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I STILL MISS YOU EVERYDAY PAUL.....
Melanie Sorel
September 9, 2015
Hey my friend.. I miss you so much everyday.. My Dad passed away on 10/8/14 and it is almost a year now.. Then in January my Uncle Johnny Hodgkinson passed away (my Mom's brother).. Then, this past Easter, my Grandpa(My Dad's Dad)passed away too.. My Mom lost the love of her life, married 44 years, and my Grandma (my Dad's Mom, who has 8 children, now 7 living) lost her 1st born, my Daddy, and her Husband, my Grandpa, within 8 months of one another.. I can barely hold it together, I do not know how my Mom and Grandma, etc can deal with it.. I miss you so much my best friend. Please know, although you had about 6 years on me, you were a part of my life for over 20 years and someday we will be united again.. Love, your best friend, Melanie <3
Melanie Hodgkinson-Sorel
July 26, 2014
To my best friend, my 'big' brother, my 1st crush(inside joke) and the half that made me whole... Missing you everyday Paul..
cooper merges
July 17, 2014
daddy... I miss you please come back to our world
michelle duffy
July 14, 2014
I miss you so much. I miss our talks you always made me laugh and smile.

Blowing Kisses to my Big brother and now my Angel...
MELANIE HODGKINSON-SOREL
June 12, 2014
Hey you.. My best friend of almost 30 years.. Even though you were 6 years older than me, it was nice to have you as an older brother (being I'm an only child) to get advice from and confide in.. I went to Mercy and years before you went to CBA. In the last 20+ years we've gone through so much together!! And with each passing year we had become so close that when I learned of your passing, I went to a dark and lonely place I've never been and never want to go to again.. I was in the hospital having emergency surger (I called your Mother and told her my situation and she was very understanding.. I was in the hospital for nearly 2 weeks).. Although I could not be at your wake or funeral, I know you heard me praying with Father from Blessed Sacrament several times during my stay!! I was very fond of your Mom and most of all, your kids.. I can't bring myself to write anything else for the moment.. Every time I think of our special relationship I still cry and go to a dark place that I'd rather not be.. I felt as you were my own blood, my brother, my best friend, my insides.. You used to always protect me from certain people because I wasn't a social and never did drugs.. Anyone you considered bad news- you would tell me to get going and always told me to call him as soon as I got home (to make sure I got home safe).. Those little things always made me feel loved and special.. Thank you for that my friend.. You ALWAYS protected me and I loved you for that.. I miss you so much some days I cry all day and it is already heading to mid June 2014...We had a real connection.. We would sit on your couch for hours as you'd read the paper to me and I'd lay on your shoulder and just BE.. I miss you every second of everyday my Angel.. Although my soul feels incomplete, I just think of how we used to laugh, talk and sometimes cry.. The bond and trust we shared is one in a million.. I can see your big smile that would light up the entire room when I close my eyes.. I will see you in the future.. Please make sure you are there to greet me- I have NO doubt my friend.. You've always been special to me and that will never change.. Fondly, Melanie Hodgkinson-Sorel

Loving is just another way of saying goodbye
Cooper Merges
January 9, 2014
... You never knew me but you may have known my dad Paul Merges, he was your cousin and he loved you so much. Im his son Cooper Merges, and when i heard the tradgic news I cried for so long. I felt so bad, so bad for you and your family. I Miss You, everybody does, and I just want to say for all the people out thier who knew you, WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND YOUR SOUL WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEART! God bless you and your family.
Cooper Merges
January 9, 2014
I love you.. and I'm so sorry... - Cooper Merges (Son of Paul Merges)
January 8, 2014
My angel..
Angela Guill
January 8, 2014
Man I miss you soo bad. I was just reading our last messages on Facebook. I know you are with me. You came to me in a dream to say goodbye. I just wish I could call heaven and tell you how good I am doing. You would be so proud. My son still has your peacock feather. We talk about you often. Please help me stay strong and be the Mom you always told me to be. No one will ever fill the void in my heart. I love you bro. Until we meet again.
Diane D'Arrigo
August 2, 2013
My sincere sympathies on this tragic loss. Wishes to family and friends for healing, recovery and cherished memories that last forever.
Pam Giuliano
January 29, 2013
I only recently learned the passing of Paul. We dated for a few months when we were in our early 20's. He was such a sweet guy. He was always looking out for me as I was living on my own, and he would visit even if it was late at night just to keep me from being alone. He talked about his parents and his brothers with such love and admiration. I will always keep the memory of Lake George boating in my heart. Rest in Peace Sweet Guy.
Angela Guill
January 7, 2013
So sorry for the loss of our loved one...Paul you have always been my friend I will never forget you may you be at peace our angel...
