Arthur C. Merritt born May 23, 1926, in West New York, New Jersey to Frances Sommerman and Charles (Merritt) Mazziotta, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2023, at his home in Bradford, Vermont. Arthur enlisted in the Navy, serving from November 1943 to June 1946 and receiving the American Theatre Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal, and the Victory Medal. He received his electrical education at Iowa State College and upon leaving the Navy was Electrician Mate First Class.
Arthur is survived by his Wife of 33 years, Vera Kidder Merritt; his Daughters; Jamie Rotondi, Annie Merritt, Lizabeth Merritt; granddaughters, Gabrielle Rotondi Ryan, Jenna Rotondi and grandson-in-law Kenneth Ryan; great-granddaughters, Francesca, Annabella and Juliette Ryan; half-brother Jack Contrucci and wife Denise; half-sister Lee Berchem and husband Bob; step son Robert Taylor and wife Malinda; step daughter Vanora Wilmott and husband Mike; step grandchildren, Cassandra Shortway and step grandson-in-law Jeffery Shortway, Christopher Taylor and step granddaughter-in-law Robyn, Jack Wilmott and Isabella Wilmott; step great-grandchildren, Molly, Hadley and Bentley Taylor, and Connor Shortway; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
Arthur was pre-deceased by his mother, Frances Contrucci, and his father, Charles (Merritt) Mazziotta; his half-sister Lynne Contrucci; son in law Larry Rotondi; and longtime best friend, John Brennan.
Arthur had many talents and interests. Arthur was physically active having won several medals in the Green Mountain Senior Games competing from age 64 to 72 in the shot put, long jump, and the 55-, 100- and 200-meter run. Based on completion in the 1991 Green Mountain Senior Games, he qualified and competed in the National Senior Sports Classic in Syracuse, NY.
He was self-taught on the wood lathe, crafting lamps, bowls, and music boxes. He was an avid reader on the Civil War and could retell accounts from any of these books. Upon Arthur learning that Vera's Great Grandfather Albion O. Kidder fought in the Civil War, he took a particular interest in Vermont's history and participation in the War. Arthur made two life size painted wood soldiers with appropriate uniforms from the Civil War; one for State of Vermont and one for State of New Jersey. These were displayed for years on the front porch when he lived in Newbury, VT. He also made a large painted wooden flag that was displayed on his Barn; this flag having 15 stars representing the point at which Vermont and Kentucky joined the Union and being the Flag upon which our National Anthem was written.
There will be a private family burial May 23 at 1:00 pm at the West Bradford Cemetery.
Donations in his honor can be made to:
Food shelf in your community.
Central Vermont Council on Aging (Dementia Respite Program)
59N Main St. Suite 200 Barre, VT 05641
Bayada Hospice who lovingly cared for Arthur in his last two months at home.
600 Blair Park Rd. Suite 600, Williston, VT 05495