Richard P. DeMerse

Born in Saranac Lake, New York on July 31, 1926, he was the son of Leo and Doris (Watson) Demers. Richard married Marilyn Miller on July 31, 1948 at Church of St. Luke, the Beloved Physician in Saranac Lake.

As a young man, Richard had worked as a bellhop for the Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake. He also worked at for 21 years at Keough Marina refinishing wood boats, several of which are on display at the Blue Mountain Lake Museum. He later worked at the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake Maintenance Department for over 47 years.

Richard was a member of the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club Marksman Pistol Team and in 1997 was awarded a life membership for dedicated services to the Saranac Lake Fish & Game Club. He is a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the World War II from 1944-46 and the Air Force Reserve as Airman First Class and was honorably discharged from the reserves Feb. 14, 1954.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years Marilyn of Saranac Lake, two daughters Lee Anne DeMerse of Vermontville, and Diane DeMerse (Joseph Delaney, Jr.) of Hollywood, Florida, one brother Dean DeMerse of Ft. Deposit, Alabama, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and William, and one sister, Alice O’Hare.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. There will be no calling hours. Funeral services and internment will take place at the convenience of the family in Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake.

Friends wishing to remember Richard P. DeMerse may make memorial contributions to the Trudeau Institute in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.