Nilufer Koechlin
December 25, 2012
I lost my husband, Robert Koechlin Jr., on the same day in a biking accident in Tahoe and he was the same age as Paul.
I wish his family strength and will keep you in my prayers. I felt compelled to write to you because I am going through the same pain that are experiencing. May all the good energy and prayers in the world find their way to us both.
Much love,
Nilufer Koechlin
Stacey Hamilton
December 17, 2012
So much tragedy at this time of year. My heart goes out to this family. I will pray for you and all those affected by the recent elementary school tragedy in CT. Sending thoughts of love and comfort from TN.
Bapu Kamble
December 7, 2012
To Merges Family:
Please, accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Paul Jr.
I met and work with him during my time at New York City Bureau for Radiological Health. He was a great guy.
You are all in our prayers. God bless you all.
December 6, 2012
Barbara,
Never met Paul, but from our talks came to realize what a great family you have and the love you feel for them. Terribly sorry to here of your loss. You will all be in my prayers.
Greg Fryc
Art and Florence Green & Radiac staff
December 6, 2012
Paul and family
Was just made aware of this tragedy via HPS e-mail.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences
December 5, 2012
RIP Paul, you were literally one of a kind. You will be missed by many!! Jenn (Babcock)
Michael Blumenauer
December 5, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones. Paul and I graduated from St Pius together and, although we haven't seen each other in many years, the fond memories came back easily. Paul made me laugh everyday at St Pius. I'm very saddened by this loss.
Maryanne Harvey
December 4, 2012
Dear Paul and family. I am thinking of you and sending my deepest sympathy and concern in this tragic loss of your son. Life is so bittersweet, wonderful moments and stunning loss. Please take care of yourself, I am praying for you all.
Irene Di Pietra
December 2, 2012
My prayers are with you and your family,
so sorry, please accept my sincere condolences. Tell the children to pray
for their father, he is in a special place and will always be there for them
and your entire family. God bless you..
December 1, 2012
Barbara and Family - We were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of your son Paul. We are sure that you and your family brought him much joy and happiness during his time on this earth. In sincere sympathy - Marty and Sue Carbone - Lake George NY
November 30, 2012
Dear Pau,family - I was so very sorry to read about this terrible tradgedy. I can only imagine how you all must feel. My thoughts are with you. - Charlie Morrison
Paul and Barbara Counterman
November 29, 2012
Paul, we were terribly saddened to learn of your son's tragic death. Losing him must be very hard to bear. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Rick Barber
November 29, 2012
Merges Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Paul. I will miss having lunch with him and him telling me about how proud he is about his family.
May God Bless You All
m 20yrs
November 28, 2012
so sorry for your loss, my heart and prayers go out to you. a year ago I lost a childhood friend due to a hit and run. much love. -m.d.
Gary Sweet
November 28, 2012
Barbara:
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Dan Winchester
November 28, 2012
To the Merges family: I've been thinking of you during this difficult time, especially your openness and sharing of outdoor sports. My memories of Paul and you all are close to my heart.
Domencio Galea
November 28, 2012
So sorry to hear about the tragic accident and the loss of your son,
I am in Florida and will not be able
to attend his funeral
Jack Elum
November 28, 2012
Brian and the entire Merges family,
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy Davis
November 28, 2012
I really didn't know Paul for a very long time, but it does seem like it. he was very nice. I worked with him in the tax department. I will miss his smile and his laugh. I will remember him because my oldest daughters birthday is 4/6/1967. My prayers are with all of his family.
November 28, 2012
God Bless his family...
DAW
November 28, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul and the Merges family.
Ralph Brooks
November 28, 2012
Barbara, I am so sad to hear about the tragic events that have occurred. May God carry you through this terrible misfortune and bring consolation to you and the whole Merges family, especially his children. He will be remembered in our prayers.
November 28, 2012
Dear Kris,Tia,Sean and Keara, No one can take away your own feelings you have had over the past few years and the pain and sorrow you are enduring at the passing of your Mom, Grandmother, and Father and Friend. I am so sad for all of you that you have to experienced all this. God has a plan and we are not in control, we never truly know the pain or heartache until it happens to us. you are not alone and never will be.Many thoughts and prayers are ouy there and Paul will help you threw the rough times just call on him he is closer to all of you now. With much regards Amy Neiles
Maribeth Pekrol
November 28, 2012
Barb,
Was so sorry to read about the tragic death of your son. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
JCS
November 28, 2012
Wishing your family healing and comfort from family, friends, and community at this terribly painful time. Paul Jr. was a kind, funny, and truly genuine soul. He spoke constantly of his children, whom he clearly loved to the ends of the universe and beyond. Paul will be sorely missed. It was a pleasure to know him.
