Donald F. Merrill

Donald F. Merrill November 28, 1929 June 5, 2012 Donald F. Merrill, 82, long-time Portland resident and most recently of Old Orchard Beach, died June 5, 2012 at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. Don was born in Portland on November 28, 1929 the youngest of five children born to Philip and Alice (Appel) Merrill. He graduated from Deering High School in 1947 and the University of Maine at Orono in 1951, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. After graduation Donald worked briefly for Northeast Airlines before beginning his long career with GMAC. On August 4, 1951 he married Charlotte Reynolds, his wife for 60 years. Together they had four children. His job took the family from Portland to Auburn and Brewer, before returning to Portland in 1967. Don was a member of Woodfords Church in Portland, where he served for a time as Deacon and Treasurer after his retirement from GMAC. He was a past president of the Brewer Little League, as well as a long-time member of the Woodfords Club. Two of Don's favorite pastimes were gardening and cooking. He enjoyed growing vegetables and beautiful flowers. He was also an ardent sports fan. As a kid, he started listening to Red Sox games at the family camp on Highland Lake with his father. He followed the Patriots and Celtics, as well as Deering High School football. His greatest passion was following the activities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He seldom missed an event and was quietly proud of them all. Family and friends remember his kind manner, quiet observation, and quick wit. Don was predeceased by his young daughter Donna, his brother William Merrill, and his sisters Marguerite (Messer), Barbara (Webber), and Elinor (Chandler). He is survived by his wife Charlotte, son Stephen Merrill and wife Patty of Windham, son Gary Merrill and wife Tina of Portland, daughter Julie Osgood of Anchorage, AK; seven grandchildren Gregory Merrill, Nicholas Merrill, Jonathan Merrill, Corey Merrill, Catherine Merrill, Max Osgood, Jared Osgood; and two great-grandchildren Jacob Merrill and Sophia Merrill. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Donald's life on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at A.T. Hutchins, LLC, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM. A private family Interment will be held at a later date. To view the full obituary and to offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest book and share memories, please go to the obituary page at www.athutchins.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in his name to the: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd floor Bethesda, Maryland 20814 or online at: www.cff.org

Donald F. Merrill

November 28, 1929 - June 5, 2012

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