Steven H. Merchant, Sr.

Steven H. Merchant Sr. passed away on June 26, 2024 in his home surrounded by the love of his family

Steve was born on May 5, 1948 in Norwich, son to the late Howard and Emeroy (Crowell) Merchant. Steve grew up in the city of Norwich until his family moved to Old Canterbury Tpke where they operated a farm with 1800 hundred laying hens. In his high school years at NFA, Steve was an active member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). During this time, Steve received the Star Poultry Farmer award in Harrisburg, PA, after competing against others from seven Northeastern States. He graduated NFA class of 1966. Later that year he joined in marriage to Linda Rainville, his loving wife for 57 years.   They would spend 10 more years in Norwich, in their first home he and his father built. During this time Steve began working for the DEP as a maintainer at Fort Shantok.

In 1976, when opportunity to run Hopeville Pond State Park and Pachaug Forest came, Steve, Linda, and their two young sons moved to Griswold.   While living in the state house at Hopeville, their daughter was born.  Steve and Linda purchased land in Griswold that they would eventually build their family homestead on.  Over the years, Steve cleared the land, built a barn for his beloved Herefords, a workshop for his many projects, and later built their family home.

While living in Griswold, He was a dedicated servant to the town serving as selectman, chairman of board of finance, fire chief and life member of GVFD. He was also instrumental in developing the land on Sheldon Rd into recreation fields. He was President of the Pachaug Cemetery committee and a member and Trustee for the First Congregational Church of Griswold.

Steve continued working for the state for many years for Parks and Forests (DEEP). Steve served as Chief of Operations for DEEP, and then retired as Chief of Operations for the Eastern District for DEEP in 2007 after 39 years of service. One of his last projects was creating the Rails to Trails, which was converting the abandoned rail lines to biking and hiking trails east of the Connecticut River.

Steve was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. When Steve wasn’t working or serving his community, he could be found at home spending time with family while tending to his animals, Christmas trees, and garden.  He enjoyed giving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren tractor rides.  In the summers he enjoyed pool time with the family as he looked out over the pastures of “Fine View”. When he wasn’t home, he could often be found helping his children complete a home project or watching his grandchildren playing sports. Over the years Steve and Linda enjoyed traveling with family and friends within the United States, South America, and Europe.

Steve is survived by his wife Linda, son, Steven Jr. (Kristy) of Saylorsburg, PA: his children Steven lll, Brianna, Pierce, son, Scott (Amy) of Griswold: their children Abigail and Sarah, daughter Rebecca Martin (Jason) of Griswold: their children Samuel and Emma. Steve is also survived by five great grandchildren, and his sister Sandra (Bill) Milton of Norwich. He was predeceased by two brothers Gordon and Gary and two sisters Joanne Thibault and Marjorie Charron.

There will not be calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 am on July 20, at the First Congregational Church of Griswold, 878 Voluntown Rd., Griswold CT 06351. Interment will follow after service at Pachaug Cemetery on Route 138. Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  For online condolences please go to www.gagnefuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Griswold Volunteer Fire Department and First Congregational Church of Griswold.

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