Jon Alan Merrill, 66, of Salem, NH, passed away peacefully on February 11th, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children.

Jon was born and raised in Medford, Massachusetts, where his love for the outdoors began at Wright's Pond. He found great enjoyment in hunting, fishing, and traveling the world with his friends and family. He spent 43 years as an engineer with Axcelis Technologies, until his retirement in December of 2025.

Jon leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Patricia; his son, Jonathan Merrill of New York City; his daughter, Jennifer Foley and her husband Michael of Northborough, MA; his cherished grandson, Connor Foley; his siblings, Carl, Michael, Mary, David, Kristine, Matthew; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Jane Nestor; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Jon was pre-deceased by his loving parents, Carl and Ellen Merrill.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 16th, from 4pm to 7pm, at the Carrier Family Funeral Home, 38 Range Road, Windham, NH 03087. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30am on Tuesday morning, at St. Joseph Church, 40 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jon's memory to two organizations that held a profound place in his heart:

Tommy's Place operates vacation homes in Cape Cod for children fighting cancer. As a four-time cancer survivor, Jon held a deep appreciation for the healing power of spending time with family "down the Cape." It was his wish to help provide the same sense of sanctuary to children and families facing similar challenges.

Live and Let Live Farm Rescue is where Jon adopted his dog, Stella.  He and Stella spent many hours in the woods enjoying the peaceful quiet of nature.

Jon's family would like to thank the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital for the years of dedicated care they provided; it was because of their efforts that Jon was able to share in so many of life's milestones, both big and small, with those he loved.