Thomas Francis Merna, Jr. of Duxbury, died on Dec. 30, at age 80. He was the son of the late Frank T. and Katherine Ash Merna of North Weymouth and the husband of the late Dagmar Pierce Roberts Merna. Mr. Merna was born July 26, 1927 in Boston. He graduated from UMass in 1971 with a Masters Degree in Special Education and spent the remainder of his working years dedicated to helping students in the Duxbury school system. He took great pride in nurturing his students and helping to prepare them for future careers. His students were his friends, and nothing pleased him more than to meet with them in later years and catch up on details of their lives.

Mr. Merna leaves his stepdaughter Dagmar Roberts Kupsche, grandchildren Pierce and Thomas Kupsche, brothers Robert Merna, John Merna, Richard Merna, and a sister Pauline Merna Hendler of Dallas, Texas. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends. He was the stepfather of the late Daniel Walworth Roberts, and the grandfather of the late Dagmar Rose Kupsche.

Funeral services were held at the Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston on Sat., Jan. 5. A private burial was held at Mayflower Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Merna’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701. For online condolences please go to: Shepherdfuneralhome.com.