Obituary of Merton Halladay

Merton F. Halladay, a lifelong resident of Little Falls, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday October 19, 2024, at the age of 96.  

Mert, as he was known by most, was born on March 27, 1929 to Walter and Laura (Ford) Halladay.  He was educated in Little Falls Schools, graduating in 1946, and went on to attend Cornell University and then graduate school through the University of Wisconsin.  For many years Mert worked the family farm until beginning his career in banking at the Central National Bank in Canajoharie in 1974.   Mert held many positions at CNB, including Purchase Manager, Assistant Comptroller, Credit Manager and Loan Review Officer, until he retired in 1994.   Although farming was no longer his occupation, Mert continued to stay involved in the farming community, holding the position of President of the Herkimer County Cooperative Extension for several years.  

On June 19, 1954, Mert was united in marriage to Shirley L. Dise, their union lasting more than 66 years, until her passing in February 2021.  Together they enjoyed an active life of square dancing as members of the Little Falls Square Dancing group Diamond Squares, playing music together in the Tri-County Banjo Band of Albany, singing in the Voices of The River Choir, playing card games with friends, and traveling to or through almost all of the 48 continental states in the U.S., an accomplishment they were both very proud of.   Mert was also an avid ham radio operator, radio ID NA2AN, and enjoyed meeting and talking to other radio operators from all over the world.   

Mert is survived by his brother-in-law Henry Dise and his wife, Joan of Little Falls NY;  his niece Julie (Dise) Parris of Gainesville GA;  his nephew Justin Dise and his wife, Suzanne of Little Falls NY;  and his great-niece Hannah Dise of Troy NY, as well as extended family and friends around the Mohawk Valley. 

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11:00am on Monday, October 28, 2024 at the Chapman-Moser Funeral Home, 42 N Ann Street in Little Falls NY.  Interment at the Middleville Cemetery will immediately follow for those who wish to attend.  A visitation will take place from 10:00am-11:00am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mert’s memory to your local Humane Society or the HALO Animal Rescue in Little Falls NY.