Charles W. Merriam, Jr., age 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home. Charles was born on March 15, 1924 in Schenectady, NY to the late Charles W. and Jessie (MacGlashen) Merriam.
Charles attended Nott Terrace High School and furthered his education at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. His studies were interrupted by the 2nd World War and he enlisted in the Navy, entered the V-12 program at the same college, and attended Mid-Shipman school in Asbury Park, NJ and Northwestern University in Chicago. He became a commissioned officer (Lt JG) in January 1945, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor until assigned to an LCT (Landing Craft Tank). After the Japanese surrender, he was assigned to provide aid to the Japanese while stationed in Yokahama.
Following an honorable discharge, Charles returned to college to complete his Bachelor's degree, and in 1948 returned to Schenectady where he joined his father at the Merriam Insurance Agency, founded by his grandfather Charles E. Merriam in 1895. Charles worked in the insurance industry until his retirement in 1989, when the business was acquired and presided over by his son Brian.
During his early working years, Charlie, as he was known, loved to travel extensively. He traveled around the world several times, volunteering on behalf of VITA (Volunteers in Technical Assistance) introducing solar cookers and modern plows to villages in Northern Africa. Additionally, on several occasions he visited his twin brother who started a missionary work in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Charlie was a pilot of single-engine planes, and loved to fly around New York State for the sheer enjoyment of flying, always looking for a reason to share the experience with his family and friends.
He was strongly committed to the needs of his community, serving as President of the Visiting Nurse Service Association, President and Trustee of the YMCA, President of the Schenectady City Mission, President of Annie Schaffer Senior Citizen Center, and Chairman of Youth for Christ. He served at the Schenectady County Agricultural Dept., was a 61-year member of the Schenectady Rotary Club, and Secretary for the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.
Charlie was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, Trustee of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church both in Schenectady, and most recently, a Vestryman of the Calvary Episcopal Church in Burnt Hills.
After retirement, one of his most enjoyed positions was that of Town Justice for the Town of Ballston. Upon leaving that position, he remained a volunteer Marriage Officer, marrying over 200 couples.
He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing (especially in the winter), motorboating and motorcycling. His greatest passions were traveling and his family. To him, life was an adventure, every moment a gift to be savored and not wasted.
Charles will be fondly remembered by his children, Brian (Judi) Merriam, Peter (Cynthia) Merriam, Sondra Russ, Anne Hogue (Bill LaPietra) and Sarah (Tom) Dauenhauer; his grandchildren: Kelsey (Adam) Cherney, Kimberly Merriam, David Merriam, Tyler Merriam, Jenson Merriam, Kalina Merriam, Jennifer (Chase) Richardson, Jordan Russ, Christopher (Clementine) Russ, Lauren (Jason) Kritz, Alex Hogue and Hannah Dauenhauer; and his great grandchildren: Henry Russ, Oliver Russ, Beckett Russ, Hudson Kritz, Levi Richardson and Jude Richardson; and his first wife, Elsbeth VanTongeren.
Along with his parents, Charles is predeceased by his wife Patricia Merriam, and his grandson Jenson Merriam.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15th @ 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charles' memory to the Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany, NY 12202.
Charles attended Nott Terrace High School and furthered his education at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. His studies were interrupted by the 2nd World War and he enlisted in the Navy, entered the V-12 program at the same college, and attended Mid-Shipman school in Asbury Park, NJ and Northwestern University in Chicago. He became a commissioned officer (Lt JG) in January 1945, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor until assigned to an LCT (Landing Craft Tank). After the Japanese surrender, he was assigned to provide aid to the Japanese while stationed in Yokahama.
Following an honorable discharge, Charles returned to college to complete his Bachelor's degree, and in 1948 returned to Schenectady where he joined his father at the Merriam Insurance Agency, founded by his grandfather Charles E. Merriam in 1895. Charles worked in the insurance industry until his retirement in 1989, when the business was acquired and presided over by his son Brian.
