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Hailey Whittington
January 25, 2024
You were my hero. You saved me from myself when I was 15 years old. You were my psychiatrist and not the normal kind either. You always asked me about how I REALLY was. Not just meds. Not just whatever my brain was doing, but about me! And I´ll never forget you. In high school, after this happened I was a wreck. I found out the same day because my dad showed me the news. I will never forget. Fly high free bird
Alicia
August 1, 2023
You were my psychiatrist at Sandy Pines in 2010, wow this is so sad. You were always kind and helpful. Its crazy I was 17 and now im 30 and seeing this..my condolences go out to all family and friends. This is so sad. Everything you we´re interested in, I could tell just by seeing you for 20 minutes. Very nice, intelligent, definitely an incredible empath. You dedicated your career to helping children and adolescents, it´s beyond incredible and everything else you´ve achieved. Rest in peace, heaven gained a real world angel.
Heidi
January 1, 2023
So very often I talk out loud to you. You are missed so very much. I have so many great memories. Thank you for being my friend.
ruth Scheuer
January 1, 2023
You will always be missed. Every time I look at Scrabble...I think of you and laugh. Ruth (Scheuer)
Kelly Connolly
August 11, 2022
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder". The world is not the same, knowing you´re not in it.
pat kite
May 28, 2022
sorry
Kimberly Conover Dickerson
January 2, 2022
You are not forgotten and are still missed.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and believing in mine.
kenneth merkatz
January 1, 2022
Neil,
You wouldn´t have believed the last few years.
Heather
January 2, 2021
Jan 3, 2015 is like yesterday in my mind. When I called your house to see why you weren't at work yet. All the staff around me anxiously waiting to see if you were ok. Your wife handed the phone to the officer & tears came down my face. We had so many great times over the 11yrs I was there. Volleyball was one of my favorite memories, but I remember laughing with u all the time, that song u sent me is still in email. That day really affected me & changed me & I won't ever forget you. Here's a picture of the memorial made for you at sandy pines before I left. I'm sure it looks even better now.. 5yrs later. You changed a lot of lives for the better. You were incredible & I know that place will never be the same. God bless your family. Rest In Peace till I see you again friend.
Sharon
January 1, 2021
Miss you doc. Think of you often.
S Williams
January 19, 2020
Rest easy, always remembered, never forgotten. A true professional. Sandy Pines lost a great one.
January 2, 2020
You are missed...will always be missed, but are always there...Whenever I pick up a scrabble piece I think of you....Ruth
Heather
January 2, 2020
Thinking of you doc.
Jessie
January 1, 2020
Love always
January 1, 2020
Still haven't found a doc that compares to you. Hope you are resting well doc.
January 28, 2018
All these years after college in Philadelphia. I will remember you Neil. Rest in peace my friend. Sarah.
Jessica Bishard
January 5, 2018
Thank you for being the dad i had wanted and needed for so long. I love u and miss you more than ever. You were the most amazing man and im so grateful that you were in my life as long as you were. I know ill see you again and be reuinted again.. Until then ill be missing you. I love you
Kimberly
January 4, 2018
Hope you're at peace Dr. M.
Kimberly
January 4, 2018
You are still missed. Hope you are at peace.
January 3, 2018
Prayers and love Doc...
Heather
January 3, 2017
Thinking of you doc
L S
December 3, 2016
Dr. Mercatz... you were my doctor for a while when I was younger at Sandy Pines hospital. It makes me sad knowing your gone. I'm glad you're at peace now. -LS
Tara
September 14, 2016
I miss you dr merkatz. Thinking of you <3
Laura Macdougall
August 24, 2016
He is not forgotten and I am still forever grateful
January 20, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Merkatz family and all of Neil's friends, colleagues and patients. A very sad loss. I hope he is at peace. Doris
Kimberly Conover
January 4, 2016
You are still missed...I hope you've found peace.
P.S. I became a first-time grandmother a week ago.
Keneth Merkatz
January 3, 2016
Missed you today Neil. Browns are firing another coach. Some things don't change. Just dropped Clarisa off at school. She is a teenager now!
Heather Vaughn
January 2, 2016
Missing you during this time doc. U wld be proud of me. Working on the neuro floor now. Still no doctor compares. U were always my favorite. I know u are at peace now and that gives me comfort. Till I see u again..
September 24, 2015
Dr. Merkatz,
You are truly missed.
