Harold A. Merchant, 84, formerly of Levant-Gerry Road, Falconer, passed away Thursday (Nov. 22, 2012), in his granddaughter's home in the town of Ellicott.
An area resident most of his life, he was born April 16, 1928, in Leon, N.Y., the son of the late Arthur and Esther Besse Merchant.
Prior to retirement Harold was employed by National Worsted Mills and Crescent Tool.
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Harold A. Merchant
He was a member of the Ellington Rod & Gun Club and the Vietnam Veterans Association. Harold enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, watching NASCAR and, especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving are five children: Betty J. (Michael) Badgley of Ellington, Larry M. (Laura) Merchant of Ellington, Donald R. (Shelley) Merchant of Sinclairville, John A. (Kelli) Merchant of Falconer, Jeanne Young of Ormond Beach, FL; 11 grandchildren: Brian Merchant, Rhonda Dexter, Michelle Levin, Jennifer Brentley, Jessica Bailey, Michael Badgley, Valarie Merchant, Christopher Merchant, Connie Marlatt, Lisa Rohloff, Holly Yagger; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Howard Merchant of Cattaraugus; and a sister, Grace Smallman of North Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his wife Edith V. Schaffer Merchant, whom he married Nov. 8, 1947, in Falconer, and who died Sept. 24, 1981; a son Ronald A. "Bud" Merchant who died in 2011; three brothers: Elton, Clifford and Warren Merchant; and four sisters: Eleanor Boardman, Helen Chatley, Shirley Koterass and Doris Tanner.
The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the Falconer Funeral Home. The Rev. Cathy Smith, chaplain of Hospice of Chautauqua County, will officiate. Inurnment will be in Ross Mills Cemetery.
Friends will be received by the family from 6-8 p.m. Sunday and for one hour prior to the funeral service Monday in the funeral home.
Memorials may be donated to Hospice of Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; or to the Vietnam Veterans Association, 865 Bigelow Ave., Jamestown, NY 14701.
Visit our website at www.falconerfuneralhome.net to light a candle in remembrance.
