Ronald A. Merchant

Ronald Alan Merchant, 73, died of natural causes at his home on December 26, 2021.  Ron was born on August 28th, 1948 in Dover, NH to Arthur and Beatrice (Tibbetts) Merchant.  He grew up in Dover before settling in the house he built in Rochester. Ron was the quintessential "Jack of all trades."  He was the ultimate fixer and savior of many things that one would think were broken beyond repair.  Ron had a trick for almost anything and he loved to share those tricks with others.  There was nothing he enjoyed more than working on a project with someone, laughing and joking the whole way.  He was always ready with a good joke at anyone's expense, including his own.  He had a talent for working on cars and could name the year, make, and model of any vehicle he saw.  He loved playing pool and especially enjoyed a trip to Las Vegas to play in the National Championship with his friend Dennis Daniels and other teammates.  He and his brother Raymond ran The Fireside Restaurant in Rochester and later the Somersworth Hotel before retiring. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Raymond.  Among those who will miss him is his daughter, Samantha Gee and her husband Robert, Louise Merchant, his grandchildren Reese and Charlie Dowe and their father Regan.  His brother Richard and his wife Lorraine, his brother Robert and his wife Sharon and nephew Rodney. Per his wishes there will be no services.  This summer the family would like to have a celebration of his life at his home on Four Rod Road.