Edwin F. Merrill

Waltham - Mr. Edwin F. Merrill, Jr., of Waltham, died Thursday, May 21, 2009 in The Soldiers' Home in Chelsea. He was 79.

Ed was born in Staten Island, New York, on July 27, 1929, a son of the late Edwin F. and Esther (French) Merrill, and had lived in Waltham since 1959. He was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire in 1951.

Ed was an insurance agent with the New England Life Insurance Company in Boston for many years. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War and was the receipient of a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. He was a retired Colonel with the U.S. Army Reserves and was also a life member of the U.S. Army Association. In his spare time, Ed enjoyed reading, running, walking, and listening jazz music.

He leaves his wife, Pauline C. (Beauvais) Merrill; his daughters, Pamela C. Kaufman and her husband, James, of Melrose and Bethany C. Condon and her husband, John, of Waltham; his grandchildren, Paul, Lauren, Julia, and Catherine and his brother, David M. Merrill of Pepperell.

Ed was also the father of the late Christopher P. Merrill.

Family and friends will honor and remember Ed's life by gathering for calling hours on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham where his funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Burial will be private.

Memorial doations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.