What a wonderful person he was!! And so richly blessed with a great big family and a wonderful life full of achievements, travel and style.

I hope mom will find strength and courage in all those beautiful words people are saying about dad.

On my!!
What a beautiful tribute!!

Thank you for sharing.

Sheryl, who preferred Starr, Ron and Rose’s second oldest daughter, who In recent years was In almost daily communication with Dad at minimum via text, until the unexpected untimely close of her life chapter in November 2021.

Known and loved by many near and far for her always kind, generous and giving spirit, would always call Dad in deep admiration and unwavering respect, her "twin." 

In a practical demonstration of love, once or twice a month she would send Dad little gifts, always with her unique "happy face" and encouraging notes.
More to be shared in the “Stories” section.

A word of encouragement from dad's belief and example to any experiencing health or other challenges. Near the close of 95 years of life and living, Dad still firmly believed in promised truths, including the priceless James 5:14. Dad never relinquished firm hope, despite circumstances eventually beyond control of caring family. He was blessed to overcome a suggested "need" five years ago for cataract surgery, and continued to use his eyes to read. Dad was very blessed to be without any chronic ailments now common in populations half his age. A nagging, relatively minor pain occasionally experienced, was completed eradicated since at least last January. He fully embraced life and living, with an encouraging word for all he personally met, typically with quoting a scripture or two as with dear Kendra, and a respectful "Can I pray for you?" request. Always health conscious and careful of what he ate, Dad enjoyed the gift of food and savored each mouthful, often taking up to two hours with his evening meal, always mentioning each member of family by name before eating, including all the great-grandchildren.

Dad relished life in general, and acknowledged all good gifts are from above. His twin, Donald, who still drives a car, encouraged dad a few days ago via phone, to join him in his daily 15-minutes calisthenics workout that includes pushups, and the need to "keep walking." Dad embraced life, and anticipated the promised 1 Corinthians 15 resurrection from the dead at Christ's return. 

Be encouraged no matter what the challenge as faith is evidenced by what is not seen.

In the "Stories" section is a congratulatory "Better Health & Body Award", created by eldest son, Ron Jr. in 1998. The framed plaque was presented to Dad on April 18, 1998. The award, "For You and You Alone - For Your Outstanding Excellence with Maintaining A Healthy Mind, A Healthy Body, and A Healthy Spirit, was in a prominent spot and viewed daily by Dad. He appreciated the deep respect, love, and especially honor that Ron Jr. bestowed on him by continuing the legacy of selflessly recognizing others in word and deeds. Deceased seven years ago, the last few decades of Ron Jr.'s life was dedicated to helping those in serious need, with many sharing witness to his kind and giving spirit, including (eventually) brother-in-law Brian Giacomazzi,who benefited from Ron Jr."s generous spirit in time of personal need. The connection with Brian bore fruit in lovely daughter Tameka, and talented grandsons, Gianni and Armani.

One of Dad’s favored books that he valued and reviewed several times since first received from author Barbara Dahlgren, was "The Choice is Yours: 52 Choices for Happier Lives." More details are shared in the “Stories” section. Having met dad over the years on numerous occasions, Mrs. Dahlgren shared the following:

I remembered Ron to be a very caring and gentle man, who always had a kind word and cheerful smile for everyone.  Barbara Dahlgren

Adapted from poem By an Anonymous Author entitled "The Broken Chain" and "God Saw You Getting Tired"
We little knew that morning that at 95 God was going to call your name, Because you loved God so dearly, at the resurrection you'll have no shame.
Each day you said, before you left this earth, "God is Good" and "Be thankful for everything". You proved that courage carried you far beyond WW II. You fought the good fight of faith until the day God called you home.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be
So he put his arms around you and whispered "Come to me."
With tearful eyes we've watched you as you slowly slipped away and though we love you dearly we couldn't make you stay.
Your golden heart stopped beating.
Your tired hands put to rest. Only God knows why this was best.
God bless your soul

We were saddened to hear about the death of your dear Dad. The loss of a parent is never easy. 

We are happy that we were able to spend some quality time with your Dad and some of your family during the Festival in the past.

We pray that God would grant the family peace and comfort during this most challenging time knowing that we will be united with all of our loved ones in a much better world to come.

My name is Roy, Mr. Merritt was my brother-in-law; though I never had the honor to have met him, I feel as if I've known him. My sister Rose, his lovely wife, spoke of him often with kind and sincere thoughts. There were many times that my sister Rose, with joy in her voice, would tell me of how they met and eventually got married. She told me about Mr. Merritt's love of travel; he was a Merchant Marine and worked in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, who certifies the Merchant Mariners to work on U.S. cargo ships. Mr. Merritt's extensive travel experience helped to give him a wealth of knowledge and wisdom about people and their varying cultures. Mr. Merritt, who with his beautiful wife Rose, raised ten wonderful children. Their children were and are very handsome, beautiful, and intelligent, which speaks volumes about their parental guidance, and dedication.
  Mr. Merritt is the epitome of a strong loving husband, father and grandfather. Overall, he had a character that now of days is hard to find.
   May The Most High bless Mr. Merritt, he is at peace. May our Heavenly Father bless, my sister Rose and all her children, grandchildren, great grands, nieces , nephews and extended family.

The only downside of the privileged opportunity to share quality time with dad over the past five years is the depth of loss experienced with his unexpected departure. He generally appreciated, respected, and enjoyed people of all ages and backgrounds, and family and friends in particular, often mentioning them by name prior to eating his evening meal. He relished and embraced life, attentive and savoring the details, and an ardent collector of books, mementos, and treasured memories. He kept cards and notes dating back decades. Definitely a social being, he mastered the art of relating to and engaging others, making a connection within moments of meeting. Dad was special What a joy for him to receive his “well done” crown.

Dear Cherished Family and Special Friends,

The love of my life, Ronald, my friend and husband of nearing eight decades, had his physical life come to a close early morning May 5, shortly before entering his 96th year of life.

Ron loved and embraced people and life, and appreciated each and every one he met, irrespective of age or background. 

Each of you met were special to and for him and enriched his life, and for which I and the children thank you! 

He cherished his family and the many friendships and the memories of those who shared wonderful fellowship over the years, and would often recall individuals by name, often from decades past, asking about their welfare.

Although his loss unexpected, comforted to know that our Father Above, aware of all, remains in full control and not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His awareness.

We eagerly look forward to our reunion when all tears and pains will forever be wiped away.

With sincere love and appreciation,

Rose

Rose and the Merritt Family

Without any exaggeration and as objectively as possible by a son. I have to say that my father had set an example for me to be all you can be in every area of life that you possibly could.

He treasured the ability to do anything set before him, whether it had to do with building something fixing something, whether in the physical world or the cognitive world. He was a mathematician by desire, not formally and he was much more. I thank God for my dad because by his example I learned to be more than what I normally would be. He taught me that there is literally nothing in life that I cannot do.

He also taught me it's the spirit of God that matters within someone, not mere words. He is the most real person I have ever known in my life and taught me to be true to my heart. Speak plain and be very honest when communicating with others. Others would hide their intent, Others would hide issues, but he would simply take the lid off and shine the light brightly into any issue.