Merton W. Billington, 87, died Wednesday, September 9, 2009, in UMass Hospital. He was born in New Bedford on March 27, 1922, son of William and Myrtle (Whelden) Billington. His only brother, Whelden, preceded him in death. He leaves his wife of 63 years, Helena (Wach) Billington; 2 daughters, Linda Chandler and her husband Bob of Las Vegas, and Kathy Mitchell and her husband Billy of Boylston; two grandsons, Scott and Brian Mitchell of Boylston; Brian's girlfriend, Amanda Woodward and her daughter; his granddaughter, Christina Frei and her husband Rich of Las Vegas. His granddaughter, Karrie Anne Herman, preceded him in death. He also leaves 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandson; and several nieces & nephews and his pug, Duncan, whom he looked forward to spending his day with.

    Merton was in World War II on the Navy Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Bennington. He worked at Wyman & Gordon, retiring at age 62.

    A private family gathering will be held. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. The family requests no flowers. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street is directing arrangements.