Matthew J. Merritt, Jr.

March 7, 2015

The family of Matthew Joseph Merritt, Jr., 83, is deeply saddened by the death of their loving father on Saturday March 7, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Born in Queens, N.Y. Sept. 15, 1931, he was the beloved son of Matthew J. and Grace Ferry Merritt. Matthew Merritt attended Mount St. Michael Preparatory School, received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University and his Law Degree from Fordham University. Matt Merritt founded Valleyhead and Bennington Schools and dedicated his life to helping at risk youth. He was particularly fond of his local community and generously supported many organizations. He was also a true patriot and proudly served the United States Army as a First Lieutenant. He took his greatest pride in his family and held a deep and abiding love for them. He will be missed by so many and will never be forgotten. We love you forever dad. His wife of nearly 50 years, Jerry Anne Merritt, passed three years ago. He leaves behind his loving children, Mary Elizabeth, Ellen, Matthew, Edward, Charles, and Magi; their partners; and his adored grandchildren, Ruby, Emma, Sam, Matthew, Eli, Cate and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his former wife, Dalija. FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service will be held at St. Ann's Church in Lenox on April 11, at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Christian Center in Pittsfield, Mass. in care of the ROCHE FUNERAL HOME, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.