Joseph C. Merriam, Jr. died after a period of declining health, on September 28, 2011 at his residence in Framingham. Born July 7, 1922, he was the son of the late Joseph C. Merriam, Sr. and Dorothy Heafield Merriam. He attended Jonathan Maynard School in Framingham, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Harvard University, and received his M.D. from Boston University Medical School. He worked for the Veterans Administration as a research pathologist for many years until his retirement in 1986. Dr. Merriam was a distinguished scholar of classics and history, and a member of the Speckled Band, the Boston division of the Baker Street Irregulars, a national club devoted to the study of Sherlock Holmes. He loved nature, long walks, and his hometown of Framingham. He is survived by eight nieces and nephews At Dr. Merriam’s request, services will be private. Arrangements are under the care and direction of MetroWest Funeral and Cremation Service, Framingham.
