NEW GLOUCESTER – Albert E. “Sonny” Merrill Jr., 49, of New Gloucester died Monday, May 19, at his home. He was an amazingly loving dad to two beautiful daughters.

He was born on Sept. 23, 1959, the son of Albert and Irene Merrill. He graduated from Gray-New Gloucester High School in 1978.

Sonny was married to Laurie (Blais) Knights for 20 years, after divorcing in 2002 they had remained very close friends. They had two daughters together, Sarah and Elizabeth Merrill. Even after his divorce from Laurie, he was always there for her and his girls.

The golf course was Sonny’s second home, and his golf buddies his second family. When asked what he would like to do for the rest of his life his response was golf. He was also an avid fishermen and hunter all his life.

Sonny was a member of the American Legion Post 86 in Gray, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles in New Gloucester.

Sonny was known to be the greatest concrete finisher in the industry. He was in the business for 29 years. He worked for Brian Phinney for 12 years and Jeff Preble for 17 years, though he was not thought of as an employee. To the people who worked with him, he was their trusted friend and someone they could always depend on, no matter what.

If there ever was a man who embodied or defined the true meaning of a “good man,” Sonny was that man. Sonny was the one who was there to help when you needed a hand and there to listen when you needed to talk. He was devoted to his friends and family.

He is survived by two daughters, Sarah Merrill of Poland, and Elizabeth Merrill of Lewiston; two brothers, Harry Babbin of Ellsworth, and Pat Merrill of Georgia; three sisters, Donna Allen of Gray, Sally Merrill of Lewiston, and Terry Cannon of New Jersey; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and eldest sister, Suzie Chaplin.

To our beloved father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, you are forever in our hearts.

See you when the concrete’s hard.