‘Tom’ Merwin III

MILLERTON — Seth Thompson “Tom” Merwin III, 79, of Merwin Road passed away May 15, 2011, at the University of Connecticut Medical Center following a brief illness. He was the husband of Betty Jean (Swart) Merwin.Tom was born in Sharon on Feb. 16, 1932, the son of the late Hazel (Meader) and Seth Thompson Merwin II. Tom lived in Millerton his entire life.In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by his two sons, Larry S. Merwin of Millerton and Rodney S. Merwin of Lime Rock; five grandchildren, Steven T. Merwin of Millerton, Spenser T. Merwin and Kelley J. Merwin of Lime Rock, Joshua S. Collins of Pawling and Dereck F. Merwin of Germantown, N.Y.; three great-grandchildren, Wyatt S. Merwin of Millerton and Hayden S. and Sofia E. Collins of Pawling; his brothers, John M. Merwin and Alan Dewey Merwin of Millerton; and a sister, Marilyn “Susie” Stone of Fernandina Beach, Fla.Tom was a well-loved member of the Millerton community. He had a long career in baseball. He was an umpire for more than 40 years and was named to the Dutchess County Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984. In addition he had 35 years refereeing soccer. Tom’s work career included 25 years at the Taconic DDSO as a carpenter, 48 years at Lime Rock Park and driving for many dear friends in the surrounding area.Tom, a totally selfless and caring man, was the patriarch of the Merwin family, devoting his life to caring for all his family members. Tom’s children and grandchildren will greatly miss his guidance, his devotion and his loving advice — learning many values, ideals and life lessons to carry on in the Merwin tradition. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Lung Association online at www.LungUSA.org or by mail to the American Lung Association Headquarters, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20004.