Richard F. Merrill

Richard Francis Merrill

Age 66, passed away at home in Watkins Glen and into the hands of his Savior, on August 1, 2021.

The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen on Monday, August 9, from 1:00pm until 3:00pm and again from 5:00pm until 7:00pm; followed by a private funeral service taking place on Captain Bill’s Seneca Legacy for family and close friends.

Richard is survived by his beloved feline companions, Sabastian, Solomon, and Sophia; loving mother, June Merrill; nine siblings, Donald (Lucinda) Merrill, Bruce (Heather) Merrill, Phillip (Heather) Merrill, Virginia Merrill Taylor, Christine (John III) Paris, Linda (Rodney) Wheat, Deborah (Mark) Dawson, Bonnie (Vincent) Scuteri, and Tammy (Mike) Cole; uncle, Len Tyler; aunts, Marjorie Tyler Merrill, Jane Mullins, Judith Merrill, and Betty Tyler; 38 nieces and nephews, 63 great-nieces and nephews, and 19 great-great nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his canine companion, Bubba; beloved father, Christian Francis Merrill; grandparents, Francis Merrill, Orpha Button Merrill, Ruth Dann Tyler Merrill, and Leonard Tyler; several aunts and uncles; and nieces, Emily Sue Merrill Fedoriw, Charity Hope Cole, and Seglinda Lynn Taylor.

Richard was born in Elmira, NY, on November 22, 1954. He graduated from Corning West High School and Coopers Career Center for cosmetology. Richard later graduated from Liberty Baptist College in Lynchburg, VA where he studied puppeteering and chalk art. During the summers, he worked at Miracle Mountain Ranch as a rodeo clown and a counselor to teen boys, where he impacted and led many young lives to Christ.

Richard also spent time in Paris, TX where he worked at Campbell’s Soup. Richard was employed at a variety of businesses in NY throughout his life including Ken’s Hair Salon in Corning, Elmira Stamping, Toshiba, Polly-O Dairy, and lastly, World Kitchen where he decorated plates.

Throughout his life, he loved drawing, bird watching, and spending time with his cats. He took great interest in all of the animals around him. He loved his family, but he was a man of solitude and enjoyed sitting at the lake by himself. Richard was a comedian among his family, friends, and coworkers and could often be found playing a prank on someone. He was a great storyteller and always tried to fill a void. He was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ's love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing.

You may express condolences to the family online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.