Joseph Merriman

Joseph was born in Germany in 1939, three months after the start of World War II and lived in the outskirts of Munich through the end of the war. In 1948, Joseph came to the United States, gaining citizenship in 1952. Joseph attended High School in Washington State, and joined the Air force in 1957 at the age of 17. He served his country for 6 years, part of this time during the Cuban Missile Crisis on the ground crew of a B57 bomber based in Westover. Joseph was an avid athlete, enjoying mountaineering, skiing, backpacking and skydiving, during its recreational infancy. He was a skydiving instructor in Orange, MA, and made over 1000 jumps. He also enjoyed working with his hands, and was a skilled carpenter and Mechanic. He loved travel and had many adventures in his life, and this active spirit remained with him throughout. Always ready to come to the aid of strangers, Joseph was known to often stop and help fellow motorists get their cars running again and back on the road, feed hikers in need along the Appalachian trail, and even help fellow diners unfamiliar with how to consume a lobster. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Cynthia Merriman of Agawam MA; his beloved daughter Lisa Garcia of Agawam MA; his son Eric Merriman of San Jose CA; and his two grandchildren, Jordi Garcia and Jolie Merriman. He is also survived by his sister, Johanna of Helotes TX; his brother, Earl of Choctaw OK; and was predeceased by his brother Ernest. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Monika and Ryan, and Laura and Tyler. He will be truly missed by his family, but what we learned and the wonderful sights we saw as we travelled with him will be with us forever. Services are private at the convenience of the family.

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