NAPLES – Fremont Merriam, 85, went to his heavenly father, March 10, 2023, while at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born Sept. 12, 1937 in Springvale, the son of late Thomas and Ada Merriam of North Berwick. Fremont lived a marvelous life, exemplary to anyone having the privilege of knowing him.

He graduated from Sanford High School in 1955, married his true love, Norma Blaisdell Merriam of York, for 65 years, with whom he raised seven children.

Fremont was a structural designer and draftsman at Hussey Seating for 17 years before he went on his own as a building contractor, hardware store owner and founder of Great Northern Docks in Naples. Aside from offering employment to his lakeside community, Fremont’s human connection with people was where the greatest value in him could be found. He cared for others, by teaching, giving respect and encouragement to those he knew.

He retired in 1998 to travel and winter in Florida after turning the business over to his son, Samuel. He left behind a plethora of beautiful and often uniquely ingenious structures, such as cliff stairs, meandering boardwalks and bridges, to name a few.

Early in his retirement, he volunteered as Clerk of the Works overseeing a major expansion to the Naples Public Library, while providing unfailing support for his family and the business he left in their hands.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his oldest child, Tamber (Merriam) Chapman.

He is survived by his loving wife, Norma of Naples; sister, Wilanna Pier of Lakeland, Fla.; and children Thomas (Deborah) Merriam of York, Cynthia (Randal) Burnham of Litchfield, Daniel (Yulia) Merriam of Corte Madera, Calif., Samuel (Dawn) Merriam of Yarmouth, Stephen (Kristia) Merriam of Southport, N.C., Seth Merriam of Bridgton; along with 14 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A service honoring Fremont’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 25, at the Cornerstone Gospel Church, 25 Sebago Rd. (Route 114) Naples.

A private family interment will take place at the First Parish Cemetery in York. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home in Casco where condolences and tributes may be shared with Fremont’s family and friends at http://www.hallfuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

Cornerstone Gospel Church,

25 Sebago Rd.,

Naples, ME 04055; or

Naples Fire and Rescue,

P.O. Box 1757,

Naples, ME 04055