Robert Herman Merchant

Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, in Scarborough after a courageous battle with

lung cancer. “Ralph” as he was known by all, was born on April 16, 1930 in Mexico, Maine to the

late William Merchant and Beatrice (Arsenault) Merchant. He married Teresa Gloria Umbro, on February 20, 1954 in Rumford, Maine. He began his military career in 1947 on the USS Boston. During his 24 year career, he proudly served on the USS CORAL SEA, USS RANGER and the USS CSCADE. He also

served in Vietnam as a River Patrol Boat Commander where he received the Purple Heart

in 1966. After shore duty in Newport, RI as Pier Master at the United States Naval Station,

he retired as Chief Petty Officer. After his retirement from the Navy, he began his second

carrier as a Federal employee at the United States Naval Station, Newport. He retired

from government service in 1988 and relocated to Maine with his wife Teresa.

Ralph, a compassionate and fun loving man was devoted to his family and country. He loved

Country music, playing cards, especially cribbage and cheering for his favorite teams - The Red Sox,

The New England Patriots, and the Boston Bruins.

In addition to his wife of 61 and a half years, he is survived by their three children, daughters Deborah Still and husband Clifford of Preston, CT. and Tina Cech and husband James of Dumfries, VA, son Ralph Merchant and wife Melanie of York, S.C. Ralph is also serviced

by brother Melvin Merchant and wife Jean of Milford, MA. and sisters, Marie Adams of

Wallingford, CT. and Marjorie Scott of Rumford, ME.

He was predeceased in death by three brothers, Everett, Clyde, and Buddy Merchant. Also surviving Ralph are three granddaughters, four step-grandchildren and three great- grandchildren.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Holly Macrae and the staff at Maine Veterans Home

in Scarborough, Dr. Christian Thomas and the staff at the New England Cancer Specialist,

Dr. Patrick Connolly and staff at Martin’s Point Health Care Center in Portland, Dr. Jonathan Zuckerman

and staff at Chest Medicines Associates in South Portland, Gosnell Memorial Hospice House,

Gentiva Health Services in Portland and the Barron Center in Portland.

Friends and family are invited to attend a time of visitation to celebrate Ralph’s life from 1 to 2 pm on Friday, September 4, 2015 at Jones, Rich, and Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, Maine. Immediately following, a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. followed by a reception for family and friends at the funeral home. Interment will be at Arlington Nation Cemetery at a later date. On-line condolences can be given to the family at www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the

Scarborough Fire Department, 246 US Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.