Richard A. Merlau

Greece - Richard A. Merlau, also known as " Dick" or " Fluff", passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 92. He was predeceased by his first wife, Grace Merlau; his son, Thomas Merlau; his granddaughter, Kirsten Merlau; his parents, Frederick and Ina Merlau; and his brothers, Maurice Merlau, Donald Merlau, Charles Merlau, and Robert Merlau.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, JoAnn Kehrli-Merlau; his children, Richard F. (Lauraline) Merlau, Tracy Merlau, Joann Merlau-Delano, Patty (Steven) Flagg, Bethany (Andy) Suppo, and Ryan (Bethann) Esch; his grandchildren, Rick Merlau, David (Kelly) Merlau, Dominic (Christy) DeFelice, Emilie (Joe) Grieco, Rachael Merlau, Amanda Merlau, Monica Merlau, Austin DeLano, Nicholas Merlau, Corbin Esch, Jack Suppo, Parker Esch, Josie Suppo, Drew Suppo, and Finley Esch; and his great-grandchildren, Milo DeFelice, Graziella Grieco, and Remy DeFelice.

Dick was a veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. He was employed by the Hilton Central School District for 22 years in buildings and grounds.

Dick and JoAnn enjoyed many wonderful years wintering in Florida, where they formed lasting friendships and welcomed family to visit and share in the sunshine. Dick loved to golf and was especially proud of achieving a hole-in-one - a feat so memorable that his friend and golf-mate presented him with a commemorative plaque. Travel planning was one of his great joys. He had an uncanny ability to remember routes and turns years later without ever writing them down. One favorite adventure took him and JoAnn through the western United States, where they visited sixteen national parks and monuments in just three weeks - thoughtfully arranged by Dick from the smallest site to their grand finale at the Grand Canyon. While in Switzerland, he even watched hang-gliders leap from a platform high atop the Alps and seriously considered giving it a try himself.

A builder at heart, Dick worked constructing homes for a local business, including building his brother Chuck's house and remodeling his grandfather's home alongside his four brothers, with the eldest drawing up the plans. Known for his signature laugh - a big, bold Tarzan-like call delivered while beating his chest - Dick shared his humor freely, delighting family, friends, and coworkers with his jokes and playful spirit. His booming laugh and joyful declarations will long be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Friends are invited to attend Richard's Memorial Service on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00 am at Lakeview Community Church, 30 Long Pond Rd, Rochester, NY 14612. Interment in Parma Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Richard's memory.