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We celebrate Bob's life not simply because he is a long time resident, but because of his commitment to public giving and our community.

He established the Merriman Tree Farm in Burlington in 1950. He founded the Development Office of St. Joseph College in 1967. He founded the Coordinating Council for Foundations in Hartford in 1969. He was one of the original founders of the Main Street Community Foundation in 1996. He was one of the original founders of The Friends of Sessions Woods in 1997. He has had a long tenure on the Friends of the Burlington Public Library board and was instrumental in helping the Burlington Land Trust with grants. He is also the founder and inspiration behind the Burlington Bell.

The Burlington Bell is a symbol for a man who has devoted much of his time and energy to our community. It is our hope this symbol captures the essence of that energy and continues to inspire the citizens of our community to carry on his work and legacy. You may not know Bob Merriman, but you surely have been touched by his life.

Robert Merriman was born in Bristol, Connecticut in 1915. He moved to Burlington in 1935. He was drafted into the Army in 1940. He stumbled upon the Burlington Bell in Louisiana near Shreveport in 1941 during basic training. He was discharged in 1945 having reached the rank of captain.

He returned to Burlington and worked for the New Departure division of General Motors for 21 years. He married Carmen Valentine in 1950 and they built a home on Milford Street in 1955. They had four children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. Carmen passed away in 2011.