Raymond D. Merli

10/08/1952 - 08/21/2025

Raymond D. Merli, 72, of Easton, PA passed away on Thursday, August 21st, 2025 at St. Luke's Hospital, Easton Campus. Born October 8, 1952, Raymond was the son of Lorraine L. (Frey) Merli and the late Raymond A. Merli.
Ray was a 1970 graduate of Easton Area High School. He was a lifelong Red Rover, a Miami Dolphins fan, and an avid racecar enthusiast. Give him a set of wheels and an open road, and he was a happy man. Ray spent most of his career self-employed in Service Trucking, driving his beloved Big Blue across many parts of the country. He loved his two daughters, all things racing, and "the most beautiful thing he ever did see," his wife. He was a trickster, a jokester, and an ice cream connoisseur. He loved taking things apart, fixing them up, and putting them back together again. Ray was a youth softball and basketball coach, a drummer, and a champion horseback rider. Spending weeks down the shore with his family each summer created countless cherished memories. He was both grateful, and held special regard, to our nation's service members, particularly proud of his father's Navy deployments in WWII. He loved cars, bikes, and modifieds. Spending time at the track with his buddies, and going to Super DIRT Week in Syracuse each October were highlights of his years.
In addition to his mother, Ray is survived by Patricia A., his spouse of 46 years, his daughters, Rachel and Shaina; several nieces and nephews, and his treasured pets, Bubba and Junior. Ray was preceded in death by his father, as well as his sister, Colleen, his "Cleo."
Ray spent his final days with his daughters, reminiscing, cracking jokes, and watching the Little League World Series.
Services will be held at 10am on Friday, August 29th in the Strunk Funeral Home, Inc, 2101 Northampton Street, Wilson Borough. Calling hours are Thursday evening, the 28th, from 5pm to 7pm in the funeral home. An additional visitation will be held 9:30am to 10am before Friday's services. Interment will be in Northampton Memorial Shrine. Offer online condolences at www.strunkfh.com.
In lieu of donations, his daughters request you enjoy one of his favorites in his honor: a cheesesteak, a whole lobster, pizza, or spaghetti.
Rest easy, RayRay. Keep giving 'em hell.