Obituary of Merton G. Tripp

GREENVILLE – Merton G. Tripp, Sr., 82, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Merton was born on May 24, 1933 in Portland, Maine to the late Harold Tripp and Irene Fredenburgh Tripp-Spaulding. He was raised in Greenville by his mother and his step-father, the late Miller Spaulding. He attended first grade in a one-room schoolhouse, then went to Durham School until 8th grade, then went to Greenville Central School, where he graduated in 1950. He worked on his step-father's farm, before joining the U.S. Army in 1956. After the military, Merton worked on his own farm, and then married his wife of 50 years in 1965. He became a custodian at Greenville Central School in the 1970's, where he worked for over 30 years. Merton was a man of many trades; he liked to garden, to read, make maple syrup, raise chickens, and to chop wood. He taught his children how to crochet, loved the outdoors, loved picking berries for pies, and after he retired, he loved woodworking. He loved to spend time with his children, and he adored his grandchildren. Merton is survived by his loving wife, Rosalee Terrell Tripp; his loving children, Merton Jr. (Joan), Pamella (Jim), Rebecca (Charlie), Victoria (Carl Jr.), and Debbie (Michael); his loving grandchildren, Patricia, Gregory, Rudy, Erick, Cynthia, Alex, Claudia, Christine, Jane, Grace, Charlie, and Rose; his loving great grandson, James; and his brother, John Spaulding; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. His family will truly miss him, but knows he is at peace now. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 5, 2015 at 12 noon at the United Methodist Church of Greenville & Norton Hill, 5830 State Route 81, Greenville. Burial will follow in Greenville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oak Hill Durham Fire Company, PO Box 51, Oak Hill, NY 12460, or the Greenville Food Pantry, PO Box 631, Greenville, NY 12083. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.