Roger Gingrich
June 3, 2015
My wife Patty and I send our most sincere sympathies to the Merkatz family. I was a medical student at Cornell 1970-74 and "baby-sat" for Neil and his brothers until the family departed for Cleveland. He was a dear little fellow who loved reading and playing hide-and-seek. Too sad. Love to the family.
Gail Farrar
April 14, 2015
17 years we spent together as Dr. & patient. You knew from day 1 what my problem was and never second guessed your treatment plan. You are in my heart, which is quite broken after hearing the news. Dr. Merkatz, you are missed.
Laura Macdougall
April 11, 2015
I am saddened and shocked to hear of his death. After 8 years of incorrect diagnoses by other professionals Dr Merkatz was able to correctly diagnose and treat my son. I believe it probably saved his life and most certainly changed it. I will be forever grateful. My deepest condolences to his family
KDL Florida
March 24, 2015
He was my son's doctor for seven years, since he was 7yrs old. He was the best. He was always kind. We are so saddened by his death. Dr. Merkatz, You are missed. RIP.
Meaghan Davis
March 23, 2015
I remembered you as my doctor at Sandy Pines. You helped us get out. You helped me get out. I wish you would have stayed longer...love you Doctor Merkatz!!!!❤
March 12, 2015
We remembered you today at Sandy Pines. I know you were looking on and smiling. I learned so much from you. You truly are the best doctor and your loss will be forever felt. I lost my friend too. Rest In Peace "Johnny Zen" Kim Cain and Kandace Chewning
Mike Trinchitella
March 12, 2015
I was called today with what I thought was going to be a reminder of my appointment with Dr. Merkatz, but instead was someone informing me of his death. I've been seeing Dr. Merkatz for 5 years and I thought he was one of the nicest persons I'd ever met. We use to talk about his softball team and his family and life in general. He was always a comfort. I will miss him dearly. My Condolences to his family.
Katherine Thomas
March 5, 2015
I just learned off Dr. Merkatz's death. My family and I are so saddened for his family, friends and colleagues. Such a terrible loss of a brilliant person. May he rest in peace.
Gabby Pomeranz
February 25, 2015
Hi, I was at Sandy Pines and Dr. Merkatz was my doctor. He helped me a lot. He was a good man.
February 24, 2015
To Irwin and Ruth: I am sorry for this terrible loss.
Pat Kite/Chinon
Rachel Tucker
February 21, 2015
Again, I post here. I just had a sweet memory of Dr. Neil. My daughter and I were there, and he was racking his brain trying to think of who sang a certain song (Love Reign O'er Me) and we discussed it. His eyes were so intense, as always, but the serene smile was always on his face. May all your sorrows be gone, Neil, and may you rest in peace, dear man.
James Scott
February 20, 2015
I just found out today about Neil passing. I was on my way to see him. I am beyond shocked. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I am so sorry. He was a good man and was always very kind to me and my nephew.
michael quinlan
February 17, 2015
to the family of neil merkatz,our Deepest condolences go out to you,if it weren't for him our daughters would never have achieved everything that they have so far in their lives.His care enabled them both to attend main stream education,and excel in their academic career.
Angela Vorodi
February 14, 2015
Dearest "Cornelius" (as we lovingly called you)...Almost 20 years ago you came to my (first) wedding in a light blue seersucker suit and I liked you from the moment I met you. I'm laughing now as I remember you running for the Thesaurus when I challenged one of your words during a competitive Scrabble game; you always won with both aplomb and the greatest sense of comradeship. I consider myself lucky to have known one of the most intelligent, fun and patient persons in the world and look forward to meeting you again in another lifetime. I give my heartfelt condolences to all of the Merkatz family. Neil was one of a kind and I will miss him very much...Lynda and Jesse, I love you.
T Thomas
February 12, 2015
He was my doctor I drove from out of town to see him. He listened r.i.p Dr. Merkatz.... T. Thomas
February 1, 2015
Thank you to Ruth and Irwin Merkatz for making it possible for this Guest Book to remain opened. It is a comfort to read for the first time, or come back from time to time to remember Dr. Merkatz who was a part of so many lives.
Heather Hart
February 1, 2015
One never knows from day to day. Life is short. Let the ones you hold so close know how much they are loved. My deepest sympathy to all Dr. Merkatz loved ones. Only time can heal.
