Obituary of Frank S. Merrick

MOHAWK - Mr. Frank S. Merrick, age 84, of Mohawk, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, June 8, 2017, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer. At the time of his passing he was surrounded by the love of his devoted family at his bedside. 

Born on April 22, 1933, in Pasadena, CA, Frank was the son of the late Frank K. and Mildred E. (Sterling) Merrick. He was a graduate from Richfield Springs High School. In 1953, Frank joined the United States Army, and went on to defend our country in Korea, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a proud veteran who loved his country, and an ardent patriot throughout the remainder of his life.

On August 22, 1953, Frank was wed to the former Rose M. Karpowich, and they went on to spend almost 64 years of marriage filled with trust, honesty, love and devotion. They raised their family together and took great pride in watching it grow over the years.

Hardworking by his very nature, Frank spent forty-two years at Chicago Pneumatic, eventually becoming the Chief Tool Designer. He took his trade home with him, as well, and was a skilled craftsman and woodworker. He was a longtime member of the Mohawk American Legion, Crowley-Barnum Post #25, and a parishioner of the Grace Episcopal Church in Mohawk.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Rose; his daughters, Cynthia Wren of Virginia and Susan Shelden of Maine; his son and daughter-in-law, Frank J. and Debra Merrick of New Hampshire; his grandchildren, Keith, Shineigh, Gage, Case, Keya, Sarah, Matt and Andy; one great-grandson, Morgan; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Walter and Roberta Merrick of Rome, Wayne and Pamela Merrick of Poughkeepsie, and Gary and Dee Merrick of Virginia. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.

Frank was predeceased by his brothers, William Merrick and Larry Merrick, and his sister, Orpha Wright.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours which will take place on Monday, June 12, 2017, from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000. Members of the Mohawk American Legion are asked to gather at the funeral home at 6:30PM to perform their ritualistic services. Frank's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday morning, June 13, 2017, at 11:00AM at the Grace Episcopal Church, 7 East Main Street, Mohawk, with the Rev. Sally Heiligman officiating. Procession will follow to Mohawk Cemetery, where Frank's earthly body will be laid to rest. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, CNY Chapter, 441 W. Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204 OR to the American Cancer Society, 100 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502. 

Frank's funeral was pre-arranged and entrusted to funeral directors, Harry and Kevin Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia.

Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.