Gloucester - Merlin J. Hunt Jr., 78, passed away on January 7, 2026. He was born in Malden, MA on June 24, 1947, to the late Merlin "Mert" J. Hunt Sr. and Arline J. (Francis) Hunt.

Merlin, "The Magic Man", was raised in Gloucester. As a teenager, Merlin began working night shifts at Tally's Truck Center. He was a member of Gloucester High School graduating class of 1967. After high school, Merlin began his career at McNiff Dominic Construction Company.

Called to duty, Merlin bravely enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1968 at the outbreak of the Vietnam War. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and proudly served his country for six years. Returning to Gloucester, Merlin resumed working at Tally's. He was also a member of the Civil Defense for the Gloucester Fire Department in the 1970s.

In June of 1983, Merlin would buy Tally's Truck Center with business partner Barrett S. "Barry" Pett. Pett retired in 2000 while Merlin owned and operated Tally's until his passing. Despite being the owner of Tally's, Merlin was a hands-on boss known for conducting heavy towing operations. He was never afraid of hard work. Merlin would supply towing equipment, free of charge, for emergencies or accidents to offer any help he could. He worked continuously around the clock, only taking time off to care for his elderly parents. A lover of trucks and equipment, Merlin was committed to running his company with integrity and grit.

Merlin was a notable and beloved member of the Gloucester community. He will be remembered for his generous spirit. Merlin was a loyal friend, always ready to help someone in need or to give the shirt off his back. His devotion to others was reflected in his work as a Sea Scout Master along with fellow Marine Jack Carrancho. Merlin allowed troop members to use his camp in Wakefield, NH, where scouts could enjoy camping and rides on snow mobiles. Merlin spent many years mentoring the youth of Gloucester. Merlin was also a lover of Western movies and oldies music. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Merlin is survived by his son, Kevin T. Hunt; brother, Timothy J. Hunt; grandchildren, Taylor A. Hunt, Patrick J. Hunt, and Parker Kincaid Macisaac; close family friend and "second" son, Joshua D. LeClaire; great-grandson, "baby" Jace James; and uncle, Leo Francis and his family. A special thank you to family friend Barry S. Pett.

Visiting hours will be held at Greely Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Thursday January 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery.

For online condolences, please see www.greelyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.