Sherwood R. Merk, 80 of Ellington passed on July 14, 2017 in the comfort of his home, in the care of his loving companion and best friend Marjorie (Kittel) Hill. He was born in Rockville on May 22, 1937 to the late Russell E. Merk and Barbara (Heck) Merk. Sherwood retired as an Installer-Repairman from SNET in 1992 and pursued many other interests including extensive cross country travelling, visiting America including Alaska via every back road; repairing clocks, and helping many. Many of you may remember him from his days at the Crystal Lake Water Skiing Club, or on the ski slope on Fox Hill. Sherwood was a long time volunteer at the Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 14 in Rockville, and was the Advisor to the Ellington Rescue Post 512 from 1973 until 1993. Sherwood grew the Rescue Post from a small fledgling organization to a nationally renowned organization, which was received numerous awards. In his role as advisor he mentored hundreds of Ellington youth many of whom are still in regular contact with him. The Rescue Post was Sherwood’s proudest accomplishment. Sherwood was predeceased in 2009 by his wife Geraldine (Suchecki) Merk. In addition to Marjorie, he leaves his sister Marcia Ginn and her daughter Jennifer, brother-in-law Ronnie Gates, a special cousin Gilbert Webber and his wife Jean; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves his special friend Joe Boucher, who he met and advised in the Rescue Post and has remained lifelong friends meeting for breakfast every Saturday morning. Throughout his life Sherwood had many friends that are too numerous to list here. He enjoyed the gang in the afternoon at Gerry’s Donuts and breakfast at the Chuck Wagon. One of his favorite sayings when reading the obituaries was that someone would not be down for breakfast: Sherwood won’t be down for breakfast any longer. Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the Burke-Fortin Funeral Home 76 Prospect Street, Rockville. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 24, 2017 at 10 AM. Burial will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery, Vernon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ellington Rescue Post Alumni Scholarship Association, 2 Dogwood Lane, Ellington, CT 06029. For online condolences please visit www.smallandpietrasfuneralhome.com

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