Obituary of Richard Mertens

Richard (Dick) F. Mertens, 83, loving husband to Barbara (Brown) Mertens for 63 years, died peacefully on October 24, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s. He resided in Hebron and East Hartford, CT. Dick served in the military as an Army Paratrooper, after graduating trade school for Carpentry. He found his true calling and successful career as a Fireman and EMT for the Town of East Hartford.

Dick enjoyed many hobbies, receiving his pilot’s license, flying his private plane with his best friend Duke, especially enjoying trips to Block Island together; he and Barbara loved boating and waterskiing, and later in life he became an avid golfer, playing in the fireman’s league for many years. He loved outdoor camping in NH, ME, Canada, and road trips to FL and MI to visit family.

Dick is survived by his wife Barbara, three children Lisa Berman and her husband Ken of Sarasota FL; Lori Chamoun and her husband Ziad of Milton, MA; Todd Mertens and wife Donna of Coventry, CT and Hobe Sound, FL. He leaves many loving grandchildren: Robert Prisco of San Francisco, CA; Gabrielle Prisco of Congers, NY; Samantha Mertens of Coventry, CT; Daniel and Lila Chamoun of Milton, MA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday October 31st, 3-6 PM at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester, CT, and a funeral service at Tierney on Monday at 11 AM, burial to follow at New Hebron Cemetery.