Boscawen, N.H. —
He grew up in the area, graduated from Penacook High School in 1956 and entered into his freshman year at St. Anselm’s College in Manchester where he studied biology. He left college in 1957 when he was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a Artillery Radio Mechanic. After returning from the Army he went to work for for Sears and Roebuck for a time before taking a position with the United States Postal Service, where he worked for over 25 years until his retirement in 1991. He most recently worked at the Boscawen transfer station as well as in the cafeteria at the Merrimack Valley Middle School in Penacook.
Paul was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Penacook where he served as an usher at Masses for many years. He loved spending time enjoying nature, fishing and hunting with his springer spaniels, or just walking through the woods with them. Paul spent many happy hours in his workshops, tinkering and listening to old LPs, and could often be found relaxing while doing a puzzle or reading.
Paul is predeceased by his siblings, Roland David Merchant, Theresa (Merchant) Barrett, Eugene Merchant, Francis Merchant, and Rosemary Merchant. He is survived by his dear wife of 52 years, Claire M. (Hinchey) Merchant of Boscawen; his son, Paul L. Merchant, Jr. and his wife, Sharon of Plainfield, N.H.; his grandchildren, Will Merchant, Kath Merchant, and Kim Merchant all of Plainfield; his beloved pet and faithful companion, Ginger; his sister-in-law, Dolores Merchant of Boscawen; his aunt, Lorraine Sacco of Concord; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
There will be a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Wednesday, May 3 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 9 Bonney Street, Penacook, NH 03303. Immediately following there will be a time of fellowship and light refreshments. Interment will take place at 2 p.m. at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to The American Cancer Society, The American Red Cross, or Penacook Rescue.