January 31, 2015
My deepest sympathies to his wife and family. Dr. Merkatz was a very caring man who always had a smile on. He will be remember in my daily prayers.
"Eternal Memory"
"I am in Heaven dear ones,
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light"
Carl w. Port Saint Lucie
Kimberly Conover Dickerson, MS Couns Psy
January 30, 2015
I have a huge pit in my stomach because I can't believe you're gone. You were one of the best psychiatrists I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Day after day I watched you work your magic--transforming the lives of children and their families. You believed in me as a therapist, and that was the kindest compliment ever. I learned so much from you over the years and it breaks my heart that you're no longer here. Your death is a great loss to many. My condolences to his wife and family. RIP Dr. M.
Diane Salatas
January 29, 2015
Dr. Merkatz kept my husband alive for a long time. He loved him and so did we. I enjoyed meeting with him and he would talk about his family and love for horses. My husband ended up succumbing to death due bi polar and not taking his meds. As long as he was seeing Dr. Merkatz, he was helping my husband to care about himself. I am heartbroken and will miss him. The world has truly lost an angel and my heart will always be with him and his family. Diane S
Ken
January 27, 2015
Happy birthday Neil
Anthony labruna
January 27, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the Merkatz family. I got emails and calls from my classmates from medical school telling me of the tragedy. We are all so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have been good friends with Neil in our days of studying while in Medical School. Neil often would take out the backgammon boards and challenge me to a game when we were taking a break. He was a champion player and often let me win to keep it interesting. He was a genius at knowing statistics and probabilities. This was Neil, giving, fun, and always watching out for others feelings. Neil always wanted to help others excelI. Neil would call upon his dad to go over pathology topics that were given as class challenges and share his new insights. Neil was one of those classmates that made school work fun. He has helped so many. My heart goes out to his family.
Robert Espineira
January 26, 2015
Dr. Merkatz changed my life and I was so saddened to hear the news of his passing today. Gods speed Niel, Go Browns!
bart cincotta
January 26, 2015
i just found today his office called me cause i had appt with him tommorow my deepest sympanty to his family ive been going to him for the last 10 years he had helped me a great deal may god rest his soul
Greg Green
January 22, 2015
As a long time patient of Dr. Merkatz I had the honor of getting to know a truly wonderful person. He helped me in ways so profound that I do not have the vocabulary to express. Thank you for everything Dr. You will truly be missed.
Mary Peters, MD
January 22, 2015
God bless his soul
Rachel Tucker
January 21, 2015
My heart is broken to learn of Dr. Merkatz untimely passing away. He was unique and vastly knowledgeable, and he will be terribly missed.
Samantha Williams
January 20, 2015
DR MERKATZ YOU WILL ALWAYS BE ONE OF THE GREATEST MEMORIES OF SP. YOUR LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR YOUR CLIENTS AND FELLOW STAFF MEMBERS, YOUR LOVE FOR SPORTS AND AN OCCASIONAL GAME OF DOMINOES... REST IN PEACE UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.
Samantha Williams
January 20, 2015
My deepest regards go out to the entire MERKATZ family, I had the great pleasure of working with Dr Merkatz in Tequesta FL, he always had a cheerful disposition and we joked about his parking space from time to time being he had the best space in front of the building and I would steal his space from time to time letting him know I was only loaning this space to him, he aways thanked me for allowing him to park there even though it was his space, he always had a kind word and made time to socialize with everyone and made time to talk to everyone of his clients and help them with all there issues even the most minor of issues...I will always remember you with your can of cola sitting in your special chair.. DR MERKATZ YOU WILL BE MISSED....
Sandra Ledford
January 20, 2015
I am so sadden to hear about this. I just found out and I am praying for his family. So so sad, I am lost for words. He helped our daughter and I am still in shock finding this out through my Cigna insurance. RIP - you will be truly missed
A. Gomez
January 19, 2015
Dr. Merkatz helped my children so much, and I am very grateful to have been touched by his presence in my life as I know that they are happier and better adjusted thanks to his care. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Roseann
January 18, 2015
I am so saddened to hear this news of Dr. Neil Merkatz. I was a patient of his and if it was not for him I would not be my current position at my job. May your spirit sore above us all. RIP.
Sharon
January 17, 2015
I am so saddened, i have been a patient for six years and he always gave me hope for a brighter tomorrow. I don't think i would be where i am at if it weren't for him. Heartfelt thoughts to all of you.
