Bridges, Merritt L. 1910-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Merritt Bridges
MORRIS — Merritt Lyman (Bud) Bridges, 92, of Morris, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin.
He was born Sept. 17, 1910, in the family home on West Street in Morris, the son of Merritt L. and Anna M. (Shanessy) Bridges. After growing up in Morris, where he was hailed as one of the best baseball pitchers in the village's history. Bud earned a B.A. from Yale University, Class of 1932.
He served his country in the United States Army during World War II from 1942-1945, in the counter-intelligence corp.
Following a short career in the New York City banking industry, Bud returned to his hometown where he joined his brother, Maurice, in business at Gould & Bridges, a highway equipment supply company that served area counties for more than 40 years.
Bud is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathleen Morley Bridges; stepdaughters, Stephanie and Leslie Morley; a sister, Mary B. Ruhoff; nieces, Anne Rippy Turtle and Mary S. Ruhoff; grandnieces and nephews, Merritt and Travis Losert, Nathan Rippy and Elsie and Tara Harrington.
He was predeceased by his brother, Maurice; and his first wife, Isabel.
Bud was a pillar of the Morris community and a beloved neighbor and friend. He was seen every day briskly walking to the post office or library. He was ready with a friendly word and a helping hand for all he met and showed an avid interest in the lives of his fellow villagers. Bud was a living "historical record" of the village and surrounding areas. He could recall every resident, house and business and could recite who lived where and when.
Bud was an active member of the Zion Episcopal Church and served as its treasurer for 45 years. He played an instrumental role in numerous local organizations including Zion Church, the Morris Village Library, Morris Central School, the Hillington Cemetery Association, the Otsego County Republican Committee, the Morris Advisory Board for Wilber National Bank, Bassett Healthcare, A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, the American Legion, the Catskill Area Hospice, the Gilbertsville Village Improvement Society and the Hartwick's Citizen's Board.
There will be no calling hours.
A funeral service will be held at Zion Episcopal Church, Main Street, Morris, at noon on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003, with the Rev. Robert Witt officiating. The family will greet friends in the Episcopal Church Parish House, next to the church, immediately following the service.
The interment at Hillington Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bud's memory to Catskill Area Hospice, Zion Episcopal Church or the Village Library of Morris.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on Sept. 10, 2003.

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