WILMINGTON, MA — William B. Merrill, Sr., “Bill”, age 87, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 11, 2019.
Bill was born on November 6,1932 in Boston, MA; he was the cherished son of Mary (Monahan) Geoffrion and John Merrill. Bill was raised in Winthrop, MA by his mother and grandparents whom he adored. Bill loved growing up by the ocean. He walked along the beach every day enjoying it’s natural beauty and many creatures: these were moments that molded his life-long passion for nature, animals and his love of the sea. Bill attended Winthrop Public Schools and was a graduate of Winthrop high school; following graduation, Bill went on to further his education while attending the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, UMass Amherst where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture.
In May of 1952, Bill enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve the country during the Korean War. Bill was a member of the 78th Supply Squadron and served overseas in Germany; Bill earned the National Defense Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on May 15, 1956 from Hamilton Air Force Base in California and returned home to his family.
Bill married his “sweetheart” Vilma Bedell in 1958 and the couple settled in her hometown of Wilmington. Bill and Vilma raised two wonderful children Jeannie and Billy; they were Bill’s pride and joy and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. Bill attended countless school and sporting events to cheer on his children and when he became “Grampa” the tradition continued to the next generation; he was always their biggest fan. Bill’s unconditional love and devotion toward his family was evident in everything he did; Bill was especially involved in his grandchildren’s lives throughout the years where he was not only a mentor, but a best friend to them.
Bill worked hard to provide for his family; one of his first jobs was at Boston University where he would take home the animals and treat them as house pets; he always had a soft spot for those animals. For more than 20 years, Bill, worked for Digital Equipment Corporation. Bill had a great personality and work ethic, and brought much joy to those in the workplace.
Bill was very involved at the Wilmington Congregational Church for many years and was active in their Choir; he was soloist for the church since 1958. Bill’s reputation as a soloist quickly took off; he had a wonderful booming baritone voice and everyone wanted him to sing for their family occasions. Bill was not only at joyous occasions such as weddings but he also made an impression when he sang at countless funerals throughout the years; his voice was very calming. Bill continued to share his talent as a member of the Methuen Community Chorus as well as the Tewksbury Chorus for many years.
Bill will be fondly remembered for his endearing personality, his huge heart and his hearty laugh. Bill would go out of his way to make others feel welcomed and loved; he was a gentle giant and people were drawn to him. Bill always saw the best in others, he never had a bad word to say about anyone and would go out of his way to help others in need; Bill would literally give you the shirt off his back. Bill was always jolly and would often be heard singing a tune; he loved to make others happy. Bill was truly “one of a kind” and he will be greatly missed.
Bill was the beloved husband of the late Vilma (Bedell) Merrill, the devoted father of the late Vilma Jean Merrill and William B. Merrill, Jr. & his wife Lee Ann of Windham, NH, loving “Grampa” of Nicole Bottai & her husband Anthony, Elisabeth Jeffs & her husband Dan, Jessica Merrill, Jon Bassett, William Bassett, and great-grandchildren Lena, Abigail, and Kaleb. Bill was also very special to his love Serena Joyce and her family whom he adored. Bill is further survived by his extended and beloved Bedell family and many dear friends.
Family and friends gathered for Visiting hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Wednesday, November 20th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A celebration of Bill’s life took place on Thursday , November 21st at 11:00 a.m in the Wilmington Congregational Church, 233 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington. Interment with Military Honors followed in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Millstone Wildlife Center, 16 Millstone Road, Windham, NH 03087.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 