Edward Leonard Mersey Jr. of New Boston, New Hampshire, formerly of Tiverton, died peacefully at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home on October 17 after a long illness. Edward (known also as Len, and to family and childhood friends as “Tinker”) was 82.

A graduate of Brown & Sharpe Apprentice School, he worked for that company as a journeyman machinist for several years before taking a position as plant manager for Wardwell Braiding Machine in Central Falls and later the American Tourister Luggage plant in Albion, RI. He later became plant manager at Payne Cutlery in New Bedford, and then worked at various places in Bristol, Fall River and Tiverton after Payne closed.

He served in the U S Army, from 1959 to 1965 and spent time in Korea stationed in the demilitarized zone with the Military Police.

He was an avid gardener and took great pride in landscaping his property in Tiverton. A member of the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club, he was Trap Chairman there for many years. He was also a long-time member of the Tiverton Lions Club. He loved his family, his dogs and hunting as well as his boats and fishing for many years.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Gretchen (Arnold) of New Boston, NH; daughter Heidi Paradis (Bill) of New Boston, daughter Holly Johnson (Duane) of Acworth, Ga; five grandchildren, Dan Paradis (Kirstie), Josh Paradis (Sarah), Beth Perry (Brian), Trevor Muse, and Deion Muse, as well as seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Evelyn Burkman Mersey and Edward L. Mersey Sr. as well as his brother Peter Mersey and sister Sally Mersey Rose.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an organization or charity of your choice.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.