STOCKHOLM and BANGOR John Charles Merritt Sr., 82, died Nov. 28, 2006, at a Bangor hospital. He was born Nov. 12, 1924, in Fort Fairfield, the son of Charles Ernest and Mary Grace (Findlen) Merritt. John was a graduate of Fort Fairfield High School and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the medical corps. After his military service, John returned to Fort Fairfield and worked as a homebuilder with his father and brother, Jim. He continued in the construction business for many years and in 1977, he co-founded Sullivan and Merritt Inc., a Bangor based industrial general contractor. After his retirement in 1986, he and Vivian made their home in Stockholm, where they spent many happy years with family and friends. John will always be remembered as a most caring and generous man, who gave freely of himself to those in need. John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vivian (Sandstrom) Merritt, whom he married June 22, 1949; his children, John and Karen Merritt, Debbie and Rick Maidlow, Judy and Steve Oleksyk, Pam and Gary Norton, Holly and Chris Taylor, Amy and Mike Ouellette; grandchildren, Betsy and Tim Merritt, Sean, Kevin and Ryan Trafton, Karrie and Dan Perry, Meghan and Laura Simonds, Lilli and Avery Taylor; a sister, Alice; special sister-in-law, Gladys Merritt; and special nephew, Scott Sandstrom. He was predeceased by siblings, Edna, Mildred, Mabel, Frances, James, Philip and Alfred. John’s family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff at the County Dialysis Center, Presque Isle, for the wonderful care they provided during his years on dialysis. Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stockholm, with the Rev. James P. Morgan, pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Stockholm Village Cemetery. Those who wish to remember John in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the Memorial Fund of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Stockholm, ME 04783; or the County Dialysis Center, 21 North St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com
JOHN CHARLES MERRITT SR.
