Joseph Bruce Merton, 93, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, died peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to the late Bentley and Margaret (Crowell) Merton, he graduated from Technical High School.

He worked for New England Telephone, retiring after 37 years of service. He was a life member of the William J. Denver Chapter Telephone Pioneers of America and a member of the Telephone Company Level Club.

He served his country proudly; and was an Army veteran of World War II, with the rank of sergeant in the 549th Motor Ambulance Co. He was awarded the European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five Battle Stars, WWII Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.

Joseph was a member of The Meadows Lodge of Masons, a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, a member of Melha Shriners, a piper in the Highlander’s Unit and a member of the East Longmeadow United Methodist Church.

For 91 years of his life, he spent his vacations and his retirement summers at his beloved family cottage at Ocean Point.

He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 69 years, Jean (Chapman) Merton; children, Joseph B. Merton Jr. and his wife Jennifer of East Longmeadow, and Charlotte J. Logan and her husband Jack of Wilbraham; four grandchildren, Julia and Catherine Merton, John Logan and Christine Lightner; and three great-grandchildren. Joseph was predeceased by his brother Donald C. Merton.

Family and friends may meet for Joseph’s Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, at East Longmeadow United Methodist Church, 215 Somers Road, East Longmeadow. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Wilbraham Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. The Merton Family would like to express their special thanks to the staff at Wingate of East Longmeadow for the compassionate care that Joseph received during his stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104-2396.