PORT CHARLOTTE, FL: John O. Merritt, 82, formerly of Haverhill, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2019 at Tidewell Hospice. John was the husband of Nancy L. (Gould) Merritt.
Born in Malden, MA on November 4, 1936, he was the son of the late James I. and Flora (Forant) Merritt.
Following Haverhill Trade School, John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa before his honorable discharge as Airman First Class.
John's work career spanned many years where he worked in the local shoe industry and for American Optical before joining Textron where he worked fifteen years as a security officer before his retirement. John was a member of American Legion Post #111 in Port Charlotte.
Besides his wife of 61 years, John is survived by his daughter, Diane Miner and her husband Mark of Inwood, WV; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Esther Goldthwaite and her husband Thomas of Vero Beach, FL. John was the father of the late Linda Huberdeau, John O. Merritt, Jr and Lisa Merritt.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Thursday, August 15th at 2:00 pm at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill, MA. Calling hours Wednesday, August 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Interment at Hillside Cemetery. Donations in John's memory may be made to American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com