Richard “Dick” L. Merchant, 65, of Naquag St., died at home on Wednesday, September 23, 2009, after a long illness.

    He leaves his wife of 44 years, Florence O. (Thibeault) Merchant; two sons, Richard “Rick” Merchant and his wife Tabitha of Rutland and Dean Merchant and his wife Shannon of Rindge, NH; a daughter, Tammy Lloyd and her husband Brian of Rindge; his mother, Thelma (Prescott) Denio of Barre; a sister, Shirley Russell and her husband Alan of Barre; 5 grandchildren, Joshua, Jessica and Joseph Merchant, Breana and Spencer Lloyd; and two step-brothers, David and Michael Merchant. He was born in Leominster, son of the late Leo Merchant and has lived in Rutland for many years. He attended Wachusett Regional High School and Kansas Jack, Inc.

    Since 1972, Dick along with his wife and son were owners and operators of Dick’s Auto Body in Rutland and Holden. Previously he worked for Speedway Auto Body, Bancroft Motors Auto Body Shop and was manager of the body shop at Wagner Motors. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church and the Rutland Business Association. He was a lover of the great outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

    Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. His funeral will be held on Monday, September 28th from the funeral home with an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Patrick’s Church, Main St., Rutland. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St. Framingham, MA 01701; or the VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.