David Mason Merchant 85, died on October 2, 2022. He was born on July 1,1937 in Providence, RI, son of the late Mason B and Helen (Leavitt) Merchant. As a young boy he marveled at the trains and automobiles of a modern city. Dave was a graduate of Moses Brown school, Brown University, and Duke Law School.
He was the much-loved husband of Brenda (Sherman) Merchant for 63 years, and loving father of Rebecca Merchant (Terry DeLeo), the late Jennifer (Merchant) LaPierre, Gregory Merchant (Heidi) and three grandchildren, Mason and Noelle Merchant and Landon Lapierre. He was the brother of the late John S. Merchant and uncle to Donald Merchant and Nancy Merchant.
David worked for Citizen’s Bank for 36 years, as vice president and trust officer. For many years he was treasurer for the Brown Club of RI where he enjoyed helping produce the annual Brown Pops Concert on the main green. He also served many years as treasurer for the Audubon Society of RI where he was instrumental in facilitating the building of a nature center in Bristol RI. He also extended his treasurer expertise to The Acoaxet Club in Westport Harbor.
The common themes in all his endeavors were to make memories for friends and family through healthy, fun activities and with a touch of adventure (sometimes more than a touch). Skating on Killingly Pond, skiing, boating, golf, tennis, and paddle all garnered a wealth of enjoyment for those who joined him. He and Brenda raised their children in Barrington RI, then retired to their summer community in Little Compton. The beautiful coastline there reflected his connection to nature, while both locations reflected his sense of community, which he felt deeply about. Over the years, he even found a way to share the beauty of those 1940’s Fords he admired in his childhood.
A Celebration of Life for David M Merchant will be Sunday October 30, 2022 at 2pm at the Acoaxet Club, Westport Harbor, Massachusetts. Family and Friends are invited to join the Merchant family for food, drink, reflection and remembrances.
RSVP please if you plan to attend: DavidMerchantMemorial@gmail.com
Donations in David’s memory may be made to: Brown University Sports Foundation, Brown University Gift Cashier, Box 1877, Providence, RI 02912 or the Audubon Society of RI., 12 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield, RI 02917
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