Kris Moore
November 27, 2012
No one will ever understand the depths of your grief of losing your son, father, brother, friend. Please know that you have my deepest condolences.
Sr Maureen Colleary
November 27, 2012
I am truly sorry for your loss. Please be assured of my prayers as you navigate the future without your son. Your strength and your faith will be a consolation for the entire family.
Patricia Parker
November 27, 2012
Prayers and sympathy to the Merges family on the tragic loss of Paul. It is always difficult when those whom we love pass away, but Paul's loss is especially sad. Sincerely, Patrica Cassidy Parker
November 27, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Kilt
Bill and Eileen Roach
November 27, 2012
To the Merges Family,
Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of you in your heartbreaking loss.
Sincerely,
November 27, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out for you in your loss. May God's comforting hand be ever present during your time of grieving. The Lord is our Shepherd. Keep close to Him.
Patti Carney & daughter Kim Gauthier
November 27, 2012
please accept my condolences on the passing of your son. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michael Kilmer
November 27, 2012
To the Merges family, I am very sorry to hear about the accident involving Paul resulting in his passing. I worked with Paul when he first started in NYS Ed Dept. He was a fun and comical guy and he liked having a good time. He will be missed by many. God Bless his kids.
Natalie Keenan
November 27, 2012
To the Merges Family,
I am saddened to hear of Paul's tragic passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy and know that your family is in my thoughts & prayers.
~ Natalie (Nash) Keenan
peter piazza
November 27, 2012
Dear Barb & family,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are w/ you & your family during this difficult time.
Nick Audi
November 27, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I have fond memories of the Merges Family from my days at St. Pius X School. God bless you all.
Respectfully,
John Kearney
November 27, 2012
Paul, Barbara and family;
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Paul Jr. You are all in our prayers. You all, especially his children, have someone special to pray to. God Bless.
John and Lynda Kearney.
sam Fresina
November 27, 2012
To the Merges Family,
I am sorry for your loss, Paul was a great friend and person. He will be missed.
Jill White
November 27, 2012
Merges family,
I am so sorry for your tragic loss, you are in our thoughts.
-Jill White (Lucas White's wife)
Anthony Signoracci
November 27, 2012
Both my wife and I had the pleasure of knowing Paul from State Ed. He was one of a kind. I remember talking horses with him. He will be missed .Condolences to the Merges family.
Amy Naylor
November 27, 2012
I have worked with Paul for the last few years. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sysmpathy for his children and family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Paul.
Amy Naylor
November 27, 2012
I have worked with Paul for the last few years. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy go out to his children and family. Rest in peace Paul.
Cozet Parker
November 27, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Nancy Friess
November 27, 2012
I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. I lost my son a few months ago in an auto accident and the sudden halt to his life was devastating. All I can say is believe in God, believe in your family and hold on to your son's life with all your heart. God Bless you all.
Connell Bill
November 27, 2012
To Barbara Merges and family, I am sorry you have to go through this terrible tragedy. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. Rest in peace, Paul.
Daniel Hull
November 27, 2012
Very sorry to hear of this, thoughts and prayers are with his family.
brigit o'shaughnessy-robinson
November 27, 2012
I rode the bus to St. Pius with Paul. I haven't seen him since then but he looks just as i remembered him in the picture. my deepest sympathies to his entire family, especially his children. RIP Paul.
November 27, 2012
My sympathy goes out to your family in this time of grief.
Steve Arey, Salisbury, N.C.
C. Kenner
November 26, 2012
Sorry for the loss of your loved one. I will keep your family in my prayers.
M Kimble
November 26, 2012
RIP
November 26, 2012
Although I did not know Paul or your family, my heart goes out to all of you during this most difficult time.
Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. ...Wishing you hope in the midst of sorrow, Comfort in the midst of pain.
~ Anonymous.
Jean Elsroth
November 26, 2012
Barbara, I was shocked and saddened to learn of this tragedy. I was reminded of John Decker's similar loss right around Thanksgiving just before he retired. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathies. You are in my thoughts at this very sad time.
Ray Vaughan
November 26, 2012
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your son.
Kathleen Battuello
November 26, 2012
I attended St. Pius along with my three brothers (Chris '80, Brendan '82, and Patrick '83). Paul was only a year older than me. My mother, Mrs. Butler (8W), taught at Pius for many years as well. My husband, Pat, attended Pius ('79) and CBA ('83) along with Paul.
He will be remembered fondly in all of our minds.
We are so very sorry for your incredible loss. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Cass Kaufman
November 26, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the terrible loss of your son. Mere words cannot ease your pain, but please know you & your family are in my thoughts.
November 26, 2012
Dear Barbara,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son.
