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Alan H. Merdinger
Alan H. Merdinger
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Alan Merdinger Obituary
After his two hours of commuting from the World Trade Center, where he was an accountant for Cantor Fitzgerald, Alan H. Merdinger spent almost every evening at Lehigh Valley Taekwondo in Bethlehem, Pa. "It was a way to release his energy, to release any stress. He just loved being there," said Barbara Merdinger, his wife of 23 years.
His teacher, Lee Arnold, remembered a helpful, strong and funny student.
"Often I would grapple with him and frustrate him," Mr. Arnold said. "He knew what to do to get me, but he was not strong enough to do it. He would get very frustrated with that, but he was a good student."
Mr. Arnold plans to present Mrs. Merdinger with the blue belt her husband, who was 47, would have earned in September.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Les Klein
September 11, 2024
You won't be forgotten...
Tiffany Mueller
September 10, 2024
You're never forgotten. Thinking of you & those you left behind.
Tiffany Mueller
September 11, 2023
Remembering you & thinking of your family.
I was apart of a tribute for 9/11 2021. <br />I just happened to be attaching his name to a flag amongst the 2,977 names we had. What an honor. Bless his soul & may Gods peace be with his family.
Sara Keppler
September 24, 2021
My son and I volunteered to place names on flags for all 2,977 lives lost that day. I do not know Alan. I just so happened to be holding his name in my hand while this picture was being taken. May God bless his soul and I truly hope his family is at peace...
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Robert Rudnick
September 12, 2021
Gone but not forgotten. Went to church yesterday and said prayers for Alan. He was my Taekwondo partner many time as we were about the same age and size. I miss him to this day. Warm through to the family as I have said in the beginning, and as with my parents, gone but not forgotten. Hope all are well who are here and still remember. Gun-Yae.
Tiffany Mueller
September 11, 2021
Remembering you on this 20th anniversary. Prayers to your family.
Tiffany Mueller
September 10, 2020
Remembering you & praying for your family.
Tiffany Mueller
September 11, 2019
18 years. Thinking of you & sending prayers to your family.
Brendalee Meenan
September 10, 2019
Have great memories of you and your father. I think about him every time 9/11 come by. Prayers to you and your family.
Jill
March 1, 2018
To everyone who has posted their thoughts, prayers, and shared memories....THANK YOU!!! My dad was the best and it is so nice seeing how much everyone cares and remembers him!!
Jill
Tiffany Mueller
September 11, 2016
Thinking of you & your family again this year.
Tiffany Mueller
September 11, 2015
Thinking of you & your family.
Forrest Rudnick
September 11, 2015
And yet another year passes us by. Those who remain remember but the pain is never forgotten. Alan was my first thought today, many years after the disaster that took his life. As stated before, gone but not forgotten. My memories still are with me and so he lives on. Sincere regrets to his family that he not with them today and every day.
S J. Friscia III
November 21, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Forrest Rudnick
September 11, 2014
To the family:
Once again, the date conjures up memories that will never be forgotten. Many good times abruptly ended for reasons totally out of control. Just had to let the family know that Alan will be a part of many of us who were not his immediate family but part of a different family. Always remembered and never forgotten. Best to you all in this memorial moment of reflection.
Tiffany Mueller
September 10, 2014
Thinking of you & your family again this year.
Stephanie H
September 13, 2013
It was a pleasure to train with Alan at LVTKD. His hardwork and dedication were an inspiration to those around him, including myself. I hope that time has given your family peace and solice. You are in my thoughts and prayers always.
Thomas Mallough
September 11, 2013
Never forget you Alan
Forrest Rudnick
September 11, 2013
To the family:
Another year and many things have changed, but one thing has not. I recall as vividly today that horrid moment but no where with the intensity of your loss. I just could not let the date pass without acknowledging Alan's memory which still lives on with me. Mere words can never fill the void that at one time was not a concern. My thoughts and prayers are still with you all.
Regards,
Forrest
Tiffany Mueller
September 10, 2013
Will be lighting a candle for you at our community memorial tomorrow evening & flying our flag for you. Thinking of you & your family.
Tiffany Mueller
September 11, 2012
Thinking of you and your family today.We are flying our flag proudly for you.
Forrest Rudnick
September 11, 2012
Another year and the memory lives on. I doubt I will ever forget the times Alan and I worked out together. They were numerous and consistent. Although I did not see Alan outside of TKD class, it was a natural and mutual attraction to work together as we were so similar in many ways.
Gone but never forgotten. My prayers our with the family.
Rest in peace Sir. You live on with many of us who will never forget.
