Merrill Spear Conti Obituary (1927 - 2016)

EASTPORT - Merrill Spear Conti passed away on July 10, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. Merrill was born on June 20, 1927, the son of Mario Conti and Elizabeth Davis Spear Conti. He attended Eastport schools and graduated from Shead Memorial High School. Following graduation from high school he served in the Marine Corps during World War II. After the war he returned to Eastport where he and his brother, Roger, owned and operated an IGA store. For many years he was the Chief of the Eastport Volunteer Fire Department and helped flood the local skating rink on many winter nights. Throughout his life he was as an active Mason and Shriner. Merrill was predeceased by his parents and his life partner Virginia Lewis. He is survived by his brother Roger Conti, niece Linda Conti, niece Merilyn Conti Mills and her husband Barry, John Lewis, Wende Lewis Pottle and her husband Scottie, Robert Lewis and his wife Patricia and several great nieces and nephews. Family and friends may visit from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday July 14th, at Mays Funeral Home, Flagg Chapel, 72 High Street, Eastport with a Masonic Service beginning at 7:00. A funeral service will be held, 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 15th at Blakey Memorial Methodist Church, 74 High St., Eastport. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a reception at Merrill’s home on 61 Washington Street. The Family wishes to extend its thanks to Community Health & Counseling Services Hospice Services and to all of the dedicated employees, past and present, of the IGA.