Howard Merson

OXFORD - Howard R. Merson, 80, of Woodland Drive, died Monday, July 20, 2015, at the Life Care Center of Auburn. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn M. (McCullough) Merson of Oxford; two daughters, Cindy D. Olney and her husband Michael of Worcester, and Jennifer L. Stisitis and her husband William of Oxford; his sister-in-law, Patricia Merson of Quinebaug, CT; five grandchildren of which he was so proud, Amanda and Shawn Olney, and Brittney, Alexis, and Cameron Stisitis; and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother, Ronald G. Merson Sr. who died in 2002. He was born in Worcester, the son of the late Howard W. and Mabel A. (Acker) Merson, and lived in Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1960. He graduated from Worcester Boys Trade High School in 1955, and was a U.S. Army veteran. Mr. Merson was a self-employed builder and carpenter in the Oxford area for over 40 years. He was very active in Oxford, previously serving on the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals, and as a reserve and special police officer with the Oxford Police Department. In addition, he served as both sewer inspector and building inspector, and Zoning Enforcement Officer. He was currently serving in his 3rd term on the Oxford Housing Authority. Mr. Merson was a former ambassador for the U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Program. He enjoyed camping and was a member of the Family Campers and RVers - Nashoba Apple Corps Chapter. A graveside service will be held on at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at North Cemetery, Main Street (Route 12), Oxford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Huguenot Steamer No. 1 Fire Museum, c/o the Oxford Firefighter's Assn, P.O. Box 606, North Oxford, MA 01537, or to the Oxford Police Association, c/o the Oxford Police Dept., 503 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540. Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.