Charles "Charlie" R. Merriam

Charlie was born at Cape Cod Hospital on August 3, 1948. Raised on Cape Cod, Charlie was passionate about his traditions related to Cape lifestyle, including clamming, lobstering, and camping on Sandy Neck Beach. Charlie loved to create gifts and other projects involving natural Cape Cod artifacts such as driftwood and sea clams shells. After graduating from Sandwich High School in 1966, he enlisted in the U.S Marine Corps. He serviced courageously and proudly for his country during the Vietnam War. Charlie continued to honor his Marine service, throughout his life, living with honor and love of family and country. He would always fly the Marine flag and the “POW Never Forget” flag at home and alongside his camper.

Once out of the service, he began working for Paul Bousfield Backhoe service, and then owned and operated Merriam Backhoe Service for 35 years.

Charlie was a hands-on grandfather to Alexa, and Alyssa. They tagged along with him on many adventures. He was their guide to learning about clamming and steaming them in fresh bay water or cooking his clam pies. He taught them how to build the perfect bonfire, and so much more.

Charlie’s son, Charlie Jr. had to travel from the south to visit, but when he was able to, Charlie enjoyed his family, especially when they could join the annual pig roasts. Anyone that camped on Sandy Neck Beach, most likely new Charlie! He was a staple on that strip of land since he was a young boy. Charlie had his special “SNK Family” who will miss him greatly and will share many stories of his shenanigans throughout those years. Charlie will be remembered by so many, especially for the annual Pig Roast that he and Ann threw each year on “The Third Saturday” of September. Townies and new friends alike would come for the traditional feast and laughter.

Charlie is survived by his wife Ann (Mello) of 48 years, her son Jason, who he raised with love from childhood, he was so proud that Jason served 24 years in the U.S Army. Jason’s wife Kelli of Florida, his children Alexa Strawn (Jess), Alyssa Dalton (Jim), Christopher, and Matthew Strawn. Son Charlie and his wife Julie and their children, Marcus, Tre and Lacy of Virginia. Daughters Jerri-Jo and Carla and their families, of VA. Mother in-law Joan Mello of Fairhaven, niece Amanda Pederzani (Plymouth), several sister and brother in-laws and their families.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents C. Ronald and Blanche Merriam. His sister, Debra Merriam, and father in-law John Mello of Fairhaven.

The family would like to thank the Cardiac Team, Nurses, and staff, at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, for the care they gave to Charlie throughout the years, from his heart transplant in 2013 until his final days. Charlie offered to be an organ donor which the staff who found, very heroic of him. He was always so grateful for the family that donated their loved one’s heart to him.

Visitation will be held 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. February 27, 2026 at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home 40 MacArthur Blvd. Bourne. Burial at the Massachusetts National at 11:15 a.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026 from 1-4pm at the American Legion, 20 Main St. Sandwich, MA 02563.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Military Friends Foundation at Militaryfriends.org or a Veterans foundation of your choice.