Pittstown- Eugene “PeeWee” E. Merrills, 83, of Pittstown, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026. Born in Berlin, New York, he was the son of the late Adelbert Eugene and Gertrude Helen (Durkee) Merrills. Gene was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and friend to many.
Gene was dedicated and hardworking throughout his life, spending his career as a Master Journeyman. He was employed by Johnson Controls in Bennington, Vermont, and later by Essendant in Coxsackie, New York. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was developing a workplace safety system that earned a patent, reflecting both his innovation and ingenuity.
Gene had a remarkable talent for fixing things and a gift for finding creative solutions to almost any problem, especially working on cars. He could make nearly anything work and took great pride in being able to solve mechanical problems. He truly loved working and remained committed to his profession throughout his life, retiring in 2020 at the age of 77. His strong work ethic, creativity, and dedication left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Gene was also an avid car enthusiast and often enjoyed going to the races. He especially cherished his gold 1969 Corvette Stingray, which was one of his prized possessions. He loved going to car shows and riding around on a sunny afternoon. His Corvette was a source of pride and a hobby he thoroughly enjoyed throughout the years.
As much as Gene loved his work and his car, his greatest joy in life was his granddaughters, Samantha and Molly. He cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was taking them on outings, watching them play and swim in the pool, spoiling them whenever he could, watching cartoons together, taking them on tractor rides, or entertaining them with his endless supply of "dad" and "grandpa" jokes and humorous remarks. He always seemed to have a funny comment about every situation, and nothing made him happier than hearing Samantha and Molly laugh. The special memories they shared will be treasured forever.
He was also a lifetime member of the Pittstown Rescue Squad, a member of the Berlin Rod and Gun Club, and a member of the former 23 Club.
He leaves behind his wife of 56 years Lynn Groat Merrills. He is also survived by his children Rhonda Haines and Eric (Kira) Merrills, his cherished granddaughters, Samantha and Molly Haines, his sister Linda Corbin, sisters-in-law Lee Teal, Anne (Ron) Anderson, and brothers in law, Harold (Mary) Groat, Richard (Linda) Groat, and Robert (Tracey) Groat. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Adelbert Eugene and Gertrude Helen (Durkee) Merrills, Gene was predeceased by his sisters, Barbara (brother-in-law Raymond) Williams, Cinda (brother-in-law Pat) Borden, Paulina Merrills; his brothers, Donald Merrills and William Merrills; and his brother-in-law, Ken Corbin.
At the request of family, services will be private at Meadowlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to either the Pittstown Volunteer Emergency Corps., (PVEC) 60 Parker School Road, Johnsonville, NY 12094 or to the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12203 in memory of Eugene E. Merrills.
Gene was dedicated and hardworking throughout his life, spending his career as a Master Journeyman. He was employed by Johnson Controls in Bennington, Vermont, and later by Essendant in Coxsackie, New York. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was developing a workplace safety system that earned a patent, reflecting both his innovation and ingenuity.
Gene had a remarkable talent for fixing things and a gift for finding creative solutions to almost any problem, especially working on cars. He could make nearly anything work and took great pride in being able to solve mechanical problems. He truly loved working and remained committed to his profession throughout his life, retiring in 2020 at the age of 77. His strong work ethic, creativity, and dedication left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Gene was also an avid car enthusiast and often enjoyed going to the races. He especially cherished his gold 1969 Corvette Stingray, which was one of his prized possessions. He loved going to car shows and riding around on a sunny afternoon. His Corvette was a source of pride and a hobby he thoroughly enjoyed throughout the years.
As much as Gene loved his work and his car, his greatest joy in life was his granddaughters, Samantha and Molly. He cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was taking them on outings, watching them play and swim in the pool, spoiling them whenever he could, watching cartoons together, taking them on tractor rides, or entertaining them with his endless supply of "dad" and "grandpa" jokes and humorous remarks. He always seemed to have a funny comment about every situation, and nothing made him happier than hearing Samantha and Molly laugh. The special memories they shared will be treasured forever.
He was also a lifetime member of the Pittstown Rescue Squad, a member of the Berlin Rod and Gun Club, and a member of the former 23 Club.
He leaves behind his wife of 56 years Lynn Groat Merrills. He is also survived by his children Rhonda Haines and Eric (Kira) Merrills, his cherished granddaughters, Samantha and Molly Haines, his sister Linda Corbin, sisters-in-law Lee Teal, Anne (Ron) Anderson, and brothers in law, Harold (Mary) Groat, Richard (Linda) Groat, and Robert (Tracey) Groat. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Adelbert Eugene and Gertrude Helen (Durkee) Merrills, Gene was predeceased by his sisters, Barbara (brother-in-law Raymond) Williams, Cinda (brother-in-law Pat) Borden, Paulina Merrills; his brothers, Donald Merrills and William Merrills; and his brother-in-law, Ken Corbin.
At the request of family, services will be private at Meadowlawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to either the Pittstown Volunteer Emergency Corps., (PVEC) 60 Parker School Road, Johnsonville, NY 12094 or to the Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12203 in memory of Eugene E. Merrills.
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