Kerry Lawrence Merritt, 79, DePeyster

DEPEYSTER -- Graveside services for Kerry Lawrence Merritt, age 79, of DePeyster, NY, will be held in the Spring at Purmort Cemetery with military honors at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Merritt passed away on Wednesday evening, December 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family under the care of St. Lawrence Valley Hospice.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Lucinda (Cindy) Merritt of De Peyster, NY; his daughter, Jennifer Jackson, and her husband, Michael, of Fort Ann, NY; three grandchildren, Christopher Jackson and his wife Josette, Emily Jackson, and Kaitlyn Jackson; a sister-in-law, Ann Erwin and her husband Robert; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Carolyn Myers in 2022.

Kerry was born on August 25, 1944, in Ogdensburg, NY, the son of the late Lawrence D. and Jean T. (Thornton) Merritt.

He graduated from Canton Central School in 1963. Kerry went on to serve in the United States Army from 1965 where he served a tour of duty in Korea. Mr. Merritt was honorably discharged in 1969.

He continued to serve our country in the Active Reserves from 1975 until 1980.

Kerry married Lucinda E. Wainwright with Rev. Albert Cameron officiating at the United Methodist Church in Heuvelton, NY.

Kerry worked as a millwright at Alcoa, Inc. in Massena, NY for thirty-five years until his retirement in 2001.

Mr. Merritt proudly served as Town Supervisor of DePeyster for twenty years as well as the Town Board for fourteen years.

Kerry was a remarkable individual whose zest for life extended far beyond the boundaries of age. He passionately embraced the game of basketball, gracing the court until the impressive age of 65. A seasoned horseshoes enthusiast, Mr. Merritt found joy in the camaraderie of the game.

Kerry’s commitment to community service was evident through his memberships in the VFW in Canton, AMVETS in Heuvelton, and the positions he served for the Town of De Peyster, where he dedicated his time to the service of others.

Donations may be made in Kerry’s memory to Hospice of the St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676.

Online condolences may be made at www.fraryfuneralhome.com.