The Peru Gazette

Dr. Merritt F. Spear, 92, of Peru, New York, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Born in Plattsburgh on April 19, 1934, Merritt was the son of Merritt Spear and Bessie (Benway) Spear. He grew up in the North Country and attended the University of Vermont, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. He went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College in 1960 and remained there to complete his residency training.

While at Albany Medical Center, Merritt met the love of his life, Joan Fraughton. The two were married on June 13, 1959, during his final year of medical school, beginning a partnership that would span more than sixty years until Joan’s passing in 2020.

Following the completion of his residency, Merritt and Joan settled in Peru, NY, in 1965, where he established a private medical practice and began serving as physician for Peru Central School. Dedicated to both his profession and his country, he joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps, serving first in the Vermont Army Reserve and later in the Vermont National Guard. He retired in 1994 with the rank of Colonel.

In 1973, Merritt joined two fellow physicians in founding Beaumont Medical Center in Peru. His commitment to healthcare extended beyond his private practice. In 1976, he became Director of Medical Services at SUNY Plattsburgh, a position he held until 1991, after which he continued serving as a part-time college physician. During his tenure, he also served as Director of Sports Medicine at SUNY Plattsburgh and Director of Sports Medicine for the Empire State Games.

Merritt’s passion for sports medicine earned him opportunities on the national stage. He was a member of the medical services team for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid and later served as Chairman of Sports Medicine for the U.S. Bobsled Association from 1982 to 1984.

Public service was also important to him. From 1976 to 1985, he served the residents of Clinton County as County Coroner. He was a dedicated Republican and served on both the Peru and Clinton County Republican Committees.

Throughout his career, Dr. Spear was known for his dedication to his patients, his commitment to his community, and his willingness to serve wherever he was needed. He touched countless lives through his medical practice, his work with students and athletes, and his military service.

Merritt was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joan Spear, and his son, Geoffrey Spear.

He is survived by his daughters, Stephanie Spear and her partner, Frank McKeon, of Peru; Alison Spear and her wife, Erica, of Troy, and their sons, Brady and Keaton; and Jennifer (Spear) Tompkins and her husband, Steven, and their sons, Max and his wife Lauren, Jordan, and Luke all of Gansevoort. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Anne-Marie Boule Spear, and her children: Taylor Spear and his wife, Katie, of East Greenbush, and their daughter, Olivia; Ian Spear and his wife, Sara, of Plattsburgh, and their son, Blake; Samantha Spear and her fiancé, JD Side, of Plattsburgh; and Tanner Spear of Rochester. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, former patients, colleagues, and students who will remember him fondly.

Visitation will be held at Peru Community Church at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Burial in Morningside Cemetery, Malone, will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Operation Valor Horizon https://www.facebook.com/p/Operation-Valor-Horizon-61579584458766/

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.