Derald Leo Demerchant

Derald DeMerchant passed away (peacefully) on 4/5/2025 in Bozrah, CT. Derald is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sydna (nee McGarrigle). Derald and Sydna were married on June 22, 1957 in their home town of Fort Fairfield, Maine.

Derald was born on June 9, 1931, the son of the late Oscar and Iva DeMerchant. He was one of 8 siblings, born on a farm with no running water or electricity, in Fort Fairfield, a rural northern Maine farming community during the Great Depression.

After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served for three years. He did time in Korea during the war years of 1952-1953 working as a medic in a MASH unit, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, he worked at Pratt and Whitney and enrolled at Quinnipiac College where he earned his bachelor's degree. He went on to earn a Masters degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University. He also attended the University of Hartford where he received his certification in Administration and Supervision.

In 1958 he moved to Terryville, CT where he spent his entire educational career, beginning his teaching career at the Plymouth Elementary school, concluding with 22 years as principal of the Harry S. Fisher Middle School. Derald and Sydna relocated to Bozrah in 2020 to be closer to family.

Derald believed in serving his community and did so as a member of numerous organizations in Terryville. He and Sydna lived in Terryville for 62 years. He served on the library board, was a long-time member of the Republican town committee, the zoning commission, was the chairman of the first police commission in Plymouth, and chaired the Board of Education after his retirement. Derald was also a long-time member of the local American Legion and V.F.W.

Derald, known as Dave to his friends, enjoyed traveling, spending much time in Florida, the Boston south shore area, the lakes region of New Hampshire and northern Maine. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had a deep feeling of the importance of family. He was a strong believer in education for all. He was an accomplished carpenter and many of his hobbies revolved around that skill. Derald loved his Boston Red Sox as well as the Cleveland Browns, and tailgating at Harvard-Yale football games. He loved playing card games of all kinds. He was well liked, had many friends, and was a memorable "character" by all who knew him, and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife Sydna, Derald is survived by son Mark and wife Carole of Norwich, CT, grandchildren Mandy, Eric and Tyler; and son Grant and wife Suzanne of Southington, CT. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Winsted and Donald, and sisters Pearl, Geraldine, Beryl, Avis and Shirley.