During his early working years, Charlie, as he was known, loved to travel extensively. He traveled around the world several times, volunteering on behalf of VITA (Volunteers in Technical Assistance) introducing solar cookers and modern plows to villages in Northern Africa. Additionally, on several occasions he visited his twin brother who started a missionary work in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Charlie was a pilot of single-engine planes, and loved to fly around New York State for the sheer enjoyment of flying, always looking for a reason to share the experience with his family and friends.
He was strongly committed to the needs of his community, serving as President of the Visiting Nurse Service Association, President and Trustee of the YMCA, President of the Schenectady City Mission, President of Annie Schaffer Senior Citizen Center, and Chairman of Youth for Christ. He served at the Schenectady County Agricultural Dept., was a 61-year member of the Schenectady Rotary Club, and Secretary for the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.
Charlie was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, Trustee of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church both in Schenectady, and most recently, a Vestryman of the Calvary Episcopal Church in Burnt Hills.
After retirement, one of his most enjoyed positions was that of Town Justice for the Town of Ballston. Upon leaving that position, he remained a volunteer Marriage Officer, marrying over 200 couples.
He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing (especially in the winter), motorboating and motorcycling. His greatest passions were traveling and his family. To him, life was an adventure, every moment a gift to be savored and not wasted.
Charles will be fondly remembered by his children, Brian (Judi) Merriam, Peter (Cynthia) Merriam, Sondra Russ, Anne Hogue (Bill LaPietra) and Sarah (Tom) Dauenhauer; his grandchildren: Kelsey (Adam) Cherney, Kimberly Merriam, David Merriam, Tyler Merriam, Jenson Merriam, Kalina Merriam, Jennifer (Chase) Richardson, Jordan Russ, Christopher (Clementine) Russ, Lauren (Jason) Kritz, Alex Hogue and Hannah Dauenhauer; and his great grandchildren: Henry Russ, Oliver Russ, Beckett Russ, Hudson Kritz, Levi Richardson and Jude Richardson; and his first wife, Elsbeth VanTongeren.
Along with his parents, Charles is predeceased by his wife Patricia Merriam, and his grandson Jenson Merriam.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15th @ 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charles' memory to the Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany, NY 12202.
Charles W. Merriam, Jr., age 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home. Charles was born on March 15, 1924 in Schenectady, NY to the late Charles W. and Jessie (MacGlashen) Merriam.
Charles attended Nott Terrace High School and furthered his education at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. His studies were interrupted by the 2nd World War and he enlisted in the Navy, entered the V-12 program at the same college, and attended Mid-Shipman school in Asbury Park, NJ and Northwestern University in Chicago. He became a commissioned officer (Lt JG) in January 1945, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor until assigned to an LCT (Landing Craft Tank). After the Japanese surrender, he was assigned to provide aid to the Japanese while stationed in Yokahama.
Following an honorable discharge, Charles returned to college to complete his Bachelor's degree, and in 1948 returned to Schenectady where he joined his father at the Merriam Insurance Agency, founded by his grandfather Charles E. Merriam in 1895. Charles worked in the insurance industry until his retirement in 1989, when the business was acquired and presided over by his son Brian.
During his early working years, Charlie, as he was known, loved to travel extensively. He traveled around the world several times, volunteering on behalf of VITA (Volunteers in Technical Assistance) introducing solar cookers and modern plows to villages in Northern Africa. Additionally, on several occasions he visited his twin brother who started a missionary work in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Charlie was a pilot of single-engine planes, and loved to fly around New York State for the sheer enjoyment of flying, always looking for a reason to share the experience with his family and friends.
He was strongly committed to the needs of his community, serving as President of the Visiting Nurse Service Association, President and Trustee of the YMCA, President of the Schenectady City Mission, President of Annie Schaffer Senior Citizen Center, and Chairman of Youth for Christ. He served at the Schenectady County Agricultural Dept., was a 61-year member of the Schenectady Rotary Club, and Secretary for the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.
Charlie was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, Trustee of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church both in Schenectady, and most recently, a Vestryman of the Calvary Episcopal Church in Burnt Hills.
After retirement, one of his most enjoyed positions was that of Town Justice for the Town of Ballston. Upon leaving that position, he remained a volunteer Marriage Officer, marrying over 200 couples.
He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing (especially in the winter), motorboating and motorcycling. His greatest passions were traveling and his family. To him, life was an adventure, every moment a gift to be savored and not wasted.
