Matt Archuletta
Mr.Merritt was always a fixture of our neighborhood. Ever since the Merritt family moved into the neighborhood,there was always athletic activity. Eric and Anthony would always be hosting baseball games in their driveway. Every so often you would hear Mr.Merritt yell out,”quit hitting the garage door!” Then Eric would yell out, “it’s Anthony,Pop!” Us kids always had a good time weather it was playing ball in front of our house,Franks place or the Merritt’s. The bottom line was that all of our parents allowed us to be kids and kids we were. Not always the best, but never that bad.
As our parents,siblings and friends leave us for greener pastures, we will always have these wonderful childhood memories to remember. Mr. Merritt was always overseeing the neighborhood without even being there at times. Eric and Anthony knew if they didn’t do the right thing, “ Pops” will find out,and he ain’t playin’.
My Pops relied on Mr. Merritt when he was in charge of organizing trips for the retired electricians club. He would drive these retirees to Oakland A’s game (so many), Nevada casino trips,California casinos,Napa wineries,and more!
My dad always felt a lot of gratitude towards “Willie”. He met and became friends with a lot of my dad’s friends.
Willie was truly a great dad ,grandfather and friend.
Eric, your dad is a legend and we will surely miss him and his many stories
God Bless you and your family
Your friend Matt Archuletta