Frank John Merchel Jr. – 86, a 56 year resident of North Reading, MA passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Husband of Emily (Wisniewski) Merchel, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.
Frank was born in Pawtucket, RI on December 23, 1933 to the late Frank Merchel and Mary Brod, who were both Polish immigrants. He was raised in Pawtucket, RI and a graduate of Pawtucket East High School class of 1952. A member of the multiple State Championship Varsity Swimming Team under Coach Max Read and Pawtucket Boys Club Swim Team. Award of a full scholarship to North Carolina State University provided means for an advanced education. While member of the NC State Wolfpack Varsity Swim Team he received 300m Medley Relay All-American for 1956 and 100m and 200m Backstroke Men’s ACC Champion for 1958. A 1959 NC State graduate with an B.S. Degree in Park Management and further Turf Management education at University Rhode Island and Massachusetts Amherst.
Practical experience was gained from long term Superintendent Anthony (Tony) Caranci at the Ledgemont Country Club Seekonk, MA. Development of the Thomson Country Club, a vision of noted Golf Course Architect Geoffery Cornish, lured Frank to North Reading, MA in 1962. He supervised course construction and became the courses first Superintendent upon completion of the first nine holes. Frank enjoyed a lengthy career as a Superintendent for local Golf Courses Hillview Country Club, Indian Ridge Country Club and Kirkbrae Country Club Lincoln, RI. He also operated a Landscaping Business.
Frank was predeceased by brothers Marygn, Miczyslaw and sisters Helena, Gana Cole. He is survived by son Frank and his wife Kathy Hutchinson Merchel of Windham, NH, daughter Jennifer and her husband Jamie DiVola of Peabody, MA. Grandchildren Thomas Merchel and partner Rachel Leibowitz, Matthew Merchel, Robert Merchel, Ava DiVola and Vincent DiVola.
His funeral will be held on Friday, October 16 at 10:30 AM at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Visitation will be private. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to https://www.brightfocus.org/research/alzheimers-disease-research-program. Arrangements are by the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Frank was such a wonderful father. grandfather. and friend. I will miss him at our family and school get togethers . He may be gone but he will never be forgotten..
So very sorry for your loss sending my condolences
I can still hear Big Franks baritone yell calling Frankie home to eat “Frank!!! Frank!!!” He was my neighbor and first boss. I can remember all the times he worked with young Frank on basketball skills and lefty pitching techniques. The rope tied off to trees to create a strike zone. If we give time to the things we love then Frankie you were blessed.You will always be Frankie to me as Jim is still Jamie. Our family offers our condolences to the Merchel family. God Bless, your childhood friend Brig
Dear Frank, Kathy and Family ♥️ so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. May your memories bring you peace and comfort in the days and years to come♥️