Obituary: Richard C. Merrill, 90, of East Haven, formerly of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Richard C. Merrill of East Haven, formerly of Branford, died Sunday January 15, 2023 at Connecticut Hospice after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of 70 years to Thelma Dougherty Merrill. Dick was born in New Haven, March 21, 1932, son of the late Roger and Lucille Cosby Merrill. Besides Thelma, he is survived by his sons, Richard P. (Doreen) Merrill of Cheshire, David R. (Lori) Merrill of McCormick, SC, Chris S. (Tina) Merrill of Hopedale, MA, and Michael J. Merrill of Branford; his grandchildren, Bryce, Ryan C., Lexine, Michael (Skye), Clay (Kelley), Patrick, Daria and Daniel Merrill and his great grandson Maverick Merrill. He was predeceased by his brother Roger Merrill.

After one year at the University of Connecticut, Dick decided to serve his country. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, stationed in Germany. Thelma and Dick were married just prior to his deployment and spent two years together in Europe, quite an experience for two 21-year-olds. Dick was a devout Catholic and a long-tome parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Branford. He was the owner of Hub City Terminals for many years until retiring in 1999.

Dick was a graduate of East Haven High School, class of 1950, and was elected to serve at Connecticut Boys State as a sophomore, an accomplishment that he was very proud of. He was an avid sports enthusiast, he played football and basketball in high school. He coached youth baseball for many years in Branford and was President of Branford Junior Baseball. He loved boating and spent hours of enjoyment on the waters of Branford Harbor, Bantam Lake and Coventry Lake, often toting his four sons for water skiing. He was proud of his ability to water ski with a lit cigar in his mouth never getting it wet. His true love was golf and spent many years on the links at New Haven Country Club, where he served as the Membership Chairman, and at the many courses in The Villages, FL, where he enjoyed his retirement years.

He was a true gentleman and made many friends at work and play over the years. He always received compliments for his beautiful blue eyes. He had a wonderful sense of humor and pride in his family. He truly had a life well lived and will be in his family’s hearts forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday February 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford. Visitation prior to the funeral from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home in Branford. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.