Richard C. Merrill of East Haven, formerly of Branford, died Sunday, Jan. 15, at Connecticut Hospice after a long illness. He was the beloved husband of 70 years to Thelma Dougherty Merrill. Richard was born in New Haven on March 21, 1932, the son of the late Roger and Lucille Cosby Merrill.

He served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was the owner of Hub City Terminals for many years until retiring in 1999.

Besides Thelma, he is survived by his sons, Richard P. (Doreen) Merrill of Cheshire, David R. (Lori) Merrill of McCormick, SC., Chris S. (Tina) Merrill of Massachusetts, and Michael J. Merrill of Branford; his grandchildren, Bryce, Ryan C., Lexine, Michael (Skye), Clay (Kelly), Patrick, Daria, and Daniel Merrill; and his great-grandson Maverick Merrill. He was predeceased by his brother Roger Merrill.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Mary Church,731 Main Street, Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery, Branford. Visitation prior to the funeral from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Boulevard, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.