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David Merkel Obituary
E. Bloomfield: David A. Merkel, passed away on May 18, 2015 at age 82. Born in Rochester to Marjorie (Cooke) and Edwin Merkel, David was the 7th of 8 children. He graduated from St. John Fisher College, Albany Law School (J.D.), and New York University School of Law (LL.M). In 1961, David accepted a job with Ted and Casper Solomon. They were great mentors to him, not only in the practice of law but in how to treat clients. Their rules: always return calls and "don't let dust gather on files." In 1973, David began his solo practice of law. He was dedicated to his clients, many of whom became friends. After his retirement in February of this year, David received calls from clients seeking his advice even though they had been referred to other attorneys.
David is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joan Oliver Merkel, his children and their spouses, Hilary and Martin McMillan, and Peter Merkel and Christine Sterling, his brother Nelson Merkel, his grandsons Peter McMillan and Oliver Merkel, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his daughters Stacie, Gretchen, and Marjorie, siblings Edwin, Mary Rita, Gloria, Victor, John, and Marjorie.
A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22nd at St. Bridget's Church, 15 Church St., East Bloomfield, NY.
Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Nativity Preparatory School, 15 Whalin St., Rochester, New York, 14620. Arrangements are by Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., Bloomfield. Condolences may be offered at www.johnsonkennedy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Merkel
Laurie Pecora
April 25, 2016
I just today heard about David passing through an attorney we both knew . David taught me so much as I entered the legal field and graduated with my paralegal degree . He gave me my wings and allowed me to try it all on my own and I will be grateful always ! Joan God bless u and ur family ! He was a great man and boss !
wanda whittle
April 18, 2016
So sorry hearing that mr Merkel passed.He was wonderful man and friend to my Dad john dailey. And he and Hillary really helped me through some times in my life .my condolences to David's family
October 28, 2015
I just heard of David's passing - great role model. FL Gorman
Samuel Dispenza
October 20, 2015
Joan, Donna and I just learned of Dave's passing. It surely is a terrible thing and we feel so bad for you and your family. We were in England and never got the news until today. I have so many fond memories of Dave. I shall miss him a great deal. Sam and Donna Dispenza
Irene O'Brien
June 19, 2015
JOAN, HILARY + PETER- I AM SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. AS I DO NOT GET THE PAPER , I WAS UNAWARE OF DAVID'S PASSING. HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY BUT ESPECIALLY BY YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ANYTHING - IRENE O'BRIEN
Frank Mastrodonato
June 4, 2015
David has been my attorney since 1978 and was also a good friend to me. I had just had lunch with him a Georges Bakery a couple of months age. I was out of town and did not know of his passing so to here of it today was a shock. David was a very direct person and would not hold back in telling it the way it was. I will miss him deeply. My very deepest sympathy to Hillary and Peter. He always would talk about the most beautiful red head in his life Joan. My best wishes to all.
Richard Kurz
May 26, 2015
Dear Joan and family,
My prayers and sympathy for Dave, you and the family. I was sorry to learn of the death of another fellow member of the Fisher Classs of 1957.
May 26, 2015
We were saddened to hear about David's passing. He was a great lawyer and a good friend. He will be greatly missed.
Bob & Shirle Coons
John Brown
May 24, 2015
I worked with David's brother, Ed, who passed away last year. I met David on several occasions, and like others in the Merkel family, I found him to be bright, personable and a person well worth knowing. I wish his family the very best.
Jeanne Pigage
May 22, 2015
David Merkel was my lawyer at a very very difficult time in my life. I do not know what I would have done without him. This is very sad news. I'm so sorry for all of you and my thoughts are with you. I feel extremely fortunate for having known him. He was a light in the tunnel.
Tom
May 21, 2015
David once said of Father McNamara,"A good man,a good priest,and a good friend." I hope they are together.
May 21, 2015
I was sadden to hear that David had died. I had known him for 60 years. He always had the right answer when there was a problem with with a closing on a property I was buying or selling. I remember one day we were waiting in the County Clerks Office to get a table. To break the tension of our long wait, David smiled and said to me, look over at that elderly attorney and his old client over there. Do you know that will be us someday? Well, we made it my friend. Now you are on to a new journey.
Farewell.
Holly Lovejoy
May 21, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. David was always a joker to serve on his many dinners he had at cheap charlies over the years. Him and I got along very well as I gave him grief right back. His favorite was to always ask me when the next baby waa coming told me i could do better than 3 kids in three years! Joan my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. David will be missed by so many.
Eileen Beverly
May 21, 2015
David was not only a great neighbor, always a wave or a chat across the lawn time permitting, but he was a very kind as well as knowledgeable attorney who, at times of great stress, could put you at ease and know that everything would be alright. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Merkel family at this time. Eileen
Peter McNiece
May 21, 2015
I looked out my front window and I noticed no one had picked up the paper at Merkel's It was 8:00am. David ,not Mr Merkel we'll miss you ! !
Sonali Suvvaru
May 20, 2015
I had the good fortune of working with David. I will fondly remember a fine Attorney and a fine Gentleman.
May 20, 2015
Dear Joan, so sorry to read about Dave. I first met Dave in law school and we became good friends.The bonds made during that time are never forgotten. God bless you & the family. Love Jim&MaryAnn Fitzsimmons
May 20, 2015
David was one of the most knowledgeable attorneys who kept the small town people in his sites. He had an answer for everything, and made you feel important and at ease. I will miss our bets on the world series. Hold the memories, Joan. Jane Ward
May 20, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family of David, he will be deeply missed by all. David was someone i could go to for advice and he helped me with a couple situations. I will remember him always for his kindness and humor.
Pat Straub
Pat & Tina Crowley
May 20, 2015
Dear Joan, Hillary, Peter and family,
Our words of sympathy are insufficient to express our sorrow for your loss, but the Crowleys and Merkels will always have a special bond. In fact, when we experienced a thunderstorm Monday night, we imagined that a certain German and a certain Irishman were having one of their boisterous interactions!!
It was very nice of you to designate Nativity Prep as his charity of choice. We attended Mass at St. Boniface last Saturday and heard David's name mention in the Prayers for the Sick. How thoughtful!!
We regret that we will be out of state this Friday, but please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers now and in the future.
andrew ventura
May 20, 2015
Joan and your family, we send our sincerest blessings to all. David will always have a special place in our family memories. Respect, diligence, and dedication are describing adjectives that he epitomized.
Sharon, Andrew Ventura & Family
Deirdre Hickey
May 20, 2015
He really did not like being called Mr. Merkel. He was David. To everyone. He was an amazing lawyer, friend and mentor. I will miss him dearly. He was a gem taking care of my elderly cousins the Zwacks. Thanks for helping me get a home of my own by doing the closing yourself! He was a sweetheart when he and I would go to lunch. He would tell me stories of his beloved 'redhead' and the joy they have together. He loves his family with a desire a true dad and grandpa could only have. This is heartwrenching to know his smile and personality will no longer be here for us to enjoy. Thank you David for bringing a calm into my life that I never thought would be. Love to your family for the sadness that they are having and joy to them for you are with your God. I will miss you dearly.
Teresa Buerkle
May 20, 2015
He was one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bonnie Booth
May 19, 2015
David always would bring a smile to my face. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc. - East Bloomfield2 South Avenue PO Box 605, East Bloomfield, NY 14443
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