Donald M. Merrigan

Donald Marvin Merrigan — “Don” to everyone who knew and loved him — passed away at home on April 15, 2026, at the age of 83 after a brave battle with cancer, leaving behind his family and many dear friends whose lives were made richer, warmer, and more colorful by his presence.

Born on March 19, 1943, in Los Angeles, CA, Don lived in numerous places across the US before settling down in his wife’s hometown of Marblehead, MA, a place he loved deeply. He served his country in the Navy for 12 years aboard submarines during the Vietnam War on the USS Pomfret, USS Sea Leopard, and the USS Woodrow Wilson. His connection to the submarine community never faded. For many years following his service, he ran a dedicated Subvet website, and he served as the graphic designer and compositor for the early issues of American Submariner magazine. He was also a former member of the Marblehead chapter of the Subvets organization.

After leaving the Navy, Don entered the graphics arts and printing industries. He worked as a composition and printing estimator for a number of companies in the greater Boston area and also was an owner of the Impressions One printing company in Marblehead for a time.

A member of Marblehead’s Old North Church, Don served as the church’s historian for several years. He was especially interested in learning about the church’s past, as studying history was one of his passions. He was an avid reader, particularly of historical accounts, biographies, and anything about the Civil War.

Outside of work and service, Don was a man who knew how to live well and enjoy life! He loved to travel with family and friends, and especially enjoyed his trips to Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, and Italy. He found joy in music (especially Willie Nelson), in a well-cooked meal, in a good round of golf, and in the companionship of his beloved dogs. His “Old Girls” cookouts and New Year’s Eve feasts were legendary!

Don was the beloved and devoted husband of Carol (Estes) Merrigan, his partner and companion through it all.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Marie Katherine Davis and Marvin Wilford Davis; his paternal grandparents, Ruby Mary McMillen and Thomas Joseph Merrigan; his father, Donald Earnest Merrigan; his mother, Haroldean Virginia Harris; his sister, Caroldean Gordon; and his son, Donald.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his children, Tara Doyle (Terry Chunn), Shanna Plourd, Dave Merrigan (Tiffany), and Caitlin Harrison (Brian); his grandchildren, Dallas Doyle (Katrina Dixon), Elizabeth Merrigan (Connor Holland), Samantha Plourd, Tiffany Plourd, Finley Merrigan, Sloane Merrigan; his great-granddaughter, Delilah; and his cousin, Jack Jermyn, whom Don considered to be like a brother.

A private burial service will be held for the family, with a celebration of Don’s life to follow this summer.

If desired, donations in memory of Don can be made to The Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44 Village Street, Marblehead, MA 01945, or to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497