Stephen R. Merritt

1956 - 2015

Stephen R. Merritt obituary, 1956-2015, Media, PA

Stephen R. Merritt

1956 - 2015

BORN

1956

DIED

2015

Stephen Merritt Obituary

Published by The Daily Times from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15, 2015.
1956-2015 Stephen R. Merritt, age 59, of Media, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, while recovering from a long illness. Steve received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Villanova University. He returned to Villanova in 1990, as Director of Undergraduate Admission before assuming the role of Dean of Enrollment Management, a position he held for 17 years. Steve was committed to the University and its mission and willingly gave of his time and expertise. Steve enjoyed traveling, cooking and playing his guitar. He was an avid Philadelphia Sports fan as well as a supporter of Villanova Sports. Steve appreciated the outdoors and spending time sitting on his deck. Most of all, Steve was devoted to his family and friends. He was the son of the late Valentina (Giacobbe) Merritt and the husband of the late Pamela A. Hardy. Survivors: Son: Keith Hardy-Merritt (Carolyn Sadwick); Daughter: Erin Hardy-Merritt; Father: Donald Merritt; Brothers: Bill and John (Jane) Merritt; Nephew: Liam Merritt; Niece: Brynn Merritt. Funeral Service: Wednesday at 12:00PM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063. Visitation: Tuesday from 6:30-8:30PM and Wednesday after 10:30AM at the funeral home. Interment: Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Steve to www.habitat.org Condolences: www.msbfh.com

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December 5, 2016

Chuck Steel posted to the memorial.

November 18, 2015

Jane Gleason Senior posted to the memorial.

November 17, 2015

Bruce Chamberlin posted to the memorial.

Chuck Steel

December 5, 2016

So sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of growing up on Ryder Rd. , , and one memory that always comes to mind is Stephen and family. You are a lovely, all American family that always brought the best out in people. I remember Stephen playing touch football in the street with the gang, Chasing lightning bugs in your yard and watching Stephen play the guitar in his driveway and talking it up about that cool group called the Beatles. Although I was just past the early age of 5 when I first met Stephen and family, I can recall the feeling of seeing this guy with a big toothy smile and always singing and playing the earliest version of the air guitar. The earliest recollection of seeing my first skateboard was the one Stephen was scooting around on....cool. All of those summer nights , playing baseball games on Van Peenan 's (spelling) corn field. Stephan was one of the original founders of our childhood football team, The RYDER ROADER RAIDERS. We all had our helmets and gear stored in between the riungs of Mr. Merritt wooden extension ladder., it was big league in the day. Snowball fights in front of the Merrit home and ice forts , sliegh riding down Ryder, THE PATH and Scribner in the middle of the night was always a thrill. Stephen had a big impact on this kid , who added so much to the Hiuck Fin lives so many of us lived. Thank you for that gift Stephen, those memories, What a Winderful life. Although I have not seen Stephen since I was a teenager, those times seem like just a moment ago. GOD BLESS You Stephen and your family.Warmly,Chuck Steel1114 F AveCoronado, ca92118

Jane Gleason Senior

November 18, 2015

The Gleason family is mourning the loss of your beloved Stephen. Special prayers for Erin, Keith, Grandpa Don, Billy & Liam, John, Jane & Brynn...all of the Hardy-Merritt family!

Bruce Chamberlin

November 17, 2015

What an incredible salutary influence Steve had on me and on so many others who were lucky enough to work with him in some capacity. Humility, passion, depth and character thank you, Steve; your legacy will live on forever.

Maria Coan

November 17, 2015

To the Merritt Family, I worked with Steve here at Villanova. I just want to say that he was so kind and I will miss him so much. He was a warm, gentle soul and we all loved him. Please be assured that you are all in my prayers.

John Hamel

November 16, 2015

To the Merrit family...Steve's contributions to the Villinova community speak for themselves. His contribution to the college admissions profession is equally outstanding. He will be missed by many of the folks that worked with him. Our thoughts and Prayers.

John Hamel
NACAC
Arlington VA

Michael Paquet

November 16, 2015

I am so sorry to learn of Steve's passing. He was a warm, thoughtful, and wonderful colleague at Thomas Jefferson University. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Kevin Monahan

November 16, 2015

You are greatly missed by all of your DePaul class of 1974 friends.

Barbara Elliott

November 16, 2015

Saddened by the loss of a wonderful colleague. Rest in peace and rise in glory, friend.

Peter Federico

November 16, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family. We knew him from our days together at Neumann University and stayed in touch over the years.

Our prayers are with the entire family, especially Keith and Erin, and with all who mourn his loss.

We take solace and find strength in our faith that Steve is now reunited with Pam in the presence of the Lord Who gave them both life and now welcomes him home.

We continue our own journey praying to those and for those who have completed theirs.

God bless you Stephen.

Peggie and Peter Federico

Tim Brosnan

November 15, 2015

Tim & Barbara Brosnan

November 15, 2015

We will miss Steve. He was a good man and wonderful loyal friend. Our sympathies to Keith &Erin and all of the Merritt family

Fran Closs

November 15, 2015

I am sorry to hear of Stephen's passing. His family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

November 15, 2015

Deepest condolences to the family.

Rich & Cindy Fagan

We are heartbroken to lose such a good friend. Our deepest condolences to Keith, Erin and family. With warmest regards, Rich and Margie Lafferty

Margie Lafferty

November 15, 2015

Sam Lemon

November 14, 2015

I am profoundly sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to Keith, Erin, Mr. Don Merritt, John, Bill, and all of the members of the Hardy-Merritt family.

November 13, 2015

Prayers and thoughts to Keith, Erin, Steve's dad and family.

Marykay Klara
Villanova University
Office of Financial Assistance

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Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Ltd

608 S Old Middletown Rd, Media, PA 19063

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Sign Stephen Merritt's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 5, 2016

Chuck Steel posted to the memorial.

November 18, 2015

Jane Gleason Senior posted to the memorial.

November 17, 2015

Bruce Chamberlin posted to the memorial.