Bruce Chester Merrill

Bruce was born Feb. 2, 1928 in Quincy, Massachusetts to Herbert Merrill and Blanche (Strout) Merrill as the youngest into a family with deep New England roots stretching from Cape Cod to Maine. Bruce had great memories of his early childhood going to the family farm in Maine and also recently spoke of living on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket while his father, in the Army Corp of Engineers, helped build the airports for the Navy during World War II.

Bruce was wounded during the Korean conflict but luckily returned home to marry Elizabeth, already having traded in his Indian motorcycle to buy a diamond ring. He worked both for the A&P stores across the South Shore and the Cape and Sears in Boston before establishing a roofing business, Mid Cape Roofing, in the mid 60's in Yarmouth that two of his sons still run today. Bruce also purchased and operated with his family the "Beechwood Village" in Yarmouth with his colossal house and big pool built during the mid 70's still overlooking Route 28.

Bruce was an expert skier including years spent on the slopes of Waterville Valley during skiing's heyday in the 60's and 70's and trips to the Swiss and French alps while in his 50's and 60's. He also rode his Honda Goldwing around the Cape and Florida into his 70's. Bruce was also an incredible dancer and an avid card player. His two greatest joys in retirement were playing cards with his grandchildren and bridge with his friends in Venice, FL.

Bruce was recently predeceased by his loving wife of over sixty-five years, Elizabeth (McNamara) Merrill and previously by his two youngest children, David A. Merrill and Darlene Frazel. He is survived by five children: Paul Merrill and his wife Susan of Yarmouth, Jane Mason and husband Donald of Punta Gorda, Florida, Barry Merrill and his wife Doreen of Centerville, Kenneth Merrill and his wife Marie of Dennis, and Sharon Merrill Kuhns of Hanover, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A service for Bruce and Elizabeth will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 8th at Yarmouth's Ancient Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans Home, 21281 Grayton Terrace, Port Charlotte, FL or Tidewell Hospice Venice, 220 Wexford Blvd., Venice, FL.