Merritt Haley, Jr.
Merritt William “Bill” Haley, Jr., age 93, of Aurora, Ohio, passed away leaving a large and loving family and a lifetime of service to his church, community, and country.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Bill was the son of the late Merritt William “Jim” and Dorothy Haley. In 1953, he married Leonore “Lee” LaPlante, the love of his life. Their 73 years of marriage brought them 10 children, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Together, they built a home centered on love, faith, and family.
Bill served honorably in the United States Army Reserves for 15 years. His professional work included logistics and real estate development. After moving to Aurora in 1976, he became an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, serving in several capacities, including Business Office Manager.
For many years, Bill served as a Boy Scout leader, helping young people develop character, integrity, and leadership skills. He was also a dedicated member of the Clare Eggleston American Legion Post 803, serving for many years as Post Treasurer. Bill loved woodworking, taking pride in his craftsmanship and the satisfaction of creating something with his own hands. He also had a lifelong enthusiasm for automobiles and an appreciation for their design and mechanics.
Above all, Bill treasured his family. He was the beloved husband of Leonore; loving father of the late Maureen McKenzie (James), Michael Haley (Jackie), Kathleen Mattie (the late Raymond), Susan Gauntner, Mark Haley (Merri), David Haley (Pam), Eileen Simmons (Charles), June Harwood (the late Kenneth), Timothy Haley, and Kevin Haley (Mickey).
He was the cherished grandfather of James (Heather), Erin (Rob), Emily (Alvin), Katie, Kevin (Kristi), Kelly, Matthew (Logan), Laura, Jayson, Tabetha (Adam), Ryan, Sarah (Kevin), Joshua (Kortni), Lauren, Andrew, Jessica (Anthony), Michaela, and Paige; and great-grandfather of Connor, Harper, Haley, Mason, Victoria, Katherine, Zavier, Gabrielle, Carson, Jarod, Emerson, Ellis, Escher, Logan, Jaxson, Tripp, and Trace.
Bill is also survived by his sister, Eileen Muscato (Herman), and sister-in-law, Carol Haley. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Maureen; sister, Joan Gold, and her husband, Marty; brother, Jack Haley; and sons-in-law, Raymond Mattie and Kenneth Harwood.
Bill will be remembered with love for his steady presence, his dedication to others, and the many memories he shared with his family. His influence will continue through the generations he helped raise and the people whose lives he touched.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Bainbridge, Ohio. Bill will be laid to rest at Aurora Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Reserve Care Hospice, formerly Hospice of the Western Reserve.
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