Obituary of Robert L. Merrill

Robert L. Merrill, 85, of Owego passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018.  Bob was predeceased by his parents, James and Mary Merrill; his wife of 55 years, Maureen Merrill; sister, Eileen Jones. He is survived by his children, Erin Merrill and Susan St. Louis, of Corning, Clancy and Jennifer Merrill, of Prairie Village, Kansas, Daren and Cindy Merrill, of Owego; six grandchildren, Clancy, Jr., Madison, Mackey, Rachel, Emily, Robert; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Sue Merrill, Valatie, NY; sister and brother-in-law, Louann and Ray Sheffer, Summerfield, FL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.    Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Army and graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh.  Bob retired after 35 years of service as a teacher and principal from Owego-Apalachin School District.  Bob was a proud advocate for children who always gave of himself to help students succeed.  In retirement, Bob greatly enjoyed running into his former students as adults. He was very community minded and belonged to the BPOE Lodge #1039, was past president of the Owego Rotary Club and a proud recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award.  Bob was also inducted into the SUNY Plattsburgh Sports Hall of Fame and the OFA Wall of Fame.  Bob and Maureen owned and operated The Wooley Bear Fabrics and Yarn in Owego for many years.  Bob and Maureen enjoyed many winters on Jekyll Island, GA.  The family would like to thank his fabulous team of caregivers, led by Nancy Hurley: Sheila Gallagher, Sue Hall, Brandy Merrill, Will Schultheis, Kip Seaver, Sarah Dinkins, Sonya Bement, Eileen Woloch. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Estey, Munroe & Fahey Funeral Home, 15 Park St., Owego, NY with the Rev. Richard Schaal, officiating.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made in Robert L. Merrill’s memory to Tioga County Rural Ministry, 143 North Avenue, Owego, NY  13827.  Condolences may be made to Bob’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.