Ronald F. "Ronnie" Merchant

He was born December 15, 1947, in Keene, NH the son of Donald and Louisa (St. John) Merchant. He proudly served our Nation as a member of the United States Army. On December 28, 1968, he married the love of his life: Sharon Champney.

For many years he worked for Melanson’s in Keene as a roofer. He was devoted to the provision of his family. In more recent years he enjoyed working on classic cars.

He loved to be in the outdoors, especially camping with his family and friends: the family would often camp on Lake George and enjoyed their times shared around a campfire, telling stories and lots of laughs. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was very compassionate to those he met ad those in his community. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and was elected, along with his wife, in 2009, “Eagle of the Year”. He also belonged to the Italian Club and the VFW in Keene. He loved to go to the Casino with friends and family. One of his greatest passions was being a “PaPa”: he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed the time that he spent with them. There were always fun stories to tell about the adventures at NaNa and PaPa’s house. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work, the importance of being able to be trusted and above all that the bond of family is stronger than anything else.

He is survived by his wife: Sharon Merchant of Winchester, five daughters: Pamela Mason of Keene, Amy-Lynn Chamberlain of West Virginia, Jennifer Merchant of Keene, Becky-Ann Dempsey and her husband Bill of West Virginia and Jodi-Sue Merchant of Winchester, eleven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren,, his mother-in-law: Mary Champney of Sullivan, NH, two sisters-in-law: Brenda Arlen and her husband Barry of Sullivan, NH and Linda Smith of Orange, MA and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Eagles of Keene, 113 Church Street, Keene, NH, on Sunday, August 7, 2016, at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Keene VFW, 459 Winchester Street, Keene, NH. 03431.