Alwin "Win" Abbott Merrill

Alwin "Win" Abbott Merrill

Scituate- Alwin "Win" Merrill, 97, of Scituate, devoted husband of the late Andrea (Cefalo) Merrill, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at the Rockingham County Nursing Home in Brentwood, NH.

Born on December 9, 1915, in Wollaston, MA, he was the sole child of the late Carleton and Nella (Forsyth) Merrill. Raised and educated in Sharon, he was a graduate of Sharon High School. He matriculated to Pennsylvania State, College of Optometry, earning his degree in Optometry.

During World War II, Win proudly served his country as a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserves at the Cape Cod Canal. Win married Grace Libby and had two daughters, Deborah and Dianne.

Win opened his first optometry practice in Walpole, later relocating to Wellesley, MA. A member of the Optometric Extension Program and a Fellow of the College of Optometric Vision Development, he was dedicated to serving his community. Win was certified by the Gesell Institute of Child Development as a specialist in perceptual development and learning disabilities. Through the visual training program, Win enhanced the lives of many children by encouraging the development of new skills and helping to build self-confidence. Win greatly appreciated the gratitude expressed by his students.

In 1968, Win married Andrea "Andi" Cefalo, with whom he shared 42 wonderful years. Andi and Win were active in the community and enjoyed the company of their many dear friends in their homes in Cohasset and Scituate. In 1988, Win founded a gentlemen's breakfast group, The Chanticleers, which is still going strong today.

Even before he could drive, Win had a passion for the classic cars of his era. He knew all the models, designs, and details. An avid nature lover, Win often recalled his fond childhood memories of camping with his father and the Boy Scouts. As a young boy, Charles Lindbergh was his hero, sparking an interest in becoming a pilot. In his spare time, he took pleasure in photography, painting, swimming, home landscaping, and playing the piano and organ. Even at the age of 97, Win shared his love of music with others, playing a few songs on the piano. Win enjoyed sailing, skiing, and mountain climbing and he especially enjoyed the companionship of his golden retrievers.

Win had a giving spirit, always lending a helping hand. A perfect gentleman, Win will be best remembered for his loving patience, goodness, kindness and adventuresome spirit. A dedicated husband, father, and friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Alwin is survived by his two daughters, Deborah Boynton and her husband, Clancy, of East Hampstead, NH and Dianne Wright and her husband, John, of Nottingham, NH and extended family and friends.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to all of the staff at the Rockingham Nursing Home in Brentwood, NH for all the tender care and compassion consistently given to Win during his stay.