Pastor Jose Merced

Our beloved wonderful, kind, and loving father Jose Merced, born on August 6th, 1946, in Agua Buenas, Puerto Rico, and departed this life and entered eternal life with God on Saturday March 9th, 2024, in Springfield Massachusetts, surrounded by his family that he loved with his whole heart.
Jose met his wife Maria Merced at the age of 17 in 1963 in the neighborhood of Sumidero in Agua Buena, Puerto Rico. They got married on June 19, 1966, and two months later they welcomed their first-born son Jose Manuel Merced, on September 14, 1966. In 1969, they moved from Puerto Rico to the United states to live in the city of Springfield Massachusetts. Soon after, they welcome their two daughters, Maritza Merced on December 24, 1970, and Luz Ester Morales, on August 15, 1973.
Jose worked in a factory here in Springfield for some time eventually to own two stores, a convenience store, and a sandwich shoppe. The sandwich shoppe was named after his first granddaughter named Genie, calling it Genie's Sandwich Shoppe.
Jose gave his life to Christ at the age of 24. He was a member and Evangelist for three years and at the age of 27 he became a pastor and pastored for 50 years until the day of his passing.
His legacy, a husband, a father, and a pastor. He was always loving, supportive, and giving. He gave back to his community and believed in providing for the needy, leading the lost, and loving the brokenhearted.
Jose leaves behind his wife, his three kids, his five grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and a church. His family will forever love him for the amazing husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather that he was, and his church will forever love him for the great man he was and for the doctrine he taught and held in his heart to the end. Lastly, Jose Merced was a man who impacted all of those around him and will forever be cherished in our hearts forever.