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Richard L. (Dick) Merk, 96, formerly of Williamsport, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, NY. Born on February 20, 1929, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Dick was a proud and devoted member of the community for over fifty years. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1947 and served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. Active in civic life, he was a longtime member of the Williamsport Jaycees, elected President of the Pennsylvania Jaycees in 1963, and named Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1964. Dick was a dedicated parishioner at St. Boniface Church, where he frequently served as Lector and Commentator. His commitment to public service included the Williamsport School Board in the 1970s. A lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, Dick cherished the memory of attending Lou Gehrig's iconic "Luckiest Man" speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1939--a moment he held close throughout his life and shared often with his family. His love of sports translated into decades of volunteer service: he refereed basketball across Central Pennsylvania, umpired at the Little League World Series from 1955 to 1965, and coached baseball at Brandon Little League from 1965 to 1971. From 1973 to 1981, he helped elevate the Williamsport Top Hat Wrestling Tournament to national recognition. His family recently learned of his quiet kindness in transporting neighborhood children to and from baseball practices--ensuring every child could play the game he loved. Professionally, Dick spent many years as a real-estate broker in Williamsport. In 1982, he relocated with his family to Vermont, where he owned a general store in Essex before beginning a new career as an insurance auditor. His work took him throughout New England, upstate New York, Florida, and the Carolinas. He retired at age 88 in Charlotte, NC. Dick delighted in sharing stories from his travels, always seeking common ground with others. He believed deeply in the power of connection, telling his children and grandchildren, "If you talk to someone long enough and show true interest in them, you'll find a common connection." He spent his retirement years building the Merk family tree--tracing over 25,000 names and reconnecting generations with their Williamsport heritage.
Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Doris J. Merk (Weikert) in 2018; by his parents, Leonard and Martha Merk; and his sister, Ann Marie Trafford. He is survived by four children: Richard (Janice) Merk of Marlborough, MA; Daniel (Barbara) Merk of Muncy, PA; Melissa (Alex) Papatzanakis of Waxhaw, NC; and Jenifer (Daniel) Kelly of Bridgeport, NY. He is also lovingly remembered by nine grandchildren: Kathleen (Brian) Meyer, David (Taylor) Merk, Evan Merk, Maggie (Cody) Merk Beach, Casey Engle, Zack Papatzanakis, Abby Papatzanakis, Cassidy Kelly, and Tyrus Kelly. He was a proud great-grandfather to Calvin and Joelle Meyer and Harper Merk.
A funeral celebrating Dick's life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Boniface Church in Williamsport, PA. Burial will follow at Twin Hills Memorial Park. In honor of his vibrant spirit, the family encourages guests to wear a color other than black. The Merk family is deeply grateful to the staff of the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford for their dedication, compassionate care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New York State Veterans' Home in Oxford: 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY 13830, Attention: Volunteer Guild for Recreation Programs.