Hancock, NH – Paul passed away this early summer. He was kind, exceptionally loving and gentle in spirit, a generous heart who always had a willingness to work hard. His passing is a great loss to all of us.
Born October 3, 1956, Paul spent his early years in Norwell, MA, a town with deep ancestral root for his father Raymond’s family.
In 1960, seeking new opportunities, Paul’s father moved the family to Keene. The Monadnock region remained Paul’s home ever since.
Paul was always active and athletic. In Keene High School Paul was interested in local history and excelled in sports. He participated in baseball, cross-country skiing and soccer. Paul was especially proud of his team when they won the Baseball State Division L championship in 1973. Paul was their catcher and scored one of two runs that clinched the Blackbirds their title. Adventures always continued, in his early 20’s Paul rode his bike from Keene to Nova Scotia and toured the dramatic coastline and rolling hills. Golf was a big passion. Paul and his father Raymond very early on made a putting green and tee in their backyard. They were both members of the Bretwood Golf Course in the beautiful Ashuelot River Valley of Keene.
After graduation, Paul built guitars for Michael Gurian’s workshop in Hinsdale, NH. He built his own guitar while working there and enjoyed playing it throughout his life. Gurian guitars were favored in the ’70s by legendary artists such as Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne and John Renbourn. After working for Gurian, Paul teamed up with his older brother Jim remodeling and building custom homes in the Keene area. Paul continued his business of Merritt Woodworkers, construction, restoring and caring for homes in the region until the time of his death on June 4th, 2026. Paul cared deeply about the people he worked for and some were close friends throughout his life.
For twenty-five years Paul and Cathleen enjoyed the region’s lakes, mountain vistas and natural spaces. In each season, whether hiking, swimming, cross-country skiing or from their own home land, they observed, studied and delighted in the diverse presence of wildlife. He was a true lover of nature, had an optimistic outlook and lived life well.
Paul now leaves many friends and family: Cathleen Calmer, his wife; brother James Merritt and his wife Susan Bos: sister Susan Merritt: and nieces Kristin and Gretchen Merritt. Very treasured is Paul’s Aunt Lois Swanson and many good cousins in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Nebraska and California.
Predeceased are his sister Holly Merritt and his parents Raymond and Ruth Elizabeth Merritt. A donation in Paul’s memory may be made to the Harris Center for Conservation Education, Hancock, NH or The Monadnock Humane Society, Swanzey, NH. This autumn, family and close friends will join together for a service as a tribute to Paul.
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