Harold Merchant

He was born Dec. 8, 1934, to Irene Bogenschutz in Jamestown, N.Y., where he spent the majority of his life. Following graduation from Jamestown High School, he started his career as a butcher at Rockman’s Grocery Store. With dedication to his craft and hard work, he went on to become the owner of Foote Avenue Plaza Inc.

Red, as he was better known never met a stranger. He truly lived his best life, full of love, laughter and kindness to everyone he encountered. He enjoyed downhill skiing during the winters. Some of his favorite memories were made in Keystone, Colo., where he skied until he was 82. He fancied a great game of golf with his wife, Bonnie and friends. He spent his retirement in Sarasota, Fla., where he described his life as one of living in paradise. One of his favorite memories is taking a Mediterranean cruise with his daughter, Melissa in 2014.

During his retirement he enjoyed gardening, bike riding, meeting his buddies for coffee at sunrise and taking walks along the white sandy beach at sunset.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Sarasota, Fla.; daughter, Melissa of Cincinnati, Ohio; and brother, Richard Merchant of Elizabethtown, Pa.; along with sisters-in-law: Barbara and Gail; and many nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Red’s honor to ITNSunCoast in Sarasota, FL at www.ITNSun Coast.org. They are a non-profit organization that kept Red’s independence and social calendar when his vision prohibited him from driving any longer.