FORT EDWARD – Merton R. Bickford, 89, of Ethan Allen St., Fort Edward passed away Saturday, July 13, 2013, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born December 25, 1923, he was the son of the late Merton and Ellen (Whalen) Bickford.
He attended Fort Edward High School and Michigan State College through the Army specialization training program.
Mert was a Corporal in the Army during World War II. He was a member of the 198th AAA Battalion and fought in New Guinea and Luzon, Philippines. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal and two Bronze stars.
After the war, Mert went to work for the Scott Paper Co where he was employed for 38 years as a Maintenance Supervisor.
He was a past member of the Fort Edward Knights of Columbus, past president of the Fort Edward Lions Club, member of the “T” Bird Country Club and a member of the Glens Falls Elks Lodge.
On October 14, 1950, he married Phyllis Barrett of Brooklyn, NY. She passed away October 17, 2008, after 58 wonderful years of marriage.
In addition to his parents and wife, he is predeceased by his sisters, Anne and Beatrice and his brothers John and Leon.
Mert is survived by his son Brian Bickford of Glens Falls, his daughter Leslee Bickford and her husband Greg Smotzer of Glens Falls; grandchildren: Kelsey, Kallen and Patrick Smotzer; his sister Margaret Montero and her husband, Robert of Argyle; and brothers Lawrence Bickford and his wife, Barbara of Fort Edward and Joseph Bickford and his wife, Terry of Hudson Falls; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Calling hours and funeral services are private.
Private interment, with Military Honors will take place at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Veteran’s Cemetery in the town of Stillwater.
Mert’s family would like to extend a special thanks to his neighbor, Reggie Peters, for his friendship and support. They would also like to thank Mert’s home health care aides, his niece Karen and his long time friend Lance Elliott for their compassion and concern.
Donations may be made in Mert’s memory to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12839.
Carolyn, Connor, Brenna and I are sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family. We very much enjoyed Mert’s company.
Our sincere condolences to you during this sad time.
Leslee and family and Brian –
We are very sorry for the loss of your dad. We have MANY fond memories of him. With our deepest sympathy, we wish you peace.