Martin A. Merrill

"Martin Ash Merrill passed away August 27, 2016 peacefully at home after a long battle with lung cancer. He met this life's challenge as he did with all things; with strength, humor and faith for which his family loves and admires him. Martin, best known by all as Marty, was born January 9, 1930 in Holyoke., son of Jacob M. and Dorothy (Burroughs) Merrill. He attended elementary and middle school in Granby at Kellogg Hall. He graduated from South Hadley High in 1948, as there was no high school yet in Granby. Marty always loved cars and driving, which would steer him towards his lifetime career. He was 16 years old when Rt 33 was completed and was the recipient of the first speeding ticket issued. He worked for Bob Dressel at Dressel's Service Station and worked his way through college. He graduated from AIC in 1951 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Martin and Jeanne were married September 1, 1952 and spent the first two years in Alaska where Marty served as an Army officer in the Ordnance Corp during the Korean War. After his service, Martin continued to serve in the Army Reserves until 1964. They returned to Granby and lived with his folks while he and his father built their home. It was there they raised a "little" family of six, and still reside there today. Martin returned to work at Dressel's and purchased the business in 1962. He ran the business with honesty, integrity and generosity. On Sunday mornings, when he was open just for gasoline and newspapers, it became the hub of town politics and news. On March 12, 1975 the original building was destroyed in an overnight fire. The community rallied around Martin encouraging him to rebuild. He rebuilt the station, which stands today. His children all worked in the family business and when he "retired" in 2001, his sons took over the business. Martin worked long hard hours but he knew how to play and the playing is what all his children remember the most. He loved dancing with his wife, traveling, fishing, canoeing, and hunting. He and his wife Jeanne were fortunate enough to travel through Europe and visit all 50 states. They traveled with their RV for over 20 years, often bringing along friends and family for an adventure. All of their trips included stops to visit their children and grandchildren who lived out of state. After selling the RV he made two cross-country road trips in a car at the age of 84, traveling with his grandson Brett to California and back. Forever Young! Martin's parents Jacob and Dorothy taught him by example the importance of being an active member of the community. Martin's service to the Town of Granby began when he joined the Volunteer Fire Department at the age of sixteen. He served until 1977 with the last thirteen years of that service as Deputy Fire Chief. From 1964-1968 he served as a Special Police, monitoring calls at work. He spent more than ten years on the Personnel Committee, several of those years as Chairman. He was appointed to and served on many committees over his lifetime in Granby which are too numerous to list! He was elected as County Commissioner representing Granby for 22 years. Martin was on the Board of Directors for Granby Tel &Tel for more than 30 years. With the help of the American Legion, Granby Tel &Tel and contributions from various businesses, Martin was instrumental in raising flags along RT 202 and erecting "Welcome to Granby" signs. He was a long time valuable member of the Lions Club serving as President for several years, and honored as the first recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award. Besides these many contributions to Granby, he became active at the Second Baptist Church of South Hadley. He and his wife also enjoyed delivering meals for Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. If someone was in need you could count on Marty. He was known to drive friends to Boston for surgeries or visit friends in hospitals and nursing homes even while in the middle of his own treatments. Martin is survived by his wife, Jeanne, son; Russell and wife Patricia, their two daughters, Jessica and Erica, son; Scott and his wife Jane, his two sons, Ryan and Brett and stepsons, Justin and Josh; daughters, Lynn and her husband James Akin, Debra and her husband Michael Peloquin, their children Ashley, Courtney and Jacob; sons, Steven and his wife Deanie, Douglas and his wife Cynthia. He also leaves a precious great granddaughter, Kendall. His family will forever be grateful for the man who was our greatest cheerleader, our favorite playmate, and our hero. His family would like to give special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and all of the staff at Holyoke Hospital who provided exceptional care in a loving and personal manner. A Memorial Services will be Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 10:00 am at the Second Baptist Church. Burial will follow at West Street Cemetery in Granby. Only Marty would build his own cherry wood box to serve as his urn. His son Steven lovingly put the finishing touches together to complete the piece. As a headstone, Marty chose an old hitching post from the cemetery in New Hampshire where his ancestors are buried. Beers and Story South Hadley Funeral Home was entrusted with the services. Calling hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a charity of ones choice"