BIDDEFORD- Leonard “Lenny” George Merrill Jr, 92, from Biddeford Maine passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
Son of late Robena (Belle) McDonald and Leonard George Merrill, he was born August 30th, 1932, in Biddeford, Me. He attended Scarborough schools and entered the Army shortly after, serving proudly during the Korean war, though stationed mostly in Germany.
Upon returning home, he married his sweetheart Margaret Barnes and had five children.
Throughout his years he was a class A license driver and worked for the town of Old Orchard Beach and several over the road trucking companies such as Holmes and St. Johnsbury. He obtained his hazardous material license and drove oil and gas tankers for Dead River Oil Company in which he retired. He then went on to work for Poirier excavation until he was in his mid-70’s. He then went on to work for Poirier Excavation until he was in his mid-70’s.
Lenny was an avid Pilot and owned several Taylorcrafts and a Cessna 180 over his 76 years of flying experience. If you were looking for him it was a good chance you could find him at an airport nearby. On any trip he made he had to stop at airports along the way as it seemed he knew everyone, however if he didn’t, he would by the time he left. He was known as a talker and for his mostly “inappropriate” humor. He also had a love for riding motorcycles and owned several Harleys throughout his lifetime.
Above all he had an unwavering love for his family. He would do everything he could to help his children and grandchildren whether it be rides to work or school or fixing broken down vehicles. He was also instrumental in the care of his ex-wife Margaret and his mother Belle until their passings in 2000 and 2001.
He was predeceased by a sister – Dorothy Gava, and a son Larry Merrill.
Lenny is survived by his son Randy Merrill and wife Cynthia of Caribou, his daughter Wendy Osborne and husband Dave of Lyman, his daughter Cristy Wade of Biddeford, and his son Glen Merrill of Biddeford, Six Grandchildren Curtis Wade, Cody Wade, Catrina Wade, Tia Nielsen, Everdine Woods and Kayla Merrill. Three Great Grandchildren Phoenix Nielsen Alaina Nielsen, and Rorik Nielsen who loved him dearly, as well as three nieces Sandra Gava, Marie Waterman, and Rita Doody.
A celebration of life will be held at Jimmy the Greeks in Old Orchard Beach from 12PM-4PM on January 18, 2025. All are welcome to attend.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Poitras Funeral Homes, www.mainefuneral.com
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