Peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 24, 2020, Joseph Cornelius Merpaw of Cornwall passed away at age 89 years. Beloved husband of Sheila Merpaw, and by a previous marriage to the late beloved Beryl Merpaw (nee Collins). Loving father of Marina Halliwell (Barry) of Ottawa, and Ronda Michaud (Pierre) of Monkland. Father by marriage of Danny Lalonde (Janette) of Kingston and Debbie Jo Harvey (Lee) of Utah. Big brother and best friend of Dalton Merpaw (Florence) of Glen Walter. Cherished grandfather of Kristen, Erik, Emily, Philip, Madison, Alex, Joseph, Veronica, Lizzie, and Sam, and great-grandfather of Alex, Ava, Zen, Fox, Remy, Lucy, Lily, and Nadia. Predeceased by his son Leo, by brothers and sisters James, Agnes, Leo, Leonard, and Lula, and by his parents Cornelius and May Merpaw (nee Lalonde). Connie is remembered as an active member of several social organizations in Cornwall including; the Kiwanis Club and the Lost Villages Museum, and was an active member in his church. Connie began delivering newspapers at the age of nine. He was never afraid of hard work. In the late 1950s when the job market was not good, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces with the Queens Own Rifles. He served in Cyprus, Germany and British Columbia. He was an astute businessman, who sold everything from rotisserie chickens to Christmas trees. His greatest endeavor, in partnership with his brother, Dalton, was establishing Upper Canada Furniture. They created many jobs and blessed many families. After his retirement he built and sold wooden swings at Pioneer Corner and was known as the “swing man”. In retirement, he enjoyed many years as a “snowbird” in Florida and Arizona, and was well travelled throughout the world. All his life, he continued to be a major cornerstone of the Cornwall community while personifying hard work, perseverance and service to our family and others alike. He was always there when we needed him and will continue to do so because we will be leaning on him. A visitation with controlled attendance will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home, 822 Pitt Sat., Cornwall (613-938-3888) on Saturday, November 7, 2020 from 9am -11 am. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory. A private Chapel Service will be held at a later time with Interment following in the Notre Dame Cemetery, Cornwall. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to the Lost Villages Museum or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be made online at www.wilsonfuneralhome.ca. Thanks for loving care provided by: Dr. Kew (Oncologist) and staff, Dr. Halili & St. Lawrence Clinic staff, Cornwall Dialysis Clinic staff and nurses, Cornwall Community Paramedics, Robyn Guindon Whole Health Pharmacy and staff, Bayshore Nurses, and, love support and prayers of friends and family members.