Robert Paul Merna

Robert Paul Merna 75, a retired California court reporter and Korean War navy veteran, died of cancer Dec. 22 at his home in San Jose after a lengthy illness. A long time California resident, he previously lived in San Francisco, Moraga, and Walnut Creek. He was born in New York City in 1931. Along with five brothers and one sister, he was raised in two Dominican-run Catholic Homes, St. Dominic's Home for Boys and Girls, Blauvelt, NY, and at St. Agnes Home for Boys, Sparkill, NY. He attended Tappan Zee High School in Piermont, NY. After completing high school in New York City, Mr. Merna enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1951. He served five years on active duty, including 16 months in the Korean War. He served aboard the destroyer escort USS McGinty (DE-365) on blockade and patrol duty in Wonsan Harbor, conducting numerous shore bombardments of Communist-held positions. For his service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two battle stars, the China Service Medal (extended), the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his discharge from the navy, he moved to the Bay Area. He was an avid sports fan and traveler, taking frequent cruises to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Survivors include his brothers Gerald F. Merna, of Potomac Falls, VA, James E. Merna, of Annapolis, MD, and a sister, Vivian Rendes, of Sun City West, AZ. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, including Karen Hennessy and Roberta Moretti, both of San Jose. Preceding him in death were his brothers George C. Merna, of New York City (killed in action in WWII), Richard G. Merna, of Clinton, MD, and Thomas G. Merna, of San Francisco. Also predeceased was his companion, Bert Schaeffer, of SF. A Memorial Mass will be offered for Mr. Merna at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 28 at St. Christopher Parish, 1576 Curtner Ave., San Jose. Interment Friday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m. at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Rd., Gustine, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters, 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976, Attn: Sr. Peggy Scarano.