Merritt was a self-employed farmer in Mt. Morris owning and operating Pat-Noel Farms. He also worked 10 years at Industry in Rush, NY then worked 25 years for the State of New York Department of Corrections as a truck driver.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center and Perry Center Fire Department where he has been a member since the age of 18. He drove bus for the former Tri-Town Cadets Drum Corp. for many years, had a 3 pony hitch that he and his family would drive in many area parades, played Santa Claus for many years. In high school he was active in the FFA and 4-H. In Merritt’s spare time he enjoyed hunting, camping, antique tractors, having coffee with his friends, going to Pike Fair or just spending time with his family.
He is survived by his “pride and joy” of 65 years Loretta (Olin) Patrick whom he married on March 12, 1954, 2 daughters: Suzette Meyer of Mt. Morris, Deborah (Gary) Burke of Rochester, son: Mark (Mark Tyman) Patrick of Rochester, sister: Sandra Hellerman of Afton, Va., 4 grandchildren: Joshua (Elissa) Burke, Ashley (Timothy) Garvin, Shane (Chris) Meyer, Levi (Daniel Rose) Meyer, 5 great grandchildren: Heather and Margaret Burke, Peter and Oliver Garvin and Justin Skelly, 3 sister-in-law’s: Joy Patrick of Perry, Juday (Gary) Seng of Kansas City, KA, Pat Olin of Perry, brother-in-law: Richard (Pat) Olin of Fairfield Glade, TN., along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call 7-9pm on Friday February 28th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St., Perry, New York 14530. Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 29th at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center at 10am. He will be laid to rest in West Perry Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Perry Center Fire Department P.O. Box 204 Perry, New York 14530 or to the Livingston County Emergency Services 3360 Gypsy Lane Mt Morris, NY 14510. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street, Perry, New York 14530.
