- Date Of Birth: May 8, 1940
- Date Of Death: December 17, 2021
- State: Connecticut
Peter Andrews Merriman of Prospect, CT passed peacefully on Friday, December 17th, surrounded by son Jason and his wife Nicole of West Barnstable, MA, daughter Sybil Merriman of Middletown and former wife Angela Tolomeo of Waterbury. Born May 8,1940 in Waterbury Hospital, Peter lived a glorious 81 years.
Peter also leaves behind his brothers Doug Merriman of Prospect and John Merriman and wife Carol of North Haven along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends of all ages. He is predeceased by parents Roy and Margaret Merriman, brother Tommy and sister Suzie Merriman Heston. He also endured tearful goodbyes for his grand-dogs Bailey, Finley, Chase and Ripple.
Peter was a 1958 graduate of Crosby High School in Waterbury. He served in the US Army from 1963 to 1965, earning a Sharpshooter M-14 Rifle Badge and working as an operating room surgical orderly. He was transferred to the Army Reserves for the next four years to attend Quinnipiac College, where he received a B.S. in Accounting in 1969 and was one of the original founders of the Sigma Pentaton Chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa. In 1971 he became a Certified Public Accountant.
Peter’s work ethic was unrivaled. At age fifteen, he worked for Nick Cocchiola driving trucks and trailers, operating heavy equipment, and plowing snow. While he cherished his first job, an extensive career in accounting would lead to the work of which he was most proud at Robinson & Cole, LLP in Hartford, where he served as the Chief Financial Officer from 1991 to 2010.
Despite his dedication to work, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with his kids and always found time to help others in need, believing “it is great fun to make others happy.” A mere mention of something desired, and a week later it was hand-delivered or mailed – stuffed peppers, firewood, an out of print book…the list is truly endless. He often surprised his friends and family with thoughtful gifts and fixed anything that needed repair from trailer lights to tangled necklaces. He was constantly trying to better himself, living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Pete enjoyed the finer things in life – vintage trucks, good wine, watches and following a trip to Scotland with his kids, a wee dram of scotch. Having grown up in a musical family and playing violin at a young age, Pete appreciated all music. He was the former Vice President and Director of the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra. An opera buff, he often took his family and others to the Metropolitan Opera House. It was always a treat to watch him air-conduct his favorite arias and to hear him enthusiastically shout BRAVO! after each performance.
