Ralph Merton Merry Jr.

West Bath – Ralph M. Merry, Jr., “Bumpa” of West Bath, Maine passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at his home.  He was born on July 12, 1930 to Ralph M. and Esther (Webber) Merry.  He was brother to Marilyn Merry of Bath, Maine.  Ralph graduated from Malden High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Salem State College. 

He served in the United States Navy, enlisting with his best friend, Sid Chattley, where both served in the Korean Conflict.  Ralph’s service was aboard the U.S.S. Salem.  At the completion of his military service he went on to attain his degree in education, graduating in 1956.  From there he obtained a Master’s Degree in mathematics.  Further graduate studies were done across the United States, including stops at University of San Diego, Ohio University, Bradley University and SUNY Buffalo, which elevated him to a Masters +30.

He was proudly married for 66 years to the love of his life, Florence M. (Luckiewicz) Merry of Lynn, Massachusetts.   Residing in Saugus, Massachusetts they had three children, Donna R. (Merry) Beatrice and husband Gregory of Marblehead, MA, Diane M. (Merry) Walsh and husband Leo of West Bath, Maine and Mark R. Merry and wife Annie (Walker) Merry of Bath, Maine.  He also leaves his nine grandchildren, Jed R. Walsh of Saugus, MA, Jake L Walsh of Los Angeles, CA, Bethany D. Beatrice of Newton, MA, Gregory V. Beatrice Jr., of Lynn, MA, Jennifer L. (Merry) Harkins and husband Michael of Bath, Maine, Mark R. Merry Jr. of West Bath, Maine, David M. Walker of Bath, Maine, Georgia F. Walker of Bath, Maine and Drs. Maura E. (Walker) Adlestein and husband Matthew of Dedham, MA.  He also treasured his three great-grandchildren, Hazel, Rowan and Willow Harkins.

During his 33-year teaching career in Melrose, MA he was awarded an Outstanding Science Teacher Award in 1988 and went on to become Science Department head and Administrator at the Middle School.

Not one to sit still, Ralph was very active in his retirement.  He was elected as a West Bath selectman for two consecutive terms.  He also enjoyed working as a property surveyor in the Maine woods.  Ralph was an avid sportsmen who loved to hunt and fish.  He also enjoyed driving his vintage Model A Fords and had a passion for visiting Las Vegas with Flo, his “Boobala”. 

His greatest accomplishments in life always involved education.  His three children all extended the Merry teaching tradition, spanning 3 generations. 

A church service will be held on December 28, 2018 at 11:00am at Grace Episcopal Church, 1100 Washington Street, Bath, Maine.  Friends and family are welcome to attend. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Travis Mills Foundation at foundation@travismillsfoundation.org

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com

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