His parents, Burton K. and Marjorie L. (Hill) Merrifield, welcomed their son into the world on February 15, 1954 in Willimantic, Conn. Richard was a graduate of Coventry High School where he was an avid soccer player, participating on the high school’s junior varsity and varsity teams.
Devoted to helping those in need, Richard worked as a mental healthcare worker with the State of Connecticut for many years. He was especially proud of his service as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Coventry Fire Department. He was a volunteer for 40 years, starting when he was just 16.
Richard resided in Buena Vista, Colorado for several years before moving to Winchester, where he has enjoyed the area’s wildlife and natural beauty for the past three years.
He was an avid hiker and mountain climber, having summited all peaks of the White Mountains. His favorite was Mount Washington which he climbed 19 times during all four seasons.
Richard was a true animal lover. He kept the wild birds well-fed all year and found joy in watching them. He had dogs all his adult life and had a special fondness for Bassett Hounds. He leaves behind his loving pups, Bonnie, Manitou and Maggie.
He will be missed by many, especially his wife of four years, Marjorie (Pekkala) Merrifield of Winchester; his siblings, Kenneth M. of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Robert M. of the Netherlands, Stephen M. of Hebron, CT, Kay Leach of Manchester, CT; and treasured friends and their families, Norman Potter, John Lavoie, Donald Griffin, and Roger Marinelli, all residents of Connecticut.
For those who wish, donations may be made in his memory to your local animal shelter/humane society.
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