John W. Merz

John William Merz, 91, of Charlton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, with his loving family by his side.

John was born and raised in Greenfield, Massachusetts, to his late parents, William Merz and Christina (Thayer) Noble. He was predeceased by his sister, Bertha (Merz) Fogarty, and her husband, Henry Fogarty.

Just weeks before his passing, John lost the love of his life, Carol Ann (Usinger) Merz, his devoted wife of 70 years, who passed away on August 14, 2026. Together they built a life centered on family, love, and adventure.

John is survived by his daughters, Terri (Merz) Emerson and her husband, Nathan; Katherine Merz; and Gretchen (Merz) Cutler and her husband, Michael. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Abigail (Emerson) Finan and her husband, Kevin; Andrew Emerson and his wife, Ellen; Derek Briner and his wife, Elizabeth; Melissa Briner; Shane Gilman; and William Cutler.

Nothing brought John greater pride than his family. He was a beloved great-grandfather to Cameron Trundy, Cadence Briner, Aubrey Finan, Lillian Finan, Ryan Fournier, and Mia Ortiz.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Emil Usinger and his wife, Bonnie; his sister-in-law, Janice Usinger, wife of his late brother-in-law, William Usinger; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins; and his faithful dog, Jack.

A man of remarkable energy, talent, and determination, John graduated from Colgate University and began his professional life as a high school German and Biology teacher and football coach in upstate New York. He later embarked on a successful career in sales, representing electrical and lighting manufacturers, including General Electric, Dyer and Clark, and Panduit Corporation. These opportunities took him and his family throughout New York and New England before they settled in Littleton, Massachusetts, in 1967, where he and Carol raised their family and created a lifetime of treasured memories.

John had a larger-than-life personality and a gift for making people feel welcome. He loved being surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors, and others naturally enjoyed being in his company. His many interests reflected his adventurous spirit and boundless curiosity. He enjoyed hunting, camping, hiking, canoe racing, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, volleyball, tennis, running, woodworking, history, reading, lifelong learning, brewing beer, golf, bee keeping and gardening, to name only a few.

In 1987, John and Carol purchased a summer home in Penobscot, Maine, a place that became one of their greatest joys. They loved spending time by the ocean, working on the cottage and grounds, and sharing that special place with family and friends for many years.

In his later years, John developed a passion for genealogy and was proud to trace his family's history back to the 1600s. He was also a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge and the Jolly Mariners.

John will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his enthusiasm for life, his generosity, and his ability to make every gathering brighter with his presence. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation https://donate.themmrf.org/events/561/donate

Celebration of Life Service will be held on October 17, 2026 at 11:00 am, The Chapel at Overlook, 88 Masonic Home Road, Charlton, MA