Paul J. Merriman, age 98, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

Survived by his wife of 71 years, Patricia Merriman (nee Hassett); children, Paula (Tony) Loret de Mola, Michael (Amy) Merriman, Jack (Anne) Merriman, Cathie (David) Rigazio, and Daniel (Christine) Merriman; 11 grandchildren, Rebecca (Aaron) Loret de Mola- Ostergaard, Rachel Loret de Mola (Kevin Condon), Melissa Merriman (Matt) Flory, Christine (Matthew) Dunlap, John Merriman, Thomas (Bridgette) Merriman, Joanie Merriman, Andrew (Kimble McCraw) Rigazio, Alison Rigazio, Connor (fiancé Randi Menietti) Merriman, and John Merriman, 11 great grandchildren, Finn, Owen, Eleanor Ostergaard, Emmett, Wyatt, Blaire Condon, Julia, Oliver Fory, Elena, Sebastian, Maya Dunlap; sister-in-law, Beverly (Dean) Cooper; brother-in-law, David (Pam) Esser and his dear friend, Thomas Bannon. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Preceded in death by his parents, Edward (Marie) Merriman; siblings, Edward (Mary Jane) Merriman, Coletta (Al) Riffle, Robert (Lois) Merriman, Marie (Robert) Freis, Helen (Dick) Brouch, Raymond (Rosemary) Merriman, and Ann (Robert) Mandel.

Paul was a lifelong Joliet resident. He was educated at St. John's Elementary School and Joliet Catholic High School. Following graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Navy during WWII. After Paul was honorably discharged, he attended and graduated from Creighton University School of Pharmacy. He served his community in the pharmacies of Herath Drug Store and Walmart.

Paul and Pat married in 1952, raised five children and were blessed with grandchildren and great grandchildren many times over. They always enjoyed phone calls and visits from each and every one of them. Health concerns forced them to sell the home they built in 1968 where they lived for 57 years. They began a new life together at Willow Falls Assisted Living and developed new relationships and friendships.

Paul will always be missed, remembered and loved.

The family would like to send a very special Thank You to the staffs of Lightways Hospice, Willow Falls Senior Living and HomeInstead for their loving care of Paul.

Memorial Visitation for Paul will be held at Church of St. Jude, 2212 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60436 on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 9:00am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m.

Interment to follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 would be appreciated.

For more information, please call 815-725-0100 or visit www.farkasfuneralhome.com.