Walter A. Mergelsberg PE

01/22/1936 - 12/19/2025

We are sorry to inform you that Walter passed away peacefully at his home in Daytona Beach, FL on Friday December 19, 2025. Walter was born in New York January 22, 1936. He is survived by his son, Wayne and his wife, Luisa.
Walter had over 60 years of experience in design, management and construction supervision of transportation projects. He dedicated his professional career to the development and implementation of mass transit systems. In 1970 he joined Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), where his technical expertise and leadership skills helped implement new and cost-effective construction methods such as the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and the PVC membrane waterproofing system. After 26 years of service, during which he shaped Metro's overall construction program, he retired as Director of a Construction in 1995.
In 1996 he joined Kaiser Engineers and successfully directed the design-build project of Manila's (Philippines) Light Rail System to its completion. In 2004 he joined the Dr. G. Sauer Corporation as head of the Washington Office and President of the company. One big project was the design of Tysons Tunnel, a proposed alternative to Metro aerial structures through this 'edge city'. He officially retired from this position in 2009 and moved to Daytona Beach. His retirement quickly paused when Hurricane Ian hit and wiped out the seawall and swimming pool in front of his condo building. Of course, he was deeply involved and helped rebuild.
Walt will be remembered not only for his outstanding professional achievements, but also for his kind and cheerful spirit, his sharp wit and sense of humor, and his enjoyment of the good things in life. No services are planned.