Richard J (Dick) Merkel


Richard (Dick) Merkel passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2014. His wife Sarah, sister Valerie and longtime friend Rick were at his side.
“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” [Helen Keller]
Dick wanted others to enjoy life as much as he did and always with happiness. He was a farmer for 30 years then a contractor for ten. He and Sarah loved to travel together and share life with friends and family. He was a national champion pistol shooter and field archer.
He enjoyed golf, archery, motorcycle riding, using his 1948 Allis Charmer tractor, restoring his 1946 Chevy pickup, and driving his 1984 Cadillac Coupe Deville.
Most of all, he enjoyed life and his friends who were many.
He is survived by Sarah Newmeyer, his wife and best friend; sister Valerie Brairton; daughter Lori (Ken) Mercadante; son Scott Merkel; grandson Michael (Jaclyn) Mercadante; great-grandson Zander Mercadante; and grandson Mathew Mercadante. He will be very missed.