William H. Mercer

March 06, 1934 - December 13, 2023

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Obituary for William H. Mercer

William H. Mercer (Bill) died surrounded by his family at home in Milton, Wednesday December 13, 2023.

Beloved husband of Alice W. (O’Brien) Mercer. Loving father of Daniel W. Mercer and his wife Ann of Dedham and Matthew H. Mercer of Milton. Grandfather of Jillian, Julia, and Colleen Mercer. Brother of Sandra (Mercer) Francis and her husband Michael of Milton. He leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Born and raised in Hyde Park, Bill was the loving son of the late Hubert H. Mercer and Lily M. (Sagar) Mercer of Burnleigh, England. He was predeceased by his siblings Alwyn Mercer, Kenneth Mercer, Margaret Williams, and Ronald Mercer.

After graduating from Hyde Park High School Bill enlisted in the United States Army serving in Heidelberg, Germany as part of the 529th Military Police Company. As a member of the Honor Guard Bill proudly stood watch over the Unknown Soldier chosen to represent those lost in Europe and Northern Africa during WWII.

Following his service, Bill returned to Boston and met the love of his life, Alice O’Brien. They were married for 58 years. Following their marriage in 1965 they moved to Milton and have remained there since.

He loved his sons and boasted about his granddaughters. He enjoyed all the time he could spend with them, passing down traditions that will continue for generations forward. The girls loved their Grampy and would do anything for him.

Following his own father’s path, Bill owned and operated the Milton Food Mart for 49 years. After selling the Food Mart, Bill enjoyed “semi-retirement” by taking his personality, skills, and expertise to the Fruit Center Marketplace for the next 25+ years. He made friends with employees, coworkers, and customers and was someone you wanted to see whenever you needed a gallon of milk or a pound of butter

Bill prolifically created pieces of stained glass, little wooden birdhouses, and framed Patriots tickets; each with a story. He was kind and shared these with both friends and strangers alike whenever given the opportunity. He loved to set up elaborate displays of hand-crafted decorations at Halloween and Christmas which provided his own unique vision for the holidays.

He was obsessed with our New England sports teams. With the Patriots being his favorite, he loved attending games in Sec 338 at Gillette Stadium and riding the success of the Tom Brady Era.

He will be remembered fondly as much as he is missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of the Visitation Parish (Saint Elizabeth Church), Monday December, 18 at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours omitted. Interment Milton Cemetery.

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Services

18 Dec

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Our Lady of the Visitation Parish (Saint Elizabeth Church) 350 Reedsdale Road Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
18 Dec

Interment

11:15 AM - 11:30 AM

Milton Cemetery 211 Centre Street Milton, MA 02186 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 22, 2024

    Hans-Peter Frank Strayer

    Hello, Bill served with my dad as Honor Guards in the 529th MP Company in Heidelberg, West Germany. They were buddies there and both born March of 34. Bill and I talked on the phone a few times and he told me he met me in 1958 when I was a little German kid that my dad adopted from there, when he married my mom. Over the last 4-5 years Bill shared a couple pictures with me and some stories of his time in the 529th. In 1975 I became an MP in the Army also and I remember Bill was so impressed that I followed in my dad's footsteps. God Bless y'all from Texas.

  • January 07, 2024

    Stephanie Greene

    Dear Alice, Matt, and Dan, we were so sorry to hear about Bill. He was an important part of our lives -- all of the Millers and my children Tucker, Natasha, and Missy. He was always cheerful and kind. As a kid, Tucker counted Bill as one of his three best friends - right up there with his grandfather. The Milton Food Mart was such a part of our lives and in more recent years, we were always delighted to run into Bill at the Fruit Center. His kindness and humor will be so missed!

  • December 22, 2023

    john finneran

    Dear Alice and Matt and Dan, I was very saddened to hear of Bill's passing. His wit, intelligence and overall friendly demeanor left an indelible mark on me. I learned so many life lessons from my time working under him at the "foodie" that it would be impossible to list them all here. He was the most quick witted person I have ever met and he will be missed. " R.I.P "

  • December 18, 2023

    Patrick Whelen

    We are so lucky 🍀 to have known you and share lots of good conversations together. You will never be forgotten. Your friends,Patrick Whelen and Mary Whelen

  • December 17, 2023

    MaryAnn Landry

    To Alice and the Mercer family our heartfelt sympathy on Bill's passing. May the happy memories of time together offer consolation in the days to come. With love,MaryAnnLandry and family

  • December 17, 2023

    Jackie Sousa

    Matt,Dan and family, I'm sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. God Bless you all during this difficult time. Jackie Sousa

  • December 17, 2023

    Kathy Martinelli

    Our deepest condolences to Alice,Matt,Danny and the Mercer family. Sincerely, Kathy& Joe Martinelli

  • December 17, 2023

    Gary Nunley

    So sorry to hear the news. A great loss for sure, the world is a little less good as a result. Like many others I have very fond memories of Bill and The Food Mart. My deepest sympathies to the entire Mercer family. RIP Bill!! ~Gary Nunley~

  • December 17, 2023

    Karen Dauer

    My condolences to Alice and the Mercer family. We lived two houses away (120 BHPkwy) from the Food Mart...across the busy intersection ... as a young mother I took comfort in being able to pop in for food for dinner. Bill and Alice always had a kind hello and smile. When we were readying to move to Franklin in 1993, Bill said, "why move? You're going to have to drive 5 miles to get a gallon of milk." He was letting us know through his humor, that he wished us luck. We have very fond memories of the Milton Food Mart and the Mercer family. I was saddened to hear of Bill's passing. May his memory be for a blessing.

  • December 17, 2023

    Elizabeth Dolan

    My Deepest sympathy to All the Mercer family. Bill was a great man, always greeted you with a smile. May God be with you 🙏

  • December 16, 2023

    Tony Crook

    From the first day I met Mr. Mercer in The Food Mart I was hooked on his weird jokes and ever-present smile. Mr. M. will always live in my heart. I still mention him from time to time and his legend lives on even here in a small town in Alabama. Please give his Queen a hug from me. Love, T.

  • December 16, 2023

    Ken Nunley

    Very sorry to hear the news. A great loss for sure. I have fond memories of Bill as my first boss and my time at MFM. It's fun to think back to the gang of Mr Mercer, Bill, Alice, Al, Mike, Danny, Matt and all the cashiers I tried to flirt with. My deepest sympathies to the entire Mercer family. - Ken Nunley -

  • December 16, 2023

    winnie lane

    Dear alice and family, saddened to hear of bill's passing.I fondly remember his many vists to Antigonish and to Newfoundland{lot's of good times together].Memories of those we've loved stay close to us,keeping our hearts company.May he rest in peace.