Obituary of Robert G. Merriam

Robert G. Merriam passed away on March 7, 2022. He was 83 years old.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, to parents Gerald and Mary Ann (nee Casey) Merriam, Robert graduated from Plainfield High School and worked several jobs before starting his own business, Robert Merriam Construction, in 1964.  As a carpenter, he specialized in framing and building custom homes throughout Central New Jersey and the Mendham area before becoming co-owner of Country Club Self Storage in High Bridge, NJ.  Robert also served as Vice President of the Bedminster Planning Board for several years.  

In his teenage years, Robert loved hot rod cars, winning a trophy at the Manville dragstrip.  As the years passed, he transitioned to a motorcyclist who loved spending Sundays riding with his buddies and grabbing a bite to eat along the way.  When the opportunity presented itself, he enjoyed creating woodworking masterpieces.  Robert took great pride in the home he built for his family and his numerous landscaping projects.  A favorite pastime of Robert’s was playing practical jokes on neighbors, friends, colleagues, and all that loved him.  He was always up for a good debate and would seek opportunities to do so.  Although Robert enjoyed listening to instrumental music on a regular basis, he failed miserably when trying to learn guitar.  Robert looked forward to relaxing at night with his beloved Shetland sheepdog, Shawn, beside his chair.

Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Merriam, son Donald Merriam of Tonopah, NV, daughter Marlene (John) Blankinship of Alexandria Township, NJ.  In addition to his immediate family Robert is survived by five grandchildren, Jennifer (Clint) Ambs of Hampton, NJ, Kerrianne Blankinship, Cassie Blankinship, Bryce Blankinship, and Garrett Blankinship all of Alexandria Township, NJ, and one great grandson, Bowden Blackwell Ambs of Hampton, NJ.  Robert is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ruthann LoSardo of Bound Brook, NJ, niece Brianna (Mike) Costante of Scotch Plains, NJ, a nephew, Anthony LoSardo of Hillsborough, NJ.  Also surviving is a niece, Alicia and Mike Summers of Annandale, VA, and two nephews, Joseph and Michelle Lehnes of Buffalo, NY, and William and Kim Lehnes of Rocky Mount, NC.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2022 from 1-4:30 PM, immediately followed by a memorial service at 4:30 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack NJ 07977. Interment will be private at Somerset Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory may be made to The Far Hills-Bedminster First Aid Squad, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Deborah Hospital Foundation, or a special charity of your choice.