Obituary of Walter Merrill

The family of Walter Merrill announces his peaceful passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB on July 29, 2015. He was born in Stanley, New Brunswick on July 1, 1937 to Elsie (Bishop) and Gilbert Merrill. Walter will be missed dearly by his daughter Nancy and her husband Robert DiDiodato; his grandchildren whom he cherished and thought the world of, Alicia DiDiodato (Robert Potter), and Ryan DiDiodato; and his great-grandson, Lucas Potter. He is also survived by his sister, Ella Mae (Duncan, deceased) Ward and brother, Willard (Kathy) Merrill of Fredericton, his sisters-in-law Maxine Merrill, Bernice O’Keefe, Peggy Colford, Lavina Jean Colford and Mary Jones; his brothers-in-law, Simon (Lorna) Colford, Robert (Myrtle) Colford, and Peter Shewciw, as well as several nieces and nephews. Walter was a longtime member of St. Theresa’s Parish and the Knights of Columbus. For many years he delivered bread for General Bakeries, making friends at every stop. Walter was a people person. He took every opportunity to interact with family and friends, especially his lifelong close friend, Dale McCullough. He enjoyed the outdoors and telling stories about good times at the camp. Walter could be found at the bingo hall, a game he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a a very proud Papa and spent every precious moment watching his grandchildren grow up. Predeceased by his wife Hilda (Colford), his parents, sisters, Ila Chedore (Reginald, deceased), and Ola Merrill; brother Elwood Merrill; and several sisters- and brothers-in-law from the Colford family whom he embraced and loved like his own family. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer's Society or of the donor’s choice. Visitation will be at York Funeral Home at 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm on Friday, July 31, and a Funeral Service will be held at St. Theresa’s Parish at 11 am on Saturday, August 1. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com