PITTSFIELD — Joseph Andrew Merchant, 82, of Newport died Feb. 25 at the hospital.

He was born Aug. 23, 1928, in Quechee, Vt., a son of Alba and Mary (Burke) Merchant. He served in the U. S. Navy onboard the U.S.S. Randolph and later worked at the VA Hospital in Togus. He was a life member of both the Barrows-Skidgel American Legion No. 105 and Newport Post No. 11191 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was an avid reader and loved to travel and camp in his RV. He was an active member of the Holiday Rambler RV Club, the Good Sam Club and the Family Motor Coach Association. He attended People’s United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine (Morse) Merchant of Newport; two sons, John and wife, Diana Merchant, of Lisbon Falls and Kelly and wife, Ellen Holmes, of Palermo; a daughter, Judith and husband, Charles May, of Bowie, Md.; two brothers, William and wife, Doris Merchant, of Jay, John and wife, Caroline Merchant, of Claremont, N.H.; six grandchildren, Erica and husband, Gene Carwile, Laurel Merchant, Lisa and husband, Mike Riggin, Chuck May, David and wife, Lisa Holmes, and Andrew Holmes; 12
great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons.

Those who wish may leave written condolences at www.CrosbyNeal.com.