CENTER OSSIPEE NH- Leslie “Les” Stewart Merrill, age 73, passed away on October 25, 2022, surrounded by his loving family after a determined and courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Malden, MA on April 19, 1949, the eldest son of Leslie E. and Dorothy (Ivaney) Merrill.
After graduating from Everett High School, Les joined the United States Navy in 1968 and proudly served in the Mediterranean during the Vietnam War, stationed on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt and received the National Defense Service Medal.
Les married his one and only love- Dorothy Browne in 1970.
For 37 years Les worked for the railroad starting with the Boston Maine Railroad from 1972 until 1987 and then Amtrak from 1987 to 2003 and finally at Mass Bay Commuter Railroad in Boston MA. He started off his career as a carpenter for the Bridge and Building Department and worked his way up to Assistant Chief Engineer/Bridges and Buildings and retired in April 2009.
Les enjoyed model railroading, saltwater reef aquariums, relaxing at home and spending time with his beloved family. Les could always be seen coaching his sons sporting events and playing Santa at Maplewood Elementary School in Malden, MA.
He is predeceased by his parents, and his wife, Dorothy who passed away in 2005.
Les is survived by his beloved children- Jason E. Merrill, and his wife Denise of Gorham Maine, Jared S. Merrill and his wife Ruth of Sanbornville, NH, and Jamie P. Merrill and his significant other Heather of Porter Maine. 11 grandchildren- Leah Rose, Caleb J, Libbie, Brynn, Tyberius, Julieanna, Hazel, Levi, Owen, Ivy and Jayden, his brother- James E. Merrill and his wife Mary, and numerous nieces.
A celebration of Les’ life will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 128 Files Road in Gorham Maine at 12pm. Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the 470 Railroad Club, which began in 1954, and whose activities include the publication of a newsletter The 470, publication of railroad books, excursion trains and restoration of equipment.
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Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
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