Charles R. Merrigan

I didn’t know he had passed. I’m sorry for your loss. I think of him often. He was an amazing teacher, and I greatly admired him. I used to run into him at the Market Basket, and he’d always stop and talk to me for 10-15 minutes. I still remember his stories about Parris Island, his size 15 shoes, and the way he could make me feel smart. He encouraged me in English, and I went on to get a degree in writing, in a big part because of him.

Charlie, you will be missed, your dry sense of humor, your sagacious look at life and your love of family and friends. We are lucky to have known you and our memories will always be looked on with fondness.

Sarah- On behalf of our whole Holloran family, we send our condolences on the passing of your father.- Bob, Peggy, Kevin, Rob, Ann and Mary

"Bobby" is my Mother's cousin and Godson. We grew up with stories of Bob and the other Merrigan kids. As a family researcher, I reconnected with Charles in these last few years. He was so kind to my Mother. Thinking of her and sending Merrigan updates. It was a source of joy for her. My brother Charlie is named for Charles Merrigan. We live miles apart yet those family ties remain. I send my thoughts and prayers to Peggy, Sarah, Sue, Bob and all those who mourn the loss of Charles.

Charlie and I were in many classes together at Keene. With his love of literature and good writing, and his personality, he must have made a terrific teacher. We had recently been in touch by email but had not seen each other since the Keene days - so to me he remains forever young. My condolences.

My cousin Bobby was a model of what a man should be. My sincere condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.

Charlie - or "Bobby" as I knew him growing up - was always someone I looked up to; figuratively and literally. He lived with my family for some years in Goshen. I always admired his quiet demeanor and quick wit. In later years - recently - we enjoyed exchanging occasional emails about the affairs of the world, the histories he enjoyed reading, and family news. I regret not having made those exchanges more frequent. One of my fondest memories was playing tennis with him. When I was quite young, he took me to the courts in Newport to try to show me some basics but I was hopeless, hitting over the fences. Decades later, when I had become an avid player, we played again and it was a dream come true! To finally hold my own with Charlie on the tennis court. I don't recall who won and it didn't matter to either of us. It was just FUN to reconnect in that way with my cousin. My love and condolences go out to Peggy, Sarah, Sue, Bob, and all the family. He will be missed.

Words cannot express the sadness to hear of Charie’s passing. Together with Peggy, Timmy, Sue, Pete ,myself and long before all the kids came along , l will always remember our New Years Eve party in Franklin. The fun and laughs we all had playing cards are memories that will last forever.

I have so many vivid memories of this wonderful man. He was always trying to teach me one of his many passions and made me feel like I was part of his loving family. I am so grateful for all of our conversations, dating advice, and laughs. This loss is shared by all who knew him. My sincerest condolences to the Merrigans and Paratores.

We were so lucky to have Mr. Merrigan as an enormous part of our lives growing up. We loved him and will miss him terribly. See you all soon.

Fond memories. He was an amazing tennis coach and wonderful example for our youth. Thank you Coach Merrigan for leading the way.

Charlie was a wonderful friend in my years of teaching at Nashua High School (and for many years afterwards as well). I will always remember him with tremendous fondness.