Merrill Sandler, 90, Parts Analyst for Raytheon

Merrill Sandler, 90, of Haverhill, passed away on October 24, 2018, after a brief illness. He was born in Lowell on May 24, 1928, the son of the late Samuel and Celia (Nochimovitz) Sandler.

Merrill was educated in the Haverhill school system and was a graduate of Haverhill High School, enlisting in the Army upon graduation. Due to his eyesight, he could not be deployed, but served as a cook at Fort Meade in Maryland. After the Army, he married Carolyn Frances (Klain) Sandler. They were wed 48 years until her death in 2002. Together, they had three daughters; Randy Jean (deceased), Gail Joy and Susan Emily. Merrill had a long career as a parts analyst for Raytheon for 32 years, from which he retired in 1992.

In his younger years, Merrill was in a bowling league, was an avid cribbage player, hosted many card games at his home and enjoyed running. After retirement, he was a grandfather to Megan Patricia, Alison Elizabeth and Julie Randi. In his senior years, Merrill was an active member in the Haverhill Senior Center, playing bingo, dancing, singing and doing jigsaw puzzles with his beloved companion Barbara Skofield. He also enjoyed sitting in the sun and was a Red Sox and Patriots fan.

Merrill leaves behind his sister, Arline (Sandler) Spillberg, brother Sidney Sandler, his wife Ruth, daughters, Gail (Sandler) Novak and her husband Allan, Sue (Sandler) Pieslak and her husband Mike, grandchildren Megan (McGonagle) Fuchs and her husband Lance, Alison (McGonagle) O’Connell and her husband Jack and Julie Pieslak, great grandchildren Brody, Calyn, Porter, Moss and extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Sunday, Oct. 28, at 12:30 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St. Interment will follow in the Montefiore Cemetery, Pelham, NH. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701, or Blair House – Resident Council, 10 Erlin Terrace, Tewksbury, MA 01876.