ROBERT MERRIAM Obituary

MERRIAM, Robert F. 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 graduated from the University of Vermont in 1968. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and 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 Vietnamese citizens, was "more likely than not," caused by exposure to Agent Orange. After discharge from the army, Bob moved to Boston. In 1984, he married Joan Archer, in Marblehead, MA and in 1988, their daughter, Kelsey, was born. 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. 13 years ago, Bob was diagnosed with P.D., 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. He was 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 and nephews, cousins and many treasured friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Eaton Funeral Home, in NEEDHAM, on Saturday, Feburary 8, at 11:30am. Visitation from 10:00-11:30am. 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 full obituary or to share a memory of Bob, please visit www.eatonfuneralhomes.com Eaton Funeral Home 781-444-0201