Carl August Merz

Carl August Merz, 86, of West Hartford, CT, passed away at home on December 6, 2025, after an illness.

Carl was born on August 5, 1939, in Far Rockaway, NY, the son of the late Carl William Merz and Mary Merz.

Carl is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Newton Merz; his twin children, Carl F. Merz and his wife, Tara Ceil Merz, of West Hartford, CT, and Susan Merz Cambio and her husband, James Cambio, of Coventry, RI; the mother of his children and longtime friend, Frances Milewski; many cousins; and numerous dear friends.

Carl was a proud graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College, Class of 1961, where he formed many close friendships that he cherished throughout his life. After graduating, he worked as a merchant marine. His professional career brought him to Pratt & Whitney as part of the development team for the engine that would later be installed on the early-series Boeing 747 aircraft. This work became a key part of his legacy and helped inspire his founding of Hartford Aviation Group, Inc., where he served as President. This year, Hartford Aviation celebrated its 40th year of leasing aircraft engines.

Carl will be remembered most for his love of world travel, skiing, and sailing. In later years, he developed a passion for sail racing, participating in several races as far south as Florida. His crowning achievement was placing first in his division in the 2018 Figawi Race. A long-held dream of his was to participate in and complete the renowned Newport to Bermuda Race, a goal he realized in the summer of 2016 alongside Deborah and their crew aboard their boat C'est Bon.

Visitation will be held on January 10, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT. A Prayer Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private. A livestream of the Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will conclude at the end of the Prayer Service. To view the livestream (https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25124088630704) or to leave an online condolence message, please visit www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lea's Foundation for Leukemia Research, Inc. (www.leasfoundation.org).