David Edward Merkle

David Dave Edward Merkle, 85, of Oakhill Avenue, Attleboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Sturdy Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Jane L. (Mendler) Merkle to whom he was married on June 14, 1950 in New Hampshire. Born in Attleboro on April 20, 1926, Mr. Merkle was the son of the late Henry Harry J. Merkle and Sarah Louise Pearl (Brigham) Merkle. He was raised and educated in, and remained a lifelong resident of, Attleboro. Mr. Merkle was a proud veteran of the United States Navy during the World War II era, having served from his enlistment on April 26, 1944 until his honorable discharge on August 1, 1946. He served aboard the USS Yorktown (CV10) as an Electrician mate SCH 3 Class. During his years of service he received many medals, among them were The World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal and the Philippines Liberation Medal just to name a few. One of his most treasured moments later in life was returning in 2006 to the ship on which he served. In 2005, Mr. Merkle received an honorable high school diploma which was awarded to veterans who left school early to serve in the war. Upon returning to the Attleboro area, he began a career as a toolmaker. His skills in his trade brought him to various companies in his working years. He was employed by the former Shields Company, which later became the Dante Manufacturing Company. He spent the last 20 years of his career working for the International Packing Corporation in Pawtucket, RI. Mr. Merkle was a longtime member of the All Saints Episcopal Church in Attleboro, where he had been an usher for many years and also served on the building committee. He later became a member of Grace Episcopal Church in North Attleboro. A man of many interests and affiliations, Mr. Merkle was a lifetime member of the VFW. He also received his private pilot license on October 18, 1949 and became a pilot with the Civil Air Patrol in October of 1950. His most treasured times were ones spent traveling to places like Ireland and the over 40 years of summers spent in Maine with his beloved family and friends. In Maine, he enjoyed times spent camping on the beach, sailing on windjammer cruises, making campfires, and watching sailboats in the harbor. He was also an avid newspaper reader and a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots. Mr. Merkles best friend was his dog Shadow, who passed away in April of 2009 and whom he still missed daily. His favorite quote was by Bill Keane: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift from God and we should use it well. In addition to his beloved wife of over 61 years, Mr. Merkle leaves three sons: Philip H. Merkle and his wife Cynthia, of Swampscott; Wayne H. Merkle, of Attleboro; and Keith D. Merkle and his wife Cathy, of Attleboro; three granddaughters: Dawn B. (Merkle) Slack and her husband George, of Warwick, RI; Hana C. Merkle, of Boston; and Sarah C. Merkle, of California; two great-granddaughters: Sydney Slack and Sierra Slack, of Warwick, RI; and many dear lifelong friends, including his good friend and neighbor Denise Cuneo. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend Visitation with Veterans Honors on Monday, August 15, 2011 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the Memorial Chapel of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. Childrens room available during visitation. Those in need of a ride to visitation may call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are also cordially invited to attend the Funeral Service on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, 104 North Washington Street, North Attleboro with the Rev. William Underhill, Officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Oak Knoll Cemetery, Tremont Street, Rehoboth. Following cemetery services an invitation will be extended to return with the family back to Grace Episcopal Church for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments. Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Merkles name may be made to the Dyer-Lake Charitable Foundation, Inc., a registered 501 (c) (3) organization, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, North Attleboro, MA 02760 to benefit either the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Respiratory Department, the Community VNA, or Grace Episcopal Church. Please indicate which foundation donations should be directed to. To send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book located at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200.