M. Robert Mercier

M. Robert “Bob” Mercier, 79, of South Hadley, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Holyoke Medical Center with his family by his side. 

The son of the late Gina A. (Casci) and Maurice R. Mercier, Bob was born in Holyoke and was a graduate of Holyoke Trade High School. As a senior in 1963, he had the unique opportunity to be the first student to represent HTHS as State Treasurer on Student Government Day at the Massachusetts State House. After graduation, he began his professional life as a machinist before transitioning to a career spanning almost 50 years in the flooring business. He proudly operated Associated Flooring in South Hadley for decades with “The Boys” - his sons Steven, Mark, and Mitchell Mercier - retiring only recently at the age of 78. Bob enjoyed traveling in his younger years, making trips to Myrtle Beach, Lake George, Winnipesaukee, and all the way to Hawaii, but he was a self-described “South Hadley boy” at heart. Having moved from Holyoke as a young man, he was happiest at home in South Hadley; he coached youth sports back in the day, was a familiar face in the community, and he relished his daily coffee gatherings with The Egg & I crew and others. A devoted Fighting Irish fan (Go ND!) and a NASCAR follower, he also found joy in quieter activities, especially bird watching. 

He leaves behind his loving partner Patricia Dufault and her family, including his buddy Brock Dufault, of South Hadley; his large blended family: Steven Mercier and Mary Quesnel of Myrtle Beach, Mark Mercier and Maribeth Balukonis of South Hadley, Mitchell and Jayne Mercier of Granby, Joseph and Susan Ferro of Charlotte, and Christopher and Kim Ferro of South Hadley, and all their children: Madison, Libby, Sydney, Nicholas, Grayce, Cody, and Olivia; his sister Diana Flaherty; and many cherished members of his extended family, including Maggie Mercier, Linda Parlengas and Richard Connors, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Karen A. (Beaudry) Mercier, his sister Denise Mercier, and  his beloved “Auntie Retta” Loretta Parlengas.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley, MA, with a funeral service to follow at 6:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to The Cancer Connection, a community support center serving individuals and families in Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden Counties who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. https://www.cancer-connection.org/donate