Obituary of Merritt Seamans

Merritt Fred Seamans, 85, of McGraw, NY, passed away peacefully on January 2nd at the home of his stepdaughter in Raleigh, NC. Merritt was born in Cortland the son of the late Merritt Alexander and Julia Cummings Seamans. He graduated from Homer High School and worked at Pall Trinity Micro for 31 years - though his favorite job was driving the tractor on the farm growing up. Merritt was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his easy-going personality that instantly made others feel comfortable. A lifelong bowler, Merritt participated in various leagues at Cort-Lanes Bowling Alley. He competed in and won the King of the Hill, a locally televised bowling show. In 2017, Merritt was inducted into the Seven Valleys USBC Hall of Fame. Merritt's fondest bowling memories, however, were of spending time on the lanes with his family. Golf was another passion of Merritt's. He was a member of the Knickerbocker Country Club for many years where he participated in various leagues and tournaments. The highlight of his golfing career was shooting a hole in one on the 18th hole at Knickerbocker. Each year he looked forward to the Father-Son tournament (with his son, Gerry) and the Member Guest tournament (with his grandson, Joe). Having the patience of a saint, he often took his young grandchildren to the course to spend the afternoon golfing with him, hoping to inspire a love for the game - though for most, it inspired a love for driving the golf cart! Whether on the lanes or the links or sitting across the kitchen table, the memories created with Merritt will be forever cherished by his family. Merritt is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverly Niver Seamans; children, Gerry Seamans (Barb) and Sharon Stevens (Tim); stepchildren, Jeffrey Shepard (Tami), Robin Mooney (Billy), Kathi Mauzy (Glenn), and Kristen Tomczyk (John); brother, Bernard (Pete) Seamans; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Seamans Curtis; his grandson, Phillip Shepard; his brother, Harold Seamans; and his four sisters, Helen Wakula, Alice Finton, Margaret Wakula, and Frances Strickland. Wright-Beard Funeral Home will be arranging the graveside services to be held in the spring at the McGrawville Cemetery, McGraw, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Transitions Hospice, 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607 (919) 828-0890)