BELFAST — Merrill Allen died peacefully on May 18, 2016, at Eastern Maine Medical Center, following a brief hospitalization.​

Born in Rockland on Jan. 22, 1943, he was one of six children of Minal and Helen Benner Allen. Educated locally, Merrill didn't graduate high school in the 1960s like most of his other classmates did, but he very proudly attended night school and graduated from Rockland High School in 1981.

Merrill married Lillian Hutchinson in August of 1966 and they made their home mainly in Rockland, but did spend some time living in Florida. Lillian and Merrill had two sons together, Bryan Allen of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and Jeremy Allen of Belfast. ​

Merrill joined the military in 1967 and served in the Navy aboard the frigate the USS Wilkenson until 1969, when he left the military with an honorable discharge. From there he worked on the oceanfront in Rockland for 30 years at FJ O'Hara as a fish cutter. Merrill was very proud of the fact that he was one of the best and fastest fish cutters they had. After retiring from O'Hara's he worked for the Waterfront restaurant washing dishes for 10 years, where he was in charge of his own little corner of the kitchen. ​

Merrill loved people and telling stories. One of his favorite things he liked to talk about was the fact that he was part Passamaquoddy Indian and that he descended from an Indian princess. He also spent time on Vinalhaven and enjoyed talking about his time and the people on the island.​

He was predeceased by his parents; and two of his siblings, Minal "Snooky" Allen and Lamont Allen. He is survived by his sons, Bryan and Jeremy Allen; a daughter-in-law, Christine Allen; a grandson, Gaven Allen; his brother, Waldo Benner; his sister-in-law, Connie Benner; his sisters, Linda Allen and Mona Allen Peterson; as well as several nieces and nephews. ​

The family would like to express their gratitude to Tall Pines nursing home in Belfast for the love and support that they gave to Merrill in his last couple of years. ​

Merrill will be sadly missed.​

Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home.