“Merrimac, MA — William Vasily Scherbon, age 82, lifetime Merrimac resident, died July 7, 2014 at the Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Marjorie M. (Christesen) Scherbon, his wife of 62 years.

Bill was born in Peabody, Aug. 25, 1931, one of two children of the late Samuel S. and Anna I. (Hontar) Scherbon. He grew up on a working farm, and attended Merrimac schools, where he played baseball, basketball and football, and attended Boy Scouts. He graduated from Merrimac High School in 1950 and shortly after joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Machinist Mate First Class during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Towards the end of his service, he was a S.E.R.E. survival instructor in Rangley, Maine. He received an honorable discharge in 1974 after 24 years of dedicated service to his country.

After his military retirement, he drove tractor trailer rigs and worked on RV trailers for a short time. In the late 1970s, Bill began working for his son, Scott, Sr., fixing lawnmowers, working on small engines, generators, and eventually went to work in Amesbury at Scherbon Consolidated.

Bill owned, operated and flew his own J-3 cub and also had a 1956 T-Bird for several years. He loved attending his military reunions where his buddies called him “Pappy”. Others knew him as “Wild Willie” or “Bill.”” He was a member of the 10,000 Hour Flying Club, DAV, and had served on the Merrimac Auxiliary Police Department. He was a lifetime member of Laurel Grange of West Newbury, formerly Merrimac, Bethany Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Newburyport, formerly Merrimac, and the American Legion.

Bill loved the land he spent his life on and could often be seen mowing the fields on his blue tractor. He loved watching his land be farmed and would sit outside watching for deer and turkeys. He loved his wife, son, daughters, grandchildren and their spouses, and most recently showing and watching his great-grandchildren color Easter eggs with him. The farm has been a special place for Bill, his family and friends, and will remain that in years to come. Bill’s greatest joys were his family, friends and nature. He will be deeply missed.
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