Richard Merryman

Richard E. Merryman, 86, of Erie, passed away on Thursday, April 4 in Winter Haven, FL after a brief illness.  

He was born in Erie on December 20, 1937, the son of Merriam (Lammers) and Richard C. Merryman.  Richard was a 1955 graduate of Academy High School, where he met the love of his life, Marlene Fiorelli, in 7^th grade.  They married June 25, 1960 and were happily together for nearly 64 wonderful years.

Richard was a graduate of the GE Apprentice program and worked there as an industrial engineer, a foreman and in Information Systems.   In 1968 he joined Lord Corporation, where he worked in computers and telecommunications until his retirement. 

Richard was a member of Lake Shore Country Club and Westwood Racquet Club and loved all sports.  Also known as “Dick”, he was well known in the Erie area as a legendary pitcher in several fastpitch softball leagues during a career that began in 1953 and spanned six decades.  He also became a respected pitching coach for the McDowell girl’s fastpitch team where he was affectionately known as “Coach Grandpa” during the 20+ years he volunteered there.  He also loved to play tennis, basketball, volleyball, golf (reluctantly) and enjoyed watching sports live and on TV.  His beloved Cleveland Indians were his favorite pro team to watch and share with his family and friends.   More than playing, however, he enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids playing the sports they loved.  He seldom missed an opportunity to attend and/or coach their games no matter the venue, the state or the weather in which they were playing.  When he wasn’t playing or watching sports, he still found plenty of time to travel with his family, visiting all fifty U.S. states and several foreign countries.  He also was quite musical, playing tuba in the Academy High School band in the Rose Bowl parade in 1955, and later taught himself the bass and played in a local swing band in Erie.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by two brothers, Douglas and David “John” Merryman and a sister Patricia Merryman Zeigler.  

He is survived by his loving wife Marlene; brothers Gary (Cheryl) and Howard (Mica);  three sons Richard (Lori), Timothy (Laura) and Daniel (Amy);   grandchildren Cory (Nate) Yanez, Bethany (Mark),  Abby,  Tyler (Kacey), Brandon (Maya), Kelsey, Noah, Max, great-grandson Mason Merryman, and thirteen nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, West Ridge 3801 W. 26^th Street on Friday, April 26^th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and are invited to attend a service there on Saturday April 27^th at 12:00 p.m. 

Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Haven 239 E. 12^th Street, Erie, PA 16501 or Julia House Hospice and Palliative Care 4906 Richmond Street, Erie Pa 16509. 

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com