Obituary of Richard Monroe Merriam

Richard Merriam, former owner of Bel-Arl Oil Company passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024.  He was 88 years old.  He was the son of Henry and Estelle Merriam.  He grew up on Center Street in Burlington and attended Burlington Schools.  The family homestead was next to a pig farm and one of his first jobs was working on a farm in town.  He then went to work for his father at Bel-Arl Oil which later became S & D Oil Company which was founded in 1956.  He and his father delivered home heating oil and serviced oil burners.  They were on call 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.  They had customers that spanned generations.  In addition, Richard and his Dad managed two Mobil gas stations in Belmont. Richard was also a volunteer Fireman for the Town of Belmont. Officially, he never retired.  He loved working, especially alongside his son and grandson (3^rd and 4th generations in the oil delivery business). 

Richard was always happy.  He was not into monetary possessions and would give his shirt off his back if someone needed it.  He was a fun dad and grandfather.  He was the type of dad who would fill the back of his truck (before it was illegal) with his children and their friends and take them to McDonalds or for ice cream.  He loved animals and often took in stray cats he found near the company garage. 

Richard was the beloved husband of the late Susan (Sewall) Merriam.  He is survived by his sons, John of Gloucester, Michael of Marblehead, and his late son, Ricky and his daughter Kathy McDermott of Texas.   He is the brother of Joan Sarjeant of Burlington.  He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private.  Memorials donations may be made in his memory to the Cape Ann Animal Aid,  Donate - Cape Ann Animal Aid - Cape Ann Animal Aid​

For online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net. 

Arrangements by the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington