Memories of Gerald Michael Merkel

In memory of

Gerald Michael Merkel

Arlington, VA, USA

July 15, 1952 - January 22, 2020

Jul 15, 1952 - Jan 22, 2020

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Brian Bradley

Just found out about your loss...so sorry to hear...I work with Gerald for many years at PBGC. I always remembered him running to and from work...as I was a runner to, especially in IT work.

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Nancy Carpenter

Kathy,
Howie and I were saddened to hear about Gerry’s death. He was such a lovely man - so obviously devoted to all of you and sweet with children. We enjoyed getting to know him (and you!) at Overlee and ATS. I’m sure you are supported by your family and many friends and we are among those many sending prayers to you and yours.

I didn’t have your current address, so am send this message via the site - from the article, I couldn’t tell if you had moved to the Adirondacks.

Love to you and your boys and Molly,
Nancy and Howie Carpenter (Kristin and Luke were in school together)

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Nat and Maria Sheard

We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.

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Comments:

Julie Suarez

He would share stories of his travels to Upstate NY frequently with me as I too live part time in that region.... Read more He would share stories of his travels to Upstate NY frequently with me as I too live part time in that region. He would also ... Read more He would share stories of his travels to Upstate NY... Read more

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Josh Taylor

Jerry and I worked together at the Stratford/Shriver Program in the first few years I worked in Special Education. I learned so much from him in the way that he approached each day, each interaction with a student, and each situation--regardless of its difficulty--with the same overwhelmingly positive energy, love, and compassion that he seemed to have in unlimited supply. He continues to inspire me as I continue in my career, and he will always be a touchstone for me in remembering what really matters in the interactions we have with others.

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Lauren Luchi

Dear Cathy,
A beautiful soul has been taken back into God's peace, leaving behind an enduring love for you and your family which radiates through all of these comments and shared happy times. May these sustain you all in the coming days.

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Sue Miler

Cathy, I was so sorry to learn of your husband's untimely death. It's good that your family can gather together to face this great loss. You all are in the thoughts and prayers of so many of us now, who surround you with love. Take care.

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Sam Evans

Merkel Family,

Jerry was such a wonderful man who welcomed me and the rest of his Colgate extended family into your house with open arms and a terrific sense of humor. Moving away from home after college, I never felt like I was too far away from family when at the Merkel house building snow forts during the Snowpocalypse as Jerry gave us constant updates as to the new snow total projections or playing raucous games of volleyball at Overlee, all with Jerry providing hilarious commentary. He was truly one of a kind- a fabulous husband and father, and a father figure to everyone else drawn to his magnetic personality.

He will be missed and I hope you all can find comfort in the stories of how much he affected everyone he came into contact with. Love you all and wish I could be there this week to give everyone hugs!

Sam

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Nancy Peavy

Cathy. I am so sad. You and Jerry were so perfect. Such a rotten unfair disease. Love. Nancy peavy

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Kristin Dillon

Cathy

My heart goes out to you and I hope you find some comfort and peace in cherished memories. Thinking of you and your family.

Kristin Dillon

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Jack Rossotti

Cathy, Valerie, Erin and I were stunned when we heard the news yesterday. We still can't believe it. Jerry was such a wonderful friend and neighbor. I have lived in the DC area for over 40 years and in several places. Jerry was the best neighbor I have ever had. His cheerfulness was catching. He will be remembered in our prayers.
Jack Rossotti

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Kevin Naupari

To Mr. Jerry,
Thank you,
For welcoming me to Shriver, when I felt unsure about where I'm working.
For being warm and inviting, greeting me every time you saw me.
For helping me open up and making me more comfortable with my own job, telling me I'm a good man, a good person to the kids, when you were too.
For asking how my daughter was doing and telling me to enjoy her now before she grows up and starts driving me crazy, it made me smile and laugh but I understood what you meant.
For being here to talk to and listen, with you being open and easy to talk to, it made me want to be more like that too.
For your time on this world, everything you have done has had an effect on me as well as others, thank you.
Rest in peace amigo.
And to his family, my condolences for this loss, I haven't known Jerry long but he was among those who have helped me through this first year working for Arlington Public Schools and I'm a grateful to have gotten to have worked with him and befriended him. He was a great man and will be heavily missed.

