Robert Merck Obituary
He is survived by his loving wife Kelley; his son Tyler and daughter-in-law Gabby; his daughter Caroline and son-in-law John; and his three cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother, Sally, and his brother, Jim.
He was preceded in death by his father, Erwin, and his brother, Bryan.
Robert will be remembered for his strength, kindness, and devotion to family. His wisdom, dry wit, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to LifePath Hospice or Moffitt Cancer Center made in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Eric Rama
December 22, 2025
I met Robert in 2015 when I joined MetLife Investment Management. I got to know him because I was often among the first to arrive at the office - though I was rarely there before him. Robert had a meaningful impact on my career. He created opportunities, set a high bar, and was willing to invest in people, all of which were deeply formative for me. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and I am truly grateful for the impact he had on my life.
Harrison Murray
December 16, 2025
Robert hired me in 1991 when he ran the MetLife REI office in Charlotte (NC). He was firm and direct when needed, but mostly he was a thoughtful, empathetic leader who took time to teach and mentor me (and a long list of others). I am grateful to have known Robert; I rely on his training and the skills he helped me develop while working for him. I have thought of him often since leaving MetLife in 1997, hoping that one day we could reconnect, play some golf and swap memories of our time together at MetLife. I'm saddened that such a day is no longer possible in this lifetime. Thank you Robert. You will be missed by many.
Ashleigh Simpson
December 11, 2025
Robert boosted my career and was kind to me. In 2012 he convinced me to join the launch team for MetLife Investment Management. Many years later, at 7:30 am he spotted me on a 5-minute walk to our office in Whippany. He stopped and insisted I ride with him to the office. Thank you Robert.
Bill Jeremiah
December 11, 2025
My sincerest condolences to Robert's family & close friends. I had the good fortune to play golf with Robert several times, including once earlier this year. He was a wonderful person & true gentleman.
Bill Jeremiah
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Charles Douglas
December 11, 2025
I knew Robert for nearly 20 years working with him and his real estate team who partnered with Investor Relations to address investor questions and concerns about the CRE portfolio, which was rarely about MetLife's issues but due to events in the broader market. I got to know Robert well during the Great Financial Crisis when he met with investors and analysts during a number of public and private events. Robert was a comforting and credible voice during those turbulent times who not only represented the real estate investments team but as a wonderful ambassador of MetLife overall. More recently, I worked with Robert and his team when investors started raising concerns about our commercial mortgage loan portfolio, notably related to office loans. Once again, this was not about MetLife but due to issues related to others in the broader market. Over the past 3 years, Robert, despite battling health issues, which I would have never known, once again led the effort to address investor concerns and help IR tell a fact-based story of why MetLife's commercial real estate team is a unique, market leader that has set itself apart from its financial peers. Robert was a rare leader who was both well respected and well-liked by everyone that worked with him. Robert had a witty sense of humor and always carried himself with a quiet and humble confidence despite managing many, iconic properties at MetLife and leading many large real estate transactions, most notably the record $5.4 billion sale of Peter Cooper Village/Stuyvesant Town in 2006. Robert will always be remembered by many for his historic and illustrious career at MetLife, but I will always think of Robert as a man of courage, dignity and kindness. RIP dear friend.
Michel Khalaf
December 10, 2025
Robert was a valued colleague and a purpose-driven leader who contributed over a stellar 43 year career to making MetLife a better place. He exemplified the values that we hold dear and leaves an indelible mark not only on the areas that he led and built over the years but on the company as a whole. His work ethic, his focus on the customer, his sound decision making and his care for his team are hallmarks of his leadership. Robert will be dearly missed but always remembered. May he rest in peace.
Bill Markey
December 9, 2025
I had the privilege of working for Robert at MetLife and I learned a lot about leadership and friendship over those 20 years. Robert made the world a better place and he has inspired many of us to continue to shine the light of compassion on our professional journeys.
Steven "Sox" Sockler
December 4, 2025
Robert Merck hired me in 1993 joining MetLife Real Estate Investments in the Tampa Regional Office. He was also instrumental in my transfer to the Atlanta Region in 2000.
I true professional. He will be sorely missed by his family and colleagues.
Steven "Sox" Sockler
Ricardo D.Glas
December 3, 2025
Robert Merck was a wonderful human being , a man of utmost integrity and a pleasure being associated with him. He will be sorely missed . Ricardo Glas.
Steve Kandarian
December 3, 2025
Robert was a dear friend and former colleague of mine. When I was overseeing MetLife´s investments department, Robert was heading up the real estate and agricultural lending group. Robert did a great job reducing risk prior to the 2008 financial crisis and helping MetLife come out of the crisis in a much stronger position than many of our competitors. More importantly, Robert was a wonderful person and he was my golf buddy. I have many fond memories of playing in golf tournaments together including several Pine Valley member-guest events, where Robert was a proud member. I will miss him dearly. My deepest sympathies to Kelly, Tyler, Caroline and Robert´s entire family.
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