Charles will be fondly remembered by his children, Brian (Judi) Merriam, Peter (Cynthia) Merriam, Sondra Russ, Anne Hogue (Bill LaPietra) and Sarah (Tom) Dauenhauer; his grandchildren: Kelsey (Adam) Cherney, Kimberly Merriam, David Merriam, Tyler Merriam, Jenson Merriam, Kalina Merriam, Jennifer (Chase) Richardson, Jordan Russ, Christopher (Clementine) Russ, Lauren (Jason) Kritz, Alex Hogue and Hannah Dauenhauer; and his great grandchildren: Henry Russ, Oliver Russ, Beckett Russ, Hudson Kritz, Levi Richardson and Jude Richardson; and his first wife, Elsbeth VanTongeren.
Along with his parents, Charles is predeceased by his wife Patricia Merriam, and his grandson Jenson Merriam.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15th @ 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charles' memory to the Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany, NY 12202.
Charles attended Nott Terrace High School and furthered his education at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor's degree. His studies were interrupted by the 2nd World War and he enlisted in the Navy, entered the V-12 program at the same college, and attended Mid-Shipman school in Asbury Park, NJ and Northwestern University in Chicago. He became a commissioned officer (Lt JG) in January 1945, and was stationed at Pearl Harbor until assigned to an LCT (Landing Craft Tank). After the Japanese surrender, he was assigned to provide aid to the Japanese while stationed in Yokahama.
Following an honorable discharge, Charles returned to college to complete his Bachelor's degree, and in 1948 returned to Schenectady where he joined his father at the Merriam Insurance Agency, founded by his grandfather Charles E. Merriam in 1895. Charles worked in the insurance industry until his retirement in 1989, when the business was acquired and presided over by his son Brian.
During his early working years, Charlie, as he was known, loved to travel extensively. He traveled around the world several times, volunteering on behalf of VITA (Volunteers in Technical Assistance) introducing solar cookers and modern plows to villages in Northern Africa. Additionally, on several occasions he visited his twin brother who started a missionary work in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Charlie was a pilot of single-engine planes, and loved to fly around New York State for the sheer enjoyment of flying, always looking for a reason to share the experience with his family and friends.
He was strongly committed to the needs of his community, serving as President of the Visiting Nurse Service Association, President and Trustee of the YMCA, President of the Schenectady City Mission, President of Annie Schaffer Senior Citizen Center, and Chairman of Youth for Christ. He served at the Schenectady County Agricultural Dept., was a 61-year member of the Schenectady Rotary Club, and Secretary for the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.
Charlie was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church, Trustee of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church both in Schenectady, and most recently, a Vestryman of the Calvary Episcopal Church in Burnt Hills.
After retirement, one of his most enjoyed positions was that of Town Justice for the Town of Ballston. Upon leaving that position, he remained a volunteer Marriage Officer, marrying over 200 couples.
He enjoyed hiking, mountain climbing (especially in the winter), motorboating and motorcycling. His greatest passions were traveling and his family. To him, life was an adventure, every moment a gift to be savored and not wasted.
Charles will be fondly remembered by his children, Brian (Judi) Merriam, Peter (Cynthia) Merriam, Sondra Russ, Anne Hogue (Bill LaPietra) and Sarah (Tom) Dauenhauer; his grandchildren: Kelsey (Adam) Cherney, Kimberly Merriam, David Merriam, Tyler Merriam, Jenson Merriam, Kalina Merriam, Jennifer (Chase) Richardson, Jordan Russ, Christopher (Clementine) Russ, Lauren (Jason) Kritz, Alex Hogue and Hannah Dauenhauer; and his great grandchildren: Henry Russ, Oliver Russ, Beckett Russ, Hudson Kritz, Levi Richardson and Jude Richardson; and his first wife, Elsbeth VanTongeren.
Along with his parents, Charles is predeceased by his wife Patricia Merriam, and his grandson Jenson Merriam.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15th @ 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church, 85 Lake Hill Road, Burnt Hills, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Charles' memory to the Capital City Rescue Mission, Albany, NY 12202.
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