Lawrence Charles Merritt was born in Manhattan on May 8, 1950. He was known to family and friends as Larry. He developed congestive heart failure in late June.  He passed from this world, much too soon, on July 26 in Waymart, PA at a nursing facility after a brief stay. 

He is survived by his older brother, Henry Merritt and his wife Barbara; his younger sister JoAnne Merritt; his nephew Mark Ross, wife Selena and great-nephew Gavin; his great-niece Sophia Ross-Britton; his niece Amy Squitieri, husband Alex and great-nieces Elise and Katherine; and cousins Jeanne Obert Damask and family, Judith Murphy Widelitz and family, and Lydia Tyler and family.

Larry attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, but moved west prior to graduation, spending time in Oregon before settling in Vancouver BC, Canada.  He was a baker, chef and caregiver there, before coming east in 2003.  

He worked at the Karma Triyana Dharmachakra Monastery in Woodstock, NY, where he practiced Tibetan Buddhism, and eventually made his home in Tyler Hill, PA with his sister. He worked for several years at the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River. He was a lover of animals, nature, fine food and the performing arts.

Final arrangements are being conducted by the Arthur Bryant Funeral Home of Honesdale, PA. He is being cremated as was his wish.  A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. 

Donations in his name to the Dessin Animal Shelter in Honesdale, PA, are welcome. One of the greatest pleasures of his last years was the companionship of his cat Abigail, who was adopted from Dessin. Abigail will continue to live at her home with Larry’s sister.