F. Henry Merkle

Scotch Plains – Dr. F. Henry Merkle, 80, passed away peacefully Friday (May 11, 2012) at his home in Scotch Plains after a long illness of Leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving family the week prior to his death. Born in Newark, he lived in Scotch Plains since 1965. Dr. Merkle grew up in Irvington and Union and was a graduate of Union HS class of 1949. He attended Rutgers University where he earned a bachelor's, Master's and his PhD in Pharmaceutical Science in 1964. He spent the majority of his career working for Bristol Myers Squibb in research and development. Henry was a committed lifelong learner. He enjoyed his computer and teaching his children and grand children about the world of science. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Henry served in the U.S. Army from 1955 until 1961, where he made life long friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Winifred, who died in 1999. He is survived by two daughters, Lisa A. Foley and her husband Francis of Morris Plains., and Amy McElrath and her husband Timothy, M.D. of Albany, NY. his son, Dr.Frederick B. Merkle and his wife Patti of Scotch Plains; and his cherished grandchildren Kiera, Fiona and Colin Foley, Maddie, Emma and Ian McElrath, and Sean and Mae Merkle. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Westfield on Wednesday at 1 PM. Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Home, 155 South Ave., Fanwood, on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the American Red Cross Blood Bank 707 Alexander Rd – Suite 101 Princeton, NJ 08540.