Robert F. Merriam

Robert F. Merriam of Wellesley MA died of Parkinson’s Disease on January 23, 2025 with his “two girls,” wife Joan and daughter Kelsey, by his side. Bob was born in Burlington, VT on January 25, 1946. He spent his childhood in Vermont and New Hampshire where he first learned to love and steward nature’s beauty. Bob’s love of the outdoors was matched by his passion for sports. He was a skilled athlete and avid fan of all sports, especially basketball. 

He graduated from the University of Vermont in 1968. While in college, Bob joined the ROTC. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and was sent to Vietnam. He was stationed in Da Nang and Quy Nhon and served a total of two years of active duty. The VA acknowledges that Bob’s Parkinson’s, like that of many veterans and many more Vietnamese citizens, was “more likely than not,” caused by exposure to Agent Orange. 

After discharge from the Army, Bob moved to Boston. In 1978 he met the love of his life, Joan Archer, in Marblehead MA. They shared a love of skiing, sailing, and tennis. In 1984 the two wed, and four years later their daughter, Kelsey, was born. Bob was the best ‘“girl dad” and, perhaps, the best father in the universe. The two went on many great adventures, listened to all sorts of music, and talked about everything - big and small. Summer weeks were spent at a family cottage on Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester, with countless walks to “the Rocks.” 

Bob built a career in Human Resources, a profession that benefited from his patience, compassion, and even-keeled nature. He was a trusted and respected colleague to many. In 2000, he earned an MBA from Babson College and in 2017 retired as a Senior Consultant from Insight Performance Management. 

Thirteen years ago, Bob was diagnosed with PD; throughout this long battle he remained positive and approached every challenge with courage. Above all things, Bob will be remembered for his strength of character, intelligence, and exceptional kindness. A lifelong learner and voracious reader, Bob remained curious, inquisitive, and open to the very end. He was a true gentleman who held himself to the highest moral standard.

He is predeceased by his father Philip Merriam, MD. and his mother Charlotte. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years Joan Archer, his cherished daughter Kelsey Archer Merriam (Jess Wilcoxson), his sister Barabara Renaud (Euclide Renaud), his brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Eaton Funeral Home in Needham on Saturday, Feb. 8th at 11:30am. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:30.

A scholarship fund has been established in his name at the Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury VT, a place Bob visited often as a child. This fund will help children attend camp at the Museum, free of cost. Donations in his honor can be mailed to the Fairbanks Museum (1302 Main Street, St. Johnsbury VT, 05819) with the memo: Robert Fairbanks Merriam Scholarship Fund. For questions regarding how to donate, call: (802) 748-2372.

PLEASE NOTE: Bob's Memorial Service will be live streamed via harborview.live