James H. Merritt

The Honorable James "Jim" Merritt, 75, of Harpersfield NY, returned peacefully to his heavenly home surrounded by family September 23rd, 2015 after an acute illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Magdalene "Dale" Merritt, Harpersfield, NY, formerly of Locust Valley, NY; Son Ed Merritt, Chattanooga, TN, formerly of Locust Valley, NY and wife Ginger; Daughter-in-law Frances Cienkowski; Son-in-law James Armstrong; Grandchildren Sara, Sabrina and Holly Merritt, Rebecca Traver and husband Paul, Katie Piszczatowski, Chet Cienkowski, Laura Cienkowski and Great-granddaughter Hailey Traver. He was predeceased by his first wife Sally, Step-Son Chet Cienkowski Jr., and Step-daughter Kathleen Armstrong. Jim was born on August 04, 1940 and grew up in Locust Valley, NY prior to moving upstate to Harpersfield NY in 1992. He was the son of the late Dudley and Karin Merritt of Locust Valley, NY. He began a lifelong career with the United States Post Office as a janitor and worked his way up to becoming Post Master of the Locust Valley Post Office. After retirement Jim stayed active in the postal service by serving as Vice President of the Retirees of the National League of Postmasters. Jim loved giving back to his community. In doing so Jim was elected as Harpersfield Town Judge in 2009 and continued serving until his passing. He was a proud member of the New York State Magistrates Association, a former member of the Locust Valley Fire Department and the Centre Island Police Department. Jim was a proud member of The Fraternal Order of the Masons. He was Past Master of Glen Cove Lodge F. & A.M., former District Deputy Grand Master of the 2nd Nassau District and was also a former member of the Kismet Shrine Temple.
There will be two memorial services to accommodate his numerous friends from all around New York State. Friends and Family around Long Island may come to call at Whitting Funeral Home Inc. 300 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head, N.Y. 11545 on Tuesday 9/29 between 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. A memorial service will be held at Whitting Funeral Home on Wednesday beginning at 10 AM with internment immediately following at Locust Valley Cemetery. Friends and Family around Upstate NY are invited to a memorial service October 3rd at the First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, 96 Main St Stamford, NY beginning at 10 AM.