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Pat Luby

I didn't know Jerry but I worked with Cathy for many years at AARP. From what I have read, it seems like they were well matched and I have no doubt they were. I cannot imagine the pain and hurt of losing a spouse but I feel better after reading their daughter Molly's comment on line. Cathy, you will get through this and your family needs your strength to help them get through it. There are hundreds who have your back and you can call on any of us at any time. But now, mourn and be sad and take good care of yourself. As a grandfather, I can't think of a better tribute than contributing to a Grandchildren Scholarship Fund. That says a lot about Jerry...and you. Take care.

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Ted and Elise Adomanis

Dear Cathy and family, we are saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing. I will always remember our high school years together, getting into trouble and our college years of staying up late with pots of coffee to study for exams. Jerry was a longtime friend and we eventually worked together for several decades at PBGC. I loved our times together on the PBGC softball team and remember the long drive to Ohio to attend your wedding and meet your family 37 years ago. That we lost touch his last 15 years after leaving PBGC we will always have our memories together of Jerry. May God be with you and your family as You celebrate his life and remember his legacy.

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Linda Fisher

Cathy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the shock and grief you must be experiencing. Reading his obituary, it sounds like your outdoor life was a lot like ours was until fairly recently. I hope your memories will give you some comfort. 😘🌹

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Natalie Tucker

Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family Cathy. Warm hug to you. ~Natalie Graves Tucker

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Comments:

Cheryl Matheis

Cathy, I am shocked and saddened by this news. I will say a prayer for you and your kids. Take care. Cheryl... Read more Cathy, I am shocked and saddened by this news. I will say a prayer for you and your kids. Take care. Cheryl Matheis Cathy, I am shocked and saddened by this news. I will... Read more

Ellen and Marc Forman

The Forman family is heartbroken to learn of Jerry’s passing. Jerry, Cathy and all the Merkels always made Adam feel so welcome in their homes. Adam enjoyed the laughter, love and conversations during his weekly Sunday dinners in Arlington the year he lived in DC.
Jerry inspired Adam to run his first marathon... (and who could forget Adam passing out at the finish line and Jerry letting us know that it was only dehydration :)
We’re so very sorry for your loss.
With love, Ellen and Marc

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Bonnie Atwell-Engasser

We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Hopefully the family can find comfort in knowing how much he meant to many. Sending love, Chris and Bonnie Engasser

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Comments:

Clara (Kaya) Ford

Dear Merkel family, what a huge loss to all of us who knew, loved, and admired Jerry. His zest for life, ... Read more Dear Merkel family, what a huge loss to all of us who knew, loved, and admired Jerry. His zest for life, his perpetual smile, ... Read more Dear Merkel family, what a huge loss to all of us who... Read more

Joanne Pinette

Joyce we are so very sorry to hear of your brother Jerry's passing - know you were very close to all your... Read more Joyce we are so very sorry to hear of your brother Jerry's passing - know you were very close to all your brothers. Please accept... Read more Joyce we are so very sorry to hear of your brother ... Read more

Bernard Ohanian

Dear Cathy, I was heartbroken to get the e-mail this morning from Hugh about Jerry's passing. May his memory... Read more Dear Cathy, I was heartbroken to get the e-mail this morning from Hugh about Jerry's passing. May his memory be a blessing. Bernard... Read more Dear Cathy, I was heartbroken to get the e-mail this... Read more

Xavier de Boissezon

Dear Merkel Family,

I always enjoyed my interactions with Jerry. Whether we were talking about running,... Read more Dear Merkel Family,

I always enjoyed my interactions with Jerry. Whether we were talking about running, Colgate, professional... Read more Dear Merkel Family,

I always enjoyed my interactions... Read more

Andrew Baird

I probably saw Jerry at least once every two weeks, while walking my dog. He’d either be running or standing... Read more I probably saw Jerry at least once every two weeks, while walking my dog. He’d either be running or standing on his porch or... Read more I probably saw Jerry at least once every two weeks,... Read more

Rosemary Levy

I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person, husband, dad, grandad, and friend. I will be... Read more I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful person, husband, dad, grandad, and friend. I will be keeping all of you in... Read more I am so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful... Read more