Honeoye/Avon: At age 77, Howard passed peacefully on April 21, 2024 at the Hospeace House in Naples, NY. He was born on March 22, 1947 in Hume, NY to the late Clarence and Pearl Merrell. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his wife Charlene Merrell and siblings, Bud Merrell, Sandy Egan, Allan Merrell, and David Merrell. Survived by his daughter Danine (Sean) Dolphin of AZ, and sons, Shawn Gillette of Rochester, and Shane Merrell of Manchester; granddaughter Mariah Schneider; brothers, George “Coach” (Pauline) Merrell and Arliss (Lynn) Merrell; also survived by nieces, nephews, and friends.
Howard “Hooter” Merrell was a sports enthusiast all his life. He umpired baseball, refereed football, and was a line judge for many years. He loved to fish, especially with his close friend David Hill, who he also worked with. Howard helped build many houses and did construction work for a good part of his life. He loved to talk about living in Avon, knowing the history of the community, families that resided there, and who played baseball, basketball, football, or any other sports that he took interest in. Howard was also a past member of the Dansville Fire Department Hook & Ladder. He was a Buffalo Bills fan for all his life.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11am on Friday, April 26th, at East Avon Cemetery, East Avon, NY. In lieu of flowers, condolences and memorial contributions may be made to his son, Shane Merrell, 75 South Main Street, Manchester, NY 14504. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Howard, it was always a pleasure sitting on your front porch chatting about sports, golfing and the many places you lived which I had connections with. Miss you buddy.
You will be missed Uncle Howard. You are now pain free. Love you.
I’ll miss u uncle hooter. U were a great man.when he was 15 my dad raised him he lived with us for a while. Ur nephew george