Paul Francis Merriman of Syracuse died peacefully on July 27, 2016 in Lafayette, NY at the home of his beloved caregiver, Paula Skvarch, near the cornfields and countryside that he loved so much. Paul was 100 years young, never met a stranger and was indisputably a member of the Greatest Generation.
He was born on the family farm in Otisco, NY to Frank and Agnes (Flanagan) Merriman on December 5, 1915. As a child, he traveled to a one-room schoolhouse on horseback and worked on the farm. Paul graduated from Tully High School in 1932. He and his siblings, also known as the "Fab Five," attended many Tully reunions over the years.
From January of 1941 until October of 1945, Paul served in the US Army during WWII with the 736th Field Artillery Battalion. Paul's service took him to Hawaii just two months after the attack on Pearl Harbor where ships were still ablaze. He arrived at Utah Beach in August of 1944. Paul moved across Europe with General Patton's Army and received a commendation for his heavy artillery support during The Battle of the Bulge.
After the war he worked in the food service industry as a salesman and retired from Kellogg Company in 1979. In his later years, Paul took up golf and even scored a hole-in-one at the Thousand Island's Club Course. He enjoyed summers on the St. Lawrence River and winters in West Palm Beach, FL
In the summer of 1944, he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Aungier at an auction (her father was the auctioneer). He kidded for the rest of his days that she was the best bargain he ever got! They were wed in 1946 and were happily married for 54 years before her passing in 2000.
Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen (Aungier); daughter, Kay Ellen Capo ; and two brothers, Gerald and Vincent.
He is survived by his three children, Paul (Cheryl) of New Bern, NC; James (Beth) of Sammamish, WA; Julie (Tracy) Young of Charlotte, NC, son-in-law Jim Capo of NYC; his two sisters, Arlene (Swete) of Syracuse, NY and Lucy (Swanson) of Forest Hills, NY.; 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Ryan Funeral Home, 44 E. Main Street, Marcellus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 3rd in St. Patrick's Church, Otisco. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow, with Military Honors, at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Otisco.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick's Cemetery, c/o Shawn Henderson, 1957 State Route 80, Tully, NY 13159; or Honor Flight Syracuse, Inc., PO Box 591, Syracuse, NY 13209.

Ryan Funeral Home
Marcellus

Date of Death: July 27, 2016

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Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Jul. 28 to Jul. 31, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Merriman

Sponsored by The Family.

17 Entries

December 7, 2016

What a special man! I was blessed to get to know "Sergeant Merriman" at three annual reunions of the 736th FA Battalion starting in 2010. At 94, Paul had a sharp mind, was physically fit (he always went for a swim when we got back from a day-long tour, when those of us half his age just wanted a nap!) and more importantly, he was just one of the nicest people I ever met.

My dad had been a comrade, but passed away in 2010, just months before I found the group online and went to my first reunion. I attended by myself, flying from California to Indiana, not knowing a soul. Paul, his daughter Kay, and the whole group welcomed me with open arms. Kay and I became inseparable over these three annual weekends, and the sweetest part was how she "shared" her dad with me. He so kindly answered everyone's questions about the war, and told the same stories at our request, often with Kay's big video camera in his face. : ) When I thanked her for sharing her dad with me, she said, "Of course! He is a national treasure." I truly believe he was. I cherish my last conversation with him, when I called him for his 100th birthday last December.

To his family, my deepest condolences to you all on losing both Paul and Kay. Although I "knew" them for a total of maybe 6 or 7 days, my life is truly richer for having known them. They were both beautiful people, and they loved each other and their family so very much.

Linda and Chuck Freebold

August 7, 2016

We knew Paul from his parish, Holy Name of Jesus, in West Palm Beach, FL. Our memories of him are of a dear friend who served his country with the honor of the Greatest Generation. He was an inspiration to us, always with a warm greeting and time for a chat. We feel privileged to have known him. RIP Paul.

Cecil Purser

August 3, 2016

Tracy & Julie and the Merriman family,

I really enjoyed the time I have been able to spend with your dad on his visits to Charlotte, NC. He was always a very kind and friendly man and reminds me of my own dad in so many ways. I know you will miss him and you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this part of life. Let his memories bring joy and happiness to you as this is all we really leave behind with our loved ones.

Mary Aungier Folts

August 2, 2016

Dear Merriman Family,
I am unable to be there tomorrow, but send prayers and sympathy to you all on Paul's passing. I last saw him at my Mom's calling hours in 2005 and he was a such a joyful presence and comfort to us telling stories of the family and growing up in the country hills. You were blessed to have him with you these many years-truly his was a life well lived.
On behalf of all my siblings and our families, may you find peace and comfort in one another as you say farewell to Paul this week.
Always, Mary Aungier Folts

Vince Aungier

August 2, 2016

Joe, Jim, Julie, Jim

How I wish I could be there. I've wonderful memories of Mary Ellen and Paul going back to summer weekends in the 1940s on the Aungier family farm.

Vince Aungier

July 30, 2016

We would like to express our sincere condolence to the Merriman family and especially to Arlene Swete. May he Rest In Peace.

Shirley and Ed Karpinski

July 29, 2016

When I meet him I instantly felt blessed. Paul was a sweet soul. His stories were so lively, you could almost picture it. He loved trains and I was fortunate enough to share my first train trip with him. It's a memory I will always cherish. <3 ♡ <3 Thinking of his family as they send an angel to heaven.

Barbara Kennedy

July 29, 2016

Paul and Mary Ellen were such a wonderful couple - everyone at Meadowland Park will miss them both. We're so glad we were able to attend his last birthday party at Fisher's Landing. He was an amazing gentleman who truly loved his life and his family. Barb & Glen Kennedy

John Domalavage

July 29, 2016

Sorry for your loss.

Bob Sylvester

July 29, 2016

sorry to hear of his passing ,really enjoyed meeting him.had some great conversations !

July 29, 2016

Paul Merriman was a walk off home run in the bottom of the 14th! JJM

July 29, 2016

Arlene, Sending my sympathy and caring thoughts to you. Yes, I remember Aunt Arlie Kinney and the "Flanagan" sisters. And, my mom, Elizabeth Bailer Connell going with your brother Jerry, his wife and other friends from Otisco to hear the Soda Ash Six! Strong connections to so many in your family. Again, Arlene, I am thinking of you.

Sincerely,
Mary Connell

Edwin Nelson III

July 29, 2016

Sorry for your loss

The Fab Five

Lucy Swanson

July 28, 2016

Lucy Swanson

July 28, 2016

As sad as we are to lose such a wonderful brother and uncle, we treasure all the happy memories we share. We look forward to celebrating his life with our family in the coming days. All our love and prayers, Aunt Lucy and Family.

Mary Pat Dunn

July 28, 2016

Rest in Peace Paul ! I loved our conversations here in the 1000 Islands , you had wonderful stories of your life . Our deepest condolences to your family .Joe & Mary Pat Dunn

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