Robert James Merritt, 76, died peacefully Oct. 15 following a long illness. He was surrounded by family and friends at his home at 14 Ryan's Way in Oak Bluffs.

Bob was born June 26, 1929, in Oak Bluffs, the son of the late Isabelle and Harold Walmsley of Oak Bluffs. He attended Oak Bluffs and Falmouth schools.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1945, fulfilling his dreams of serving his country. He served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and was stationed throughout the United States and Canada. After 30 years, in 1975, he retired to Kingsville, Tex.

In 1980 he and his family returned to Martha's Vineyard, where he took over the Island Pet Shop. He appreciated and enjoyed socializing with the Island community.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ann (MacPherson) Merritt; a sister, Mary Jane Leary of Taunton; a cousin, Thomas Rodgers of Edgartown; a daughter, Gail M. Hines, and her husband, Gregory, of Oak Bluffs; and two sons, Robert J. Merritt Jr. and David L. Merritt, his youngest, of Oak Bluffs. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Michael M. Hines, Christopher L. Willis, Patrick S. Willis, Emily K. Hines, Katharine E. Hines, Nicole M. Merritt and Scott D. Merritt and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours in the Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs were held Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. His funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Massasoit avenue in Oak Bluffs. Father Michael Nagle officiated. Private interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne will be for family members only.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Robert's name at the Parkinson's Foundation or Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, P.O. Box 2549, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or Visiting Nurse Services, P.O. Box 369, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.