The Three "Castle" buddies..circa 1979
Les Klein
September 13, 2011
tim kearney
September 11, 2011
on this, the 10th anniversary, my prayers are with jill and with her entire family
Forrest Rudnick
September 11, 2011
For those of us who genuinely knew him, there is nothing that need be said. Having worked out with Alan on a regular basis at Lehigh Valley Taekwondo in Bethlehem, PA we were both pretty much the same age, height and build, we would partner up and push each other to further our ability and endurance while keeping in mind that we still had jobs to go to the next day. There were times when one of us would have reached our limit but the other would provide the motivation to push both of us further.
Yes, it is another year since that horrible day, but it seems like yesterday when I think of Alan and LVTKD and working out as a team doing push ups and various exercises, punches and kicks to the body and head, and just enough control while displaying power and landing that perfect hit. Yes there were times when one of us went a little overboard but we both returned for more training until it all came to an abrupt end. Still not forgotten, and never will be.
I know I was part of a different family for Alan as he was with me. I am still involved with taekwondo but it will never be the same as it once was.
Still remembered but never forgotten.
Dena Winant
September 11, 2011
Today our family is thinking of your family and your loss. Alan was my mom's cousin (Lorraine Parker) and I was just talking with my dad who was reminiscing about Alan's wedding day and what a great "boy" he was. You are all in our prayers.
Motoo Y.
September 11, 2011
I trained with Alan at Lehigh Valley Taekwondo. I just remember a hard-working man who truly enjoyed sweating with all of us. It was devastating to find out of his passing. I was grateful to have the opportunity to teach one of his daughter at the Taekwondo school few years later.
He is truly missed by all of us at Lehigh Valley Taekwondo. He is always remembered and honored.
Tiffany Mueller
September 10, 2011
Remembering you & your family on this 10th anniversary. You are all in my prayers.
Rosemary Bonner
September 9, 2011
Today I placed a flag as an act of remembrance in the name of Alan Merdinger to honor him. I did not know him but I shed tears for the sacrifice this hero has made and the loss that was suffered by his friends and family. Bless you all.
Howard Nema
August 22, 2011
Coming up on another year, Alan. You will never be forgotten. We weren't the closest, but we are cousins. Blessings and thoughts to your family.
Howard 860-806-1295
Forrest Rudnick
September 11, 2010
Alan and family:
Another year has passed us by but you still live on in the minds and hearts of those who knew you well and who loved you. Many a day I think of you and tragedy you had to endure that day. My thoughts and memories are with you as you will live on within us while those of us left behind remember you, all you did for us, and those special memories that although remain alive, cannot bring you back to be part of our lives once more.
Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you always.
To the family: Alan has not been forgotten, not just today but throughout the year.
My most sincere thoughts.
Anio haseo.
September 11, 2010
Nils and I still have his camp photo on board of pics. We think about him often and will never forget him.
F Rudnick
September 13, 2009
Yes, another year has passed but your memory still lives on with many. I think of Alan just about every time I put on my dobok or when I am at a state event, usually facilitating.
You live on in the hearts and minds of those who truly knew you, even if for only a short while.
The date and memory of this 9/11 horrific event is a just a reminder of you and the strength this nation needs to pull itself together to promote and maintain the integrity and lifestyle of what it means to be an American.
Tiffany Mueller
October 5, 2008
I'm so sorry I missed the date this year. I still think of you every year and you and your family were definitely in my thoughts and prayers this year. God bless you.
Howard Sydney
September 12, 2008
From childhood to young men Alan, Lester and myself were the three musketeers. Castle country Club in the summer days, Brooklyn during the rest of the year, we grew up together doing everything, golf, sports, life......Alan will always be remembered as I look at all the pictures from our childhood. Bernie, Arlene, Gary, Barbara and the children...you will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.....
Les Klein
January 29, 2008
Barbara
Not a day goes by without thinking of my childhood buddy Alan. Many great memories is what keeps us going.
Hope all is well with the family; & stay strong..
Amy Kilman-Dunsmore
September 12, 2007
Mark & Melissa,
I don't know if you remember me and Sally from PHS. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember hearing about it. Just know that even though 6 yrs have passed the people that sacrificed their lives that day will never be forgotten. God Bless you and your family
Forrest Rudnick
September 11, 2007
On this 6th anniversay of 9/11, may it be duly noted that Alan is not forgotten. As a regular partner in taekwondo, and part of our TKD family, his memory will live on with me all the days of my life, never once being forgotten.
Tiffany Mueller
September 11, 2007
Another year...remembering you.
Paul El-Deiry
September 10, 2007
I remember Alan in TKD. I was often his self defense partner. He was an excellent teacher. Alan's my friend and I will never forget him.
