John L. Merriam, born November 9, 1921, died peacefully at home Wednesday, October 31, 2018. He was the husband of the late Avis A. (Hall) Merriam.
Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Paul and Marion Merriam, and has been a resident of the Governor Francis Farms in Warwick. John entered Brown University in 1940 and left his junior year to join the Army Air Force where he earned his wings as a fighter pilot, flying P-40’s and P-51 Mustangs. After World War II, he became a manufacturers representative, handling textile machinery and boiler room equipment. Before getting married, he toured the country on his motorcycle and loved sailing on Narragansett Bay.
He was the beloved father of John L. Merriam, Jr., David H. Merriam, and the late Polly A. Merriam; father-in-law of Jackie Russell-Merriam; grandfather of Allana J. Merriam, and Robert W. Russell; brother of Robert W. Merriam (Nancy), and the late Francis Merriam.
A visitation will be held Monday, November 5, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. with a service at 7 p.m. in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Avenue, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Beacon Hospice, 1130 Ten Rod Road, Ste. A203, North Kingstown, RI 02852 will be appreciated. Information and condolences, visit TheQuinnFuneralHome.com
