CHESTER, Vt. — Thomas Merritt, 91, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the Springfield Health & Rehabilitation Center in Springfield, Vermont. He was born on May 6, 1927 in Springfield, the son of Charles and Thelma (Balch) Merritt. He attended Chester Schools, and graduated from Chester High School. He served in the United States Navy during WW II.
On Oct. 19, 1957 he married Elizabeth Pignato in Springfield. She predeceased him on Feb. 8, 2016.
He worked for many years as a truck driver, first working for his grandfather with Balch Trucking and later for more than 30 years with St. Johnsbury Trucking. He also worked in the machine tool industry.
He was a member of the Chester Congregational Church, the Springfield V.F.W. Post 771, the American Legion Post No. 67 in Chester, the Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge No. 96 F. & A.M. in East Wallingford, and was a member of the Shriners. He had also been a member of the Windham Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by three sons, Robert Merritt of Springfield, Richard Merritt of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and James Merritt of Charlestown, New Hampshire; one daughter, Carol Batchelder of Saxtons River; two brothers, Cunred Merritt of Londonderry, and Arthur Merritt of San Diego, California; one sister, Nancy Adams of North Adams, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by an infant son Alden, his wife Betty and his parents.
Friends may call at the Davis Memorial Chapel from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, May 16. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday May 17 at the Simonsville Cemetery in Andover, Vermont. Rev. Gail Kindberg will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bayada Hospice, 1222 Putney Road, Suite 203, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield.
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