William L. Mercer

Hampton - William Leroy Mercer, known as Bill, passed away on December 29, 2024, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at the age of 67 due to a period of declining health. He was born on March 9, 1957, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Thomas Atkinson Mercer and Conard Porter Mercer. Bill graduated from Moorestown High School in New Jersey in 1975 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science at the University of New Hampshire in 1982. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Conroy, on October 1, 1983. Together, they built a beautiful life over 41 years of marriage, filled with love, devotion, and cherished memories. Over the years, Bill worked in construction sales and had been employed by R.H. Keleher, Specified Technologies Inc., and A.H. Harris & Sons. Bill lived a life rich in passions and pursuits. He was an avid scuba diver, golfer, duck hunter, fisherman, and lobsterman, delighting in sharing his freshly caught lobsters with family and friends. He enjoyed horseback riding, cutting a rug out on the dance floor, and cooking meals with his close-knit group of friends known as the frugal gourmet. Bill was often seen walking the beach with his beloved yellow lab Chase. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his love for family, and he never missed an opportunity to cheer on his children, Kelly and David, both on the soccer field and in life. Known for his boundless energy, Bill was the first to lend a helping hand, whether shoveling a neighbor's driveway, setting up for a party, or even scuba diving into a lake to retrieve a lost diamond, earning him the nickname "The Diamond Diver." He loved coaching his kids in soccer for many years through Hampton Attack. He was a longtime member of the Hampton River Boat Club, a devoted volunteer for Ducks Unlimited, and was a former member of the Warwick Club and a beloved member of the Hampton community. Bill's legacy is one of joy, generosity, and dedication. He encouraged his children to make good decisions and he led by example, demonstrating the importance of community and celebration. His laughter, zest for life, and ability to bring people together will be deeply missed. Please raise a glass in his honor. Bill is survived by his devoted wife Kathy Mercer; his daughter, Kelly Mercer-Lebov, and her husband Ian, along with their two sons, Benny and Ollie Lebov, of Santa Cruz, California; and his son, David Mercer, and his wife Lyle Hanf of San Marino, California. He also leaves behind his siblings: Holly Coyne and her husband Jim, Emily Mercer, Mike Mercer and his wife Deborah, and Tom Mercer and his wife Helen; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends who held him dear. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Atkinson Mercer and Connie Porter Mercer. The family would like to thank the staff at the Rockingham County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their loving care and compassion. A celebration of Bill’s life is being planned, and details will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Hampton Community Coalition, 200 High Street, Hampton, NH 03842.

William L. Mercer

March 9, 1957 - December 29, 2024