Russell Turk
January 17, 2015
Though I had lost touch with Neil since our medical school days when we were classmates, I am terribly saddened by his loss. At the same time, I am so proud of the doctor he appears to have had become and the outpouring of love from all those whose lives he touched. I would like to express my deepest condolences to all his family and friends especially Ruth and Irwin who were also involved in shaping my own life as a physician and whom I think of fondly from time to time.
Barbara Gendron
January 17, 2015
May the memories of a life well lived bring peace to your family. My deepest sympathies and prayers at this difficult time.
Ellen Walsh
January 16, 2015
I am devistated by your loss. We saw each other 2x last month. You were so happy about your horse winning. You helped me so and I thank you for that. You will be truly missed.
Ron and Paula Arfin
January 15, 2015
Dear Ruth and Irwin,
We are deeply saddened to learn of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Hayskar
January 14, 2015
I was a patient of Dr. Merkatz's for 16 years and am truly saddened that he is gone. I credit him for saving my life and never giving up on me despite the challenging nature of my illness. It warms my heart to read all the wonderful comments that people have made. He was an amazing doctor and it seems an amazing person. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. I will never forget how much he helped me over the years.
The Gides Family
January 14, 2015
Our deepest condolences for your family. The loss of Dr. Merkatz will have an overwhelming effect for so many. He was my son's doctor for several years. You connected with my son so fast and with such ease. My son will be devastated. You and he shared the same birthday. He just asked to picked out a card for you and was so excited to give it to you his next visit. Thank you so much for all the help we desperately needed. You saved our son and gave us our family back. You will forever have our gratitude. May your soul and spirit be at peace.
Liz Hallin
January 14, 2015
Dearest Ruth and family,
I am so sad for the loss of your cherished son. The very best of him will always be with you and all those he touched.
Dana
January 14, 2015
To the family and friends of Dr. Neil Merkatz my most deepest sympathies. Neil was a wonderful caregiver and a good friend. I will truly miss our warm chats about Colorado. Most Sincerely...
January 14, 2015
Sincere condolences to the Merkatz family from David and Iris Barad.
Maggie Lofgren
January 14, 2015
Thank you for all the good you did and for all the knowledge you shared with me. You were a great colleague and a great doctor.
Lydia Apronti
January 13, 2015
Nana and Mrs Merkatz
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss
I met Neil briefly in your house and felt how great and friendly a person he was
We will remember you and your family in our prayers
Mrs Lydia Apronti
Dompeahemaa of Adukrom
Benson
January 13, 2015
Hello Doctor, I learned quite a bit from you. Thank you for taking time out for me. God be with you and yours always.
M Hornsby
January 13, 2015
My sympathy to the family. He was a special doctor and helped my son so much. We will miss seeing his smiling face. My son said he will never forget one of the times they were talking about what was happening in the NBA. Dr. Merkatz told him to look away for few seconds and when he looked back, the Dr. was decked out in a Miami Heat jersey and hat. That's the kind of sense of humor he had and a way with young people. Rest in peace
Myric Laite
January 13, 2015
Thank you,Dr. Merkatz, for the last 15 years of my life. You led me to the treasure of sobriety and depression-free living. Because of these gifts I have been living life to the fullest. Thank you again.....for what you have done for all of us who are blessed by your touch.
Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Klein
January 12, 2015
We will miss Dr. Merkatz. He was a great man that always made us laugh. His imprint on the world and those around him will not be forgotten. Our condolences go out to his family.
Suzanne Broder
January 12, 2015
I just heard the news today.... I'm in shock.... My daughter was a patient for many years... My last appt was on Jan 2. I can't believe he's gone.... My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Merkatz... What a great doctor... Will be missed... I'm praying for comfort and strength for his family ...
Paula Caplan
January 12, 2015
I send my condolences to you and your family at this difficult time. I was deeply saddened when I heard about your loss, and send you much love and peace as you grieve and move toward healing.
Makaylah Mitchell
January 12, 2015
Well im one of his patients and im sorry for who ever left behind. He is in good hands!
Anne Gusmano
January 12, 2015
God please be with his family. Our family will be sadden for ever. A wonderful man.
Sharan Jayne
January 11, 2015
Ruth, Irwin, Lynda and family: I am devastated to hear about Neil. May peace cup your heart and hold it gently.
