WEBSTER - James A. Merritt, Sr., 68, of Kenneth Avenue, passed away Saturday, October 24, in Merrimack Valley Hospital, Haverhill, MA after a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family.
He leaves his wife of 46 years, Patricia A. (Lubecki) Merritt; 3 children, Barbara A. Devish and James A. Merritt, Jr., both of Webster, and Stephen A. Merritt of Dudley; 3 grandchildren, Donald Devish, Jr., Jake Merritt and Lauren Merritt; 2 sisters, Dora McLawhorn and Vida Dorn, wife of Kenneth Dorn, all of Virginia Beach, VA; nephews and nieces. His oldest sister, Nita Overton, also of Virginia Beach, died earlier this year.
He was born and raised in Columbia, NC, the only son of George and Ida Mae (Ainsley) Merritt. He moved to Elizabeth City, NC in 1954. After serving in the United States Navy, he and his wife moved and resided in Webster for 45 years.
Mr. Merritt began his printing career in 1965 at the Chase Paper Co. in Westboro. He held various positions throughout his career, retiring in 2003 as shipping manager for Checkerboard, Ltd., in West Boylston.
He enjoyed watching Westerns of the John Wayne era, playing cards with family and friends, and family gatherings. He was devoted to his wife, to his children and especially to his grandchildren. He was best known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.
The funeral will be held Friday, October 30, from the Sitkowski & Malboeuf Fuenral Home, 340 School Street, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will provide the military honors at the cemetery. Calling hours are from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, October 29, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the James A. Merritt, Sr. Memorial Fund, c/o Webster 5 Cents Savings Bank, 136 Thompson Road, Webster, MA 01570 to be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association.