John D. Merrill, Sr., 83, of Pearl Street in Forestville died on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the Dunkirk Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, following a short illness. He was born in Silver Creek on December 19, 1942, the son of the late John Merrill and Nellie (Kniese) Merrill Benchley.
John was a graduate of Forestville Central School, Class of 1960 and worked as a crane operator for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17 in Buffalo, where he was involved with building Rich Stadium, the Key Bank Center, Roswell Park, the Walden Galleria, McKinley Mall, and others. John served in the Army from 1964-1966 as an SP5. He also worked for the family business -- Benchley Construction, and owned and operated many restaurants around the area. John was a member of Hanover Lodge #152 F&AM in Forestville, Order of Eastern Stars Chapter #247, J. Carter Knapp American Legion Post #953 in Forestville, the Falconer Moose Lodge, the Forestville United Methodist Church, and a former member of the Forestville Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and using OC3 dozers.
Survivors include a daughter, Michelle Tanner of Aurora, CO; a son, John (Molly) Merrill of Fredonia; a sister, Beth Benchley; a brother, Cornelius (Pam) Benchley; and four grandchildren, Emily and Nathan Merrill and Madison and Ryleigh Tanner. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Robert Benchley; and son-in-law, Todd Tanner.
There will be no services observed at this time.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the Forestville Fire Department, Inc., PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062.
Arrangements are by the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street in Forestville. To post condolences or memories, go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
