Robert L. Merriam ’48

Robert L. Merriam ’48 died at home in Conway, Massachusetts, on July 23, 2014. Born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, he raised his family and spent his career in Franklin County, Massachusetts, where he influenced the education and lives of thousands of young people since 1948. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1948 and immediately entered the Navy V-12 program. He interrupted studies at Dartmouth to serve on the USS Boston, which was anchored nearby when the Japanese surrendered in August 1944. He returned to graduate from Dartmouth, where he was the only four-year, three-letter athlete in our history, excelling in soccer, hockey and lacrosse, and was a member of Alpha Delta Phi and Casque & Gauntlet. He remained actively interested in the College and our class as an officer on the executive committee and regional clubs for more than 40 years. He returned to Deerfield Academy as an educator and coach for 22 years. He was a dormitory master, member of the English department, registrar, dean of students and fundraiser and coached soccer, hockey and lacrosse. In 1970 he became headmaster of Stoneleigh Burnham School, which he lead through a period of transition, leaving it with increased enrollment, an improved financial condition and a strong foundation in the arts. He subsequently served at Greenfield Community College as assistant to the president and director of development, until his retirement in 1988. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Mary; children Robert, Melinda, Susan (and husband Viorel) and Abigail (and husband Mark); eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.