-paul el-deiry
P Tabbernor
January 1, 2007
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 2, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Windsor High Student
August 31, 2006
Although I did not know Mr.Merdinger personally, I would like to say that he seemed like a very fun loving person who was just genuine. My prayers are with his family and know that he is in a much better place.
Andrew & Robert Dorman (from left to right)
Andrew & Robert Dorman
June 3, 2006
To the family of Alan Merdinger, having just found out about your tremdendous loss, our condolences and heart felt sympathies are with you. Our thoughts and prayers will be with a man we very much wish we had met. Perhaps the opportunity will come to meet you all.
Thomas Mallough
September 11, 2004
This day 9/11/2004 I wish to remember a friend who inspired me to work hard and keep smiling.I was one of Alans training partners at Lehigh Valley Taekwondo think of you often Alan!May GOD be with you and your family.
lisa wolfe
September 11, 2003
sorry for your lost.....time will only heal your heart......you have many wonderful memories that can never be taken away.....may god be with you and your family
Frank Salamone
September 11, 2002
It has been over 30 years since I last saw Alan. I will always have fond memories of growing up with him in Brooklyn. I remember most the competition - baseball, football, bowling - we always pushed each other. Growing up in Brooklyn it also helped knowing you had a good friend that you could count on. There have been very few days since 9/11 that I have not thought about him. I do not know his wife or children but I feel for them and send my deepest sympathy.
I am sure that he was a great father and husband. He was a great childhood friend. I did know his brother Gary and his mother Arlene -
and my heart goes out to them as well.
Alex Kahan
September 11, 2002
Hi, i am very sorry for the loss of Alan.
Reyna Munves
September 10, 2002
To Melissa and Family--
I have never stopped thinking about the nightmare you went through, and continue to go through every single day. Your family will always be in my heart. You have my thoughts and prayers. I'll never forget the first time I met Alan, when I saw him at West End laying by the pool. I thought, Daddy Warbucks. He was a great man, and you were so lucky to have him in your life. Bless all of you...and Alan, you have a wonderful family who will never ever forget you. We miss you. I love you Melissa....
Joell Alter
September 10, 2002
Barb:
Since I learned of the news at Passover (via Yochi & Israel), I have been trying to locate you and send my condolences. At last I can send my thoughts and prayers in hopes that they will put us in touch with one another. Best wishes to you and the kids -- please be well.
sarah liebhaber
September 8, 2002
Melissa--I heard about your dad last year, but i wasnt sure if it was true. I am so sorry. I was here, in NYC, that day, and it will always be with me.
I do not know what to say, only that i hope you read this, as i couldnt find your address to mail you something. but i just want you to know that i (and all the other people we went to PHS with) are here, and love you.
i hope you are well, as well as you can be. good luck. i guess the only comfort in the face of this kind of tragedy is just knowing that you have people who care about you, and will be here if you need.
-Sarah Liebhaber
Randi Cohen
September 6, 2002
I was best friends with Jill Merdinger, I know Alan when he came up to camp ever summer 91-95, every weekend he came up and spent the summer, making special memebers with us. He will always be remeber, with the bottom of our hearts.
Randi
Angela & Anthony Clement
August 23, 2002
We did not know any one who passed away on the morning of September 11, 2001, but we will never forget what happened. God Bless and watch over the family and friends that where left behind.
bob rosenthal
June 1, 2002
Barbara and family: My family and I are so saddened at your loss of Alan. We met a few times at Howie Kessler's. Alan and I and all the rest of the Beach Haven brigade spent many hours playing hoops and laughing alot. After walking through the smoke of downtown on September 11, my thoughts turned to Alan and Ian who I knew were in harm's way. Words don't seem adequate but I hope you and your family let go of the grief and hold onto the love. Bob, Barbara and Molly Rosenthal
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind. Rest in peace forever more.
March 7, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN..ALAN H.MERDINGER AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Lillian Rosenzweig
January 16, 2002
The Rosenzweig family from the Castle Country Club wishes to express their condolences to Alan Merdinger's family. We are so very, very sorry.
Alan Rosenzweig
January 16, 2002
Hi, I spent my summers with Alan in upstate New York. He was a good childhood friend.I was looking at pictures of us recently of when we were teens. My heart goes out to his entirely family for this dreadful loss.
Peace,
Alan Rosenzweig
Pam Rosevear
January 4, 2002
I am so very, very sorry. Wish I could shoulder some of your grief.
I know Mark and Mr. Merdinger was a great man to have such a wonderful son.
Teresa Jahn
December 21, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of Alan. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
alex weinberger
November 21, 2001
our deepest condolences to alan's grief stricken family including his mother and brother, gary...he will never really be gone, just at peace in a better place, while we lovingly remember him always.
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