Farewell Alderman Merrill. You will be missed.

Newton has lost one its finest public servants, Alderman Carleton Merrill.

A few years ago, prior to one of my first meetings in City Hall, Carleton and I were chatting and I mentioned that my wife was from Keene, NH. Carleton knew the area having once worked at a small community auto racetrack near there. The same track that I once had as a marketing client. That sparked a conversation about auto racing at which point Alderman Merrill, right there in the Aldermanic chamber, pulled out his wallet and proudly showed me his official NASCAR credentials. We joked together: “What do you want to bet we’re the only two people in Newton talking about NASCAR right now?” We laughed and hit it off right away.

During my time on the Board of Aldermen, Carleton was always there for me with a smile and welcome advice. I valued his support.  Most of all I valued his example of community service over the decades including his special dedication to honoring and advocating for his fellow veterans and seniors. 

Carleton Merrill was the highest caliber of public servant. A true gentleman. A man of his word. A friend. Newton was lucky to have him. I was lucky to get to know him and I'm honored to have had the opportunity to serve with him.

G-d bless Alderman Carleton Merrill. May he rest in peace.

Former Alderman Charlie Shapiro
Newton, Massachusetts