Douglas S. DeMerchant, 90, of Carolina, RI died unexpectedly on Tuesday March 1, 2023 at his home. He was the beloved husband of Mary F. (Burrows) DeMerchant, sadly she predeceased him on March 21, 2021.
Born in Providence, RI on May 6, 1932 he was the son of the late Oscar L. and Ethel (Kee) DeMerchant.
Mr. DeMerchant was a carpenter by trade and was employed at Electric Boat in Groton, CT for many years before retiring.
Doug was a life member of the Richmond Carolina Volunteer Fire Dept. and had obtained the rank of Captain. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed making his replica models of toys that would be in demand at many fire department raffles in the Carolina community. He also enjoyed collecting antiques and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, playing cards and attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s local sporting events.
He will be sadly missed by his three children, Lorna Caulfield (Brian) of Ashaway, RI, Julie DeMerchant and her former husband (Paul Forbes) of Charlestown, RI and Keith DeMerchant (Brenda) of Charlestown, RI. He was the loving grandfather of Amy, John, Lindsey, Matthew, Kyle and Emily. He also leaves his six great grandchildren his sister, Joyce Davies of Boulder, CO and his sister-in-law Carol DeMerchant of Carolina, RI. He was predeceased by his 3 brothers, Oscar, John and Murray DeMerchant. He also leaves behind his two beloved cats and companions, Nugget and Newt.
The DeMerchant family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday March 5, 2023 from 4-7 PM at the S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St. Hope Valley, RI. Funeral service will be held on Monday at 10:00 AM at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 So. County Trail, Exeter. Attendees are asked to arrive to the cemetery by 9:45 AM at the administration building.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Doug’s name to the Special Olympics, 370
George Washington Hwy, Smithfield, RI 02917.
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