Bill Merritt

CUMBERLAND – Bill Merritt passed away, July 21, 2025, in the loving presence of his family in Cumberland, after a long, courageous journey with Alzheimer’s.

Born Aug. 7, 1936, in Flushing, N.Y., and raised in Amityville, Long Island, Bill was the son of Florence and Bill Sr., and brother to Justine. He attended Chaminade High School, Holy Cross College, and Harvard Law School. Between college and law school, he served three years of active duty in the Navy and later retired as a captain after 20 years in the reserves.

Bill’s entrepreneurial career spanned industries, from grain to telephones, tugboats to real estate. He lived his bachelor years in NYC before settling in Darien, Conn. with his wife, Chris to raise their family.

Bill was known for his bold stories, sharp wit, and deep love for his kids especially cheering them on in sports. He had an encyclopedic memory for obscure athletic stats of his children and their friends, never missing a game or forgetting a play. He was a proud member of the Saturday “Breakfast Club,” a gathering of fellow sports fanatics, where his unfiltered commentary often made people laugh, cringe, or both.

A standout track athlete, Bill ran the 400m relay at Madison Square Garden and Boston Garden, and was inducted into the Holy Cross Hall of Fame. He often claimed he was once “the fastest man in the East” and just missed qualifying for the Olympics.

His Navy years shaped his life profoundly, instilling discipline, loyalty, and lifelong friendships. He loved recounting tales from that time, whether chasing Russian submarines on the Riviera or being swept overboard and miraculously returned by a wave. Not all of his stories were verifiable, but all were unforgettable.

Later, Bill found deep joy in his work with McAllister Tugboat, combining his love of the sea, New York Harbor and lifelong friendships. Many family celebrations took place on McAllister tugs, thanks to the generosity of the McAllisters.

Bill is survived by his wife, Chris; children Tyler, Brian, and Elizabeth; and grandchildren Cody, Sage, Nina, Hadley, Lincoln, Asher, and Mazzy.

His personality was larger than life, and his loyalty unmatched. As a friend said, “An oak has fallen and the forest mourns.”

A small celebration of life is being held by his immediate family on a boat off the coast of Maine where his ashes will be scattered into the sea.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Lindquist Funeral Home, Yarmouth.

Please visit www,lindquistfuneralhome.com for the full obituary, to leave condolences for the Merritt family and sign Bill’s online guest book.