’s engine 3821. He enjoyed time spent with other B&M Railroad enthusiasts, especially his friends, Frank, Mack and Doug. Dennis was a strong sports enthusiast. He enjoyed watching hockey and was a loyal Boston Bruins fan. He was also a long-time Red Sox fan and enjoyed playing softball when time allowed.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Pamela (Cummings) Merkwan, of Hooksett,NH; his mother Aileen McLetchie, of Belmont, NH; his step-son Eric McGilvreay and wife Colleen of Raleigh, NC; two grandchildren, Emma and Liam, of Raleigh, NC; two brothers; David Merkwan and wife Wendy of Lakeport, NH, and Douglas Merkwan of Belmont, NH; a sister, Donna Merkwan of Belmont, NH; a niece, Kristen Merkwan of Belmont, NH; a nephew, Adam Merkwan of Lakeport, NH, and extended family of nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his father Leonard Merkwan and brother-in-law, Edward Studly.

A calling hour will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017, from 11:00 – 12:00, using the Carriage House entrance, at the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street Laconia, NH. Pastor Terry Odell will officiate a celebration of life at the funeral home at 12:00. A committal service will follow immediately at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 144 Garfield Street, Laconia, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Dennis Merkwan to:
VNA Hospice Department
Visiting Nurse Association of Manchester & Southern NH
1070 Holt Avenue
Suite 1400
Manchester, NH 03109

The Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements.




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Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com
164 Pleasant Street
Laconia, NH 03246
603-524-4300