Richard A. Mercy
FRANKLIN (Lake Carmi)– Richard A. Mercy, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
He was born in St. Albans on May 20, 1940, to the late Alton and Dorthey (Longley) Mercy.
Richard was raised in Richford and graduated from Richford High School Class of 1958. He was a 20-year Veteran of the United States Navy as a Submariner on the USS Ethan Allen, following a long and distinguished career he received his honorable discharge as a Lieutenant. During his career he mentored many men and women serving in the Armed Services, he would demand the best out of people and accepted no excuses.
He had many hobbies and interests including, golfing, fishing, gardening, cheering on the New York Yankees and Ohio State Buckeyes, enjoying a Bud heavy and going to The Price Is Right game show in New Hampshire. Richard enjoyed time spent on the lake with his family, friends, and the dogs that he cherished. He loved the many hours boating on the lake making sure not to hit the ‘friggen’ rocks or the weeds.
Richard’s family will remember him for his many qualities including his sense of humor, being an exceptional provider for his family and friends, his ability to tell you exactly how he felt with “no filter” and giving the shirt off his back expecting nothing in return. During Richard’s illness he was in constant pain, never complained, and never gave up.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, supporting his children and grandchildren in all aspects, particularly sporting events, where he would travel to great lengths to attend their activities.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Wright) Mercy of Franklin, his high school sweetheart, married on July 21, 1961; his children, Jeffrey Mercy and his wife Tracy of Tecumseh, Michigan, Tammara Mercy and her soulmate James Fitzgerald of Fairfax, Vermont; grandchildren, Samantha Mercy, Haley Mercy, J’Nice Kobzik and her husband Jay, Hayden Fitzgerald, and William Fitzgerald; great-grandchildren, Kylie Kobzik and Kaden Kobzik; foster brother, Peter Upton, and many close friends and neighbors.
A memorial service with military honors will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2018, at 3:00 PM at Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickenson Ave. Enosburg Falls, VT.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 PM until the hour of the service.
For those who wish, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to the Richford American Legion Scholarship Fund, 35 River Street, Richford, VT 05476.
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