Bruce Carr
January 11, 2015
Angela and I spent many Saturday mornings with Neil as he made rounds
with his trusted dog. The staff and patients loved him. Bruce Carr, RN
Bruce Carr
January 11, 2015
Angela Pernaveau, RN and I spent many Saturday mornings with Neil as he made rounds with his trusted dog. The staff and patients loved him. Bruce Carr, RN
S Robert Rozbruch
January 11, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Merkatz family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Neil from medical school...such a lovely guy who accomplished so much and helped so many people. May you be comforted by fond memories.
Cathy Laite
January 11, 2015
I was referred to Dr. Merkatz through a close friend- who is now my husband. I brought my daughter to him for help. I will never forget his demeanor towards us as we were merely strangers.He made us feel welcome and reassured. He was so professional,full of compassion, grace, and understanding. Dr. Merkatz has helped my daughter as well as my husband. He literally saved my husband's life. He led him down the pathway of sobriety.I am so deeply grateful for this gift.
I want to extend my deepest condolences to all of his family members. He will be greatly missed.
Nana Otutu Kono III
January 11, 2015
Nana Merkatz Darko Larbi II
On behalf of the people of Adukrom and on my own behalf I am writing to wish our heartfelt and deep condolenses for your loss
We share your pain and may the Almighty guide and guard you through these trying times and may you find comfort in the mist of this adversity
As Dompeahene of Adukrom we shall forever remember you in our ancestral prayers
Baker Family
January 11, 2015
Dr. Merkatz you will be missed by our family deeply. You warmed our family's hearts for over ten years. You were never judgmental, and you always made my sons comfortable when they saw you.
Love follows us,
No matter how far!
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a SPECIAL part of many peoples lives and hearts.
-Baker family. Jensen Beach
a friend
January 10, 2015
I do not have the words to express how saddened I am by the loss of this beautiful soul. To Neil's parents: you raised an amazing man. To his wife and family: I wish you comfort. Neil changed lives and he made others happy by just being. Peace, Neil.
Oded Langer
January 10, 2015
Dear Ruth and Irwin,
Nieli and I were deeply saddened by the loss of Neil. Our heart felt condolences to you and your family.
Oded
Lady Ann
January 10, 2015
Linda. I was so sorry to hear of your Husband's death. I will keep you in my prayers.
January 10, 2015
Dr Merkatz was the one dr who saw my childs mental illness and knew how to handle things, he had an instinct that was very reassuring for parents , We were so sad to hear of his passing , I cannot get him off my mind, we are praying for his family and his eternal life , he will always be remembered as a GREAT Dr!
A patient
January 10, 2015
My condolences to the family. Dr. Merkatz was a very caring doctor and wanted to help people. He has helped me overcome many obstacles and will be miss greatly.
Johnathan McFadden
January 10, 2015
We lost someone that was dear to us
Some of us might be wondering why
To wonder and to speculate is okay
It's also okay to cry
When you lose someone that you love
The emotions you feel are many
JESUS has the peace you're looking for
HE won't run out HE has plenty
Dr. Merkatz will always be remembered
His legacy we will forever uphold
What he did while at Sandy Pines
Is a story that will forever be told
Don't think about the way he passed
Think about his smile and what he said
Think about how he carried himself
And the type of life that he led
We will miss him that's for sure
Our love for him will not cease
We love you Dr.Neil Merkatz
And may you forever R.I.P.
Amy C Bales
January 10, 2015
I also remember Neil from our days at Cornell Med...so sorry to hear of his passing. It is obvious from these entries that he was beloved by patients, coworkers, friends and family alike. Condolences to all. Rest in peace, Neil.
Geoffrey Merrifield
January 10, 2015
Greetings Dr. Merkatz. Thank for all of your efforts. I believe God gave you unique gifts as a healer. Consider your love of humor, challenge, puzzles, trivia, fantasy, sports, nature, and varied interests in music and arts. These were instrumental in guiding your thought processes towards making excellent medication decisions. We deeply miss you being part of our team, but your efforts and shared wisdom help us continue the healing work. Bless you, your family, and friends.
carinne hernandez
January 10, 2015
RIP Dr.Merkatz, so sad to lose you so suddenly God be with you and your loved ones.
Lainie
January 9, 2015
Dr. I. Merkatz and Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Hope you and your family find comfort and peace in memories. My prayers are with you
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