BROWN, J. Merritt, 71 of Dover, MA, died peacefully July 29th, surrounded by his family following complications from recent surgery. Merritt led a distinguished career in the healthcare industry throughout New England and abroad, including senior positions at Framingham Union Hospital (now Metro West) in Framingham, MA; the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, MA; and most recently as CEO of University Medical Group in Providence, RI. Of his many accomplishments, he was responsible for initiating one of the first smoke-free hospital policies, the creation of MetroWest Cancer Care Center and the establishment of Lahey Clinic North.
Although he had many professional accomplishments, Merritt was most proud of the family he built with his loving wife, Carol, whom he met at the University of Connecticut. His children will always remember him as a patient teacher and a man who gave of himself for the benefit of his family and others close to him. He worked tirelessly up to his final days to be there for his family. Most importantly, he displayed for them the standard of determination, integrity, honesty and compassion, he brought to each of his endeavors.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years and best friend, Carol; his children Jay ( wife Monique) of Mansfield Center, CT, Pamela Nardell (husband Carl) of Santa Barbara, CA, Carl (wife Elizabeth) of Brooklyn, NY, and the late Cara Rogers (husband Allan B. Jr). of Rye Beach, NH; and his grandchildren Carolyn, Katie, Dani, Phoebe and Oscar. He is also survived by his sister, Julia Brown, his brother Joseph Brown and preceded by his brother, Robert Brown. He leaves behind a large extended family. Originally from Storrs, CT, he was the son of the late Joseph & Julia Brown.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 10 AM, on Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 at the Church of the Most Precious Blood, 30 Centre Street, DOVER. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to further the research of Dr. Yi-Bin Chen may be made in his recently passed daughter’s name, Cara Jean Rogers to the MGH BMT Discovery Fund, Attn: Heidi Bergmeyer, Mass General Development Office, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.