"Think of him as resting, from the sorrow and the tears,
In a a place of warmth and comfort,
where there are no days and years."
My mother passed away almost 4 months ago and these words bring me comfort. God bless you and your family.
Your former co worker in the Testing Services Division, Barbara DePuy
John Matuszek
November 26, 2012
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your son.
Bill Gleason
November 26, 2012
To Barbara and family--please know that you and young Paul are in my prayers. May he rest in peace.
November 26, 2012
A CO-WORKER
CA
November 26, 2012
TO THE MERGES FAMILY,
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF LOSE. PAUL WAS A CO-WORKER OF MINE. HE WILL BE TRUELY MISSED. BLESSINGS TO THE CHILDREN AND THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
Thomas Cardwell
November 26, 2012
Paul: Cindy and I are so sorry to hear about your son. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
Cindy and Tommy Cardwell
John Criscione
November 26, 2012
Mr. Merges,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of your son Paul.
Your entire family and in particular Paul's children are in our prayers.
Sincerely yours
John J. Criscione and family.
Russ Meyer
November 26, 2012
Paul,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your family's loss. I pray that God's love and mercy will comfort and strengthen your family now and in the years to come.
Ronald Fraass
November 26, 2012
Paul, So sorry for your tragic loss. Linda and I will keep your family in our prayers. It was great to work with you in CRCPD. Ron
Bassem and Carrie Boutros
November 26, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Merges family.
Ellie DePrima
November 26, 2012
To the Merges family. I was a friend of Paul's and knew him from Tax & Finance. I was so shocked to hear of your traumatic loss. I am so very sorry. I am still trying to accept it. He will be missed greatly by all of us who knew him. You have my sincere sympathy.
November 26, 2012
To the Merges Family. Please accept my heart felt condolences and prayers for all of Paul's family and friends who loved him.
Pearce O'Kelley
November 26, 2012
Paul,
So sorry for your loss ole friend. I can't imagine the pain from losing a child. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gen VanAuken
November 26, 2012
What a tragic loss. I've worked with Paul for 7 years. I'll miss hearing "You're the best, Gen" and "Anything for you". And what a wonderful family he has. You have all treated this co-worker as a friend. We'll truly miss Paul.
November 26, 2012
What a tragic loss. I've worked with Paul for 7 years. I'll miss hearing "You're the best, Gen" and "Anything for you". God bless his children and parents. I've met them all and Paul spoke highly of everyone in the family. He will be sorely missed.
Kathy Burlingame
November 26, 2012
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
My prayers are with Paul's family and friends.
Donna White
November 26, 2012
To The Merges Family,
I worked with Paul at NYS Department of Education. I am so terribly saddened by this tragedy. I am sorry for your loss and feel so sad for his children. I know one thing for sure is that he was a good dad and he LOVED HIS CHILDREN. May he forever rest in peace.
Paul Colfer
November 26, 2012
My condolences go out to you on this sad occasion.
Eileen Wilkinson
November 26, 2012
What a sad, senseless tragedy. Very sorry for the loss of your son.
David Applebaum
November 26, 2012
Paul and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences upon the loss of your son. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
November 26, 2012
To the Merges Family, Sorry for your loss.
Dr. Richard Shade, CBA class of 83
Jared Thompson
November 26, 2012
Paul,
So sorry to hear about your loss. May God comfort you and bless you during your time of grief.
Jean Staton
November 26, 2012
Please, let me offer my condolences during this difficult time.
Marie Slagen
November 26, 2012
I did not know Paul - I just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss. God Bless all of you and I will keep you in my prayers.
Lynne Harting
November 26, 2012
Barbara and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family, especially the little ones, are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Whitney
November 26, 2012
To the Merges family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Taken so tragically. I pray his soul is content. Paul "MERGES", as I called him at work, will be missed dearly. He was a good man. May he rest in peace. Most of all I pray for his children, as they were his world. God Bless. Will miss you MERGES.
Aaron Gantt
November 26, 2012
Paul,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nancy Kirner
November 26, 2012
May you be comforted by knowing that my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of deep loss.
Gene Miskin
November 26, 2012
Paul- deepest condolences to you and your family on the tragic loss of your son.
November 26, 2012
Paul, I am so sorry to hear this sad news about your son. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Diane Tefft
Jan and Paul Lohaus
November 26, 2012
To Paul Sr. and the Merges family:
Jan and I are so sorry to learn of the tragic loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Lin Carigan
November 26, 2012
What a fine looking young man. And what a horrible way to lose him. I hope you can gain strength from friends and family and faith.
Roy Nestler
November 26, 2012
I am so very sorry for your loss. I attended CBA with Paul and had the pleasure of working with him recently. He will be missed.
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