John R. Merkel

John R. Merkel
Greece: Passed away October 7, 2025, at age 88. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; children, David (Ellen), Daniel (Kim), and Rebecca (Michael) Yonckheere; grandchildren, Christopher and Emily Merkel, Grant, Katherine, Alyssa, and Reagan Merkel, Ella and Juliette Yonckheere.
John's life story will be shared during his visitation on Sunday, October 12 from 1-4 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane, 14626. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 14th at 12 PM at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 N. Greece Rd., 14626.
Remembering John R. "Jack" Merkel
Jack grew up at 85 Delamaine Drive, Rochester, NY. He attended St. Andrews, Aquinas, and the U of R. His catholic upbringing led to a life of strong Catholic faith and charitable giving. He graduated from the U of R with a degree in accounting. Jack served in the US Army Reserves from May 1960 – Feb. 1966.
In November of 1964, he married Joyce Hammond at St. John the Evangelist Church in Greece. They started their family in the city on Springfield Ave before moving to Greece in 1975. They have 3 children: David (Ellen), Daniel (Kim), and Rebecca (Michael Yoncheere), 8 grandkids (Christopher Merkel, Emily Merkel, Grant Merkel, Katherine Merkel, Alyssa Merkel, Reagan Merkel, Ella Yoncheere, and Juliette Yoncheere).
The family is now spread out over the USA with members in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington. Jack was an accountant, his work career included employment at Singer Corp., Genesee Brewery, and Xerox where he retired from in 2002.
Before and after retirement, Jack's hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, card playing, and puzzles (The D&C have better been delivered, and on time!). But family was always his top priority including coaching, scouts, sporting events, camping and fishing. He especially loved going to the grand kid's school concerts, award ceremonies, sporting events, etc. He was an avid photographer; never without his camera and never missing an event rain or shine. Jack became the family uber for lots of these events.
Jack was both an avid deer hunter, both archer and gun. There were many summer nights you would see him practicing his archery in his driveway on Judy Ann Drive. His favorite hunting spots included Naples Hi-Tor and Uncle Chet's 'farm'. His fishing obsession took us on many adventures. His favorite destinations included Cedar Point State Park on the St. Lawrence River, Lake George, Sodus and Port Bay. Many of these trips included tent camping and he loved his fishing boat.
All of us remember those wet trips where it rained all weekend and we ended up spending hours at the laundromat drying out. Dad's favorite camping activity started after dark with multiple different campfire games. I think his favorite part of those trips though was when we headed back to the dock with a stringer of fish to show off. Every year, Jack played in both golf and bowling leagues; He just loved the comradery and competition.
Jack had a very close-knit group of friends from his childhood (Wayne, Tony, Jerry, Rich, Clem, Larry, Bill, and Jack). They would frequently gather for Monday night football, MLB games of the week, summer picnics, and let's not forget about those terrific Super Bowl parties.
Jack's sports teams are still to-be-determined. Going through pictures recently, we saw him wearing gear from teams like the Browns; where did that come from? It must have been a free hat!! (considering he still has all his first communion money) The real
mystery is the famed NY Yankees. He told us that he didn't like them, but anytime we would visit, the game would be on, and he knew all their stats. Well, Dad, you got your wish this year. The Blue Jays have knocked them out of the playoffs.
Jack's schedule was very busy; besides grandkids and hobbies, he was devoted to his wife throughout her many medical miracles. They enjoyed traveling, gardening, and the outdoors. Each year Jack would take the family on vacation, lake houses and Disney were his favorites.
The last 3 years were hard for dad. 'No way could I have cancer', he said. He ate healthy and worked out 5 days a week at the YMCA. How could this be??? He took on cancer and beat it. He never complained that he was in pain except when he had his bunion removed years earlier. He claimed that was worse than childbirth. On 04/27/23 he rang the bell. He beat cancer and continued to live his life as he had in the past. Up at 5 and back to the Y.
This past year cancer came back to try to slow him down again. I remember one Saturday in the hospital when a doctor came in to give him some bad news. Before she left, she asked him what was on his mind. He told her that he was too young and had lots of things he needed to finish. After that stay, he began to work on his bucket list. He bought a new car two weeks later after much RESEARCH, more grandkid's activities, took care of mom and his last fishing trip on the fishing charter boat, The Bullseye!
Jack was the most organized person imaginable. He captured all information from phone calls, emails, magazine articles, conversations, and surfing the net with handwritten note taking. His office is littered with them. You think he would have been able to figure out his TV remote and cell phone. He also was extremely proud of his penmanship, especially his perfect signature.
But most of all he was a loving and devoted husband of 60+ years to Joyce. He supported her and saw her through her multitude of medical problems and episodes over the years; hospital stays, doctor's appointments, trips to the Cleveland Clinic, etc.
Other fond memories include Red Wing Knothole games, Americans games, Lancers games (Pele), Cub Scout campouts, Lake George Trips, Darien Lake camping, Old Forge, Bat Night, The Masters and PGA Championship, NYS Fair, and Toronto trips.
We won't let anyone forget you DAD!!!
Public Viewing:
Sunday, October 12, 2025
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Inc.
1411 Vintage Lane
Rochester, NY 14626
Mass:
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
St. Lawrence Church
1000 N. Greece Rd.
Rochester, NY 14626