Harry Arthur Merritt, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025 surrounded by family at Harbor House Nursing Facility in Hingham. He was 98 years old.

Harry was born to Harry Bearse Merritt and Elizabeth Merritt on June 26, 1926.  He was married to the late Blanche (Carl) Merritt for 75 years.

Born in Marshfield, Harry lived in Norwell his entire life. He is a graduate of Norwell High School, Class of 1943 and attended Wentworth Institute in Boston.  He was a huge Red Sox fan.

A member of the "Greatest Generation" Harry enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served in the Philippines during World War II. He also served the Norwell Fire Service for 41 years, as a call fire fighter and Captain, before the establishment of a permanent full time department. In addition, Harry was the Chairman of the Permanent Building and Maintenance Committee in Norwell and oversaw the construction of the new Fire Station at 300 Washington Street. Last fall he was honored as "Norwell's Oldest Veteran" at a special luncheon at Alba Restaurant in Hanover.

After his discharge from the Navy he worked briefly for the US Postal Service and then in his own business as a Carpenter/Builder for many years.  He built and worked on many homes in Norwell and surrounding towns.  Later in life he served as Facilities Director for the Norwell Public Schools until his retirement in 1991.

Harry was father to the late Harry Stephen Merritt and is survived by his son Richard Merritt of Norwell and his daughter Kathy May of Pembroke.  Harry is also survived by four grandchildren; Harry L. Merritt and his wife Danielle of Norwell, Persephone Merritt and her partner Bryan Larue also of Norwell, Parker Merritt and his wife Katrina of Foxboro and Ashley May and her partner Michael Regan of Scituate. Harry is also the proud great grandfather to Abigail Lynn Merritt, Harry James Merritt, Morgan Grace Merritt, Henry Michael Merritt, Sophia Grace Regan, and proud step great grandfather to Reilynn Wert.  Harry was the little brother to the late Eleanor Grace, Elizabeth Loud, and Priscilla Spradlin.

Harry enjoyed his children immensely; racing go-carts and model rocketry with his late son Harry Stephen., hiking and fishing with son Richard and showing horses with his daughter Kathy.

Harry and Blanche vacationed in Tamworth, New Hampshire where they maintained a modest second home for more than 50 years.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge the dedicated and caring employees at Harbor House in Hingham for their care of Harry during the last two and a half years of his life.

Funeral arrangements by McNamara-Sparrell Funeral Home at 30 Central Street in Norwell.  Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, February 25th from 4:00 – 7:00PM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Interment will be private.

Flowers are welcome, or donations in Harry's memory may be made to the:

Norwell Grange #410, 142 Main Street, Norwell, MA  02061

Norwell Grange #410
142 Main Street, Norwell MA 02061