Thomas A. Mercer Jr.

May 29, 1958 - August 14, 2014

COLEBROOK – Thomas A. Mercer, Jr., 56, of Colebrook, passed away very unexpectedly at his home on Thursday evening, Aug. 14, 2014. Born in West Stewartstown on May 29, 1958, he was the son of Thomas Mercer and Irene Bryant. Tom was a 1976 graduate of Colebrook Academy. He later studied automobile mechanics and auto-body repair at the technical college in Berlin and later at a school in Georgia. Tom worked at The Balsams in many different departments during his college summer breaks, as well. In the mid-80s, he married Debra Hall, and they began to raise their family in the Manchester area while Tom worked in the auto-body field. For the last seven years, Tom was the owner and administrator of Colebrook’s only assisted living facility, the Van Dyke House, where he was much loved by his residents. Tom was an outgoing personality, who loved his family dearly. He was an avid golfer and he also loved to ski and snowmobile. He loved to be outdoors, and had recently taken up hunting with his brother. He was a wonderful father, brother and uncle, and was looking forward to becoming a grandfather in the very near future. He will be dearly missed by all his family and friends. He is survived by his three children, twins Christopher Mercer (Danielle) and Stephen Mercer (Elizabeth), and his daughter Emily Mercer, all of Manchester; his best friend and life partner, Michelle Goudreau of Colebrook; his mother, Irene (Bryant) Bean (Val) of Colebrook; his father, Thomas Mercer, Sr. (Jean) of Friendsville, Tenn.; six siblings, Connie (Dan) Goodrum of Pocohontas, Ill., Donna Mercer of Brattleboro, Vt., Terrie Nelepovitz (John) of North Haverhill, NH, Daniel Mercer (Chris) of Colebrook; Kathy Mercer of Francestown, NH, and Jaunita Field (Scott) of Hooksett, NH; one grandson soon-to-be-born, Sawyer Thomas Mercer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by a brother, Jacob Bean. A graveside committal at the Colebrook Village Cemetery, followed by a celebration of Tom’s life, will be held in early October, public notice of which will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Tom may be made to Helping Hands, 119 Main St., Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.