Truly a remarkable man, Merle left  us good examples to follow :)   

A great atrorney!! He helped me throughout my case.... i am so grateful and he will be missed

Merle was not only an excellent attorney but took true joy in his work and in his interactions with others. He had a great sense of humor. I feel lucky to have worked with him.

I had the privilege of being Merle’s last legal secretary. I had retired from working for three other criminal defense attorneys back in 2011 but Merle found out about me and called me up begging that I work for him from home. We met, we talked and the rest is history. He had a great sense of humor which was a requirement and he could build up my ego by using his favorite word “Awesome.”    If he sensed I was not feeling good or was tired, he always told me what an “awesome” job I did. There were days when he was not feeling well and he would let me know “not today” and I understood. I tried to cheer him up as best I could. One day he discovered he could speak into his computer and he would dictate a motion and he would email it over to me to do the “cut and paste” routine, make corrections and delete the word “period” and add paragraphs, etc. We got a lot of work done that way and I would file it electronically and he would print out the final copy. No more dictaphone or shorthand! The last few months I heard from him less and less and knew the end was near. I still wait for his call around 10am to schedule our dictation session and miss hearing his funny stories he used to tell. However, he probably has a whole new audience to entertain and is having a ball dancing up a storm in his AWESOME way.

Maureen Devaney    01-12-24

So sorry to hear about his passing and condolences to his family.   I knew Merle the entire time I practiced in federal court - 31 years.  And after many interviews with his clients  from across the table, I could tell that Merle had good relationships with his clients and that his clients trusted his advice.  He had the ability to size things up and provide sound advice.  He was a strong advocate for them.  It’s been four years since I retired, but the defense bar will be missing a good one.   Peace Merle.   

Condolences on the loss of Merle.  I remember him as an excellent and personable student, many years ago.

I am sorry to hear this news. I didn’t know him personally, mostly in passing, but I knew he was special. He was a very kind man that you could feel in just a “hello.” I am grateful I was able to tell him of his impact before he passed. He is missed! 

Great memories from friends and classmates at RHS

Always gracious and generous with his time, Merle mentored me in so many ways. He also made me laugh. My favorite story is in a case where we represented codefendants. I watched Merle hop up to cross examine the government's star witness where credibility was at issue.  Seemingly with little preparation (probably not true)  and within minutes, he had the government witness indignantly claiming from the stand that he could speak in tongues.  To this day I have no idea how Merle wrapped his examination around to  elicit that gem, but it was masterful lawyering, and changed the course of the litigation.  I laughed until I cried, and my client walked away a lot earlier thanks to Merle.  

RIP my friend. You will be greatly missed and the defense bar is the poorer for your loss

Wendy Gerboth 

Merle, or "Merle The Pearl", as I knew and loved him, was an incredibly kind and gentle giant of a man. Exceptionally insightful mind and a genuine People-Person. Great lawyer. Kind to all his clients.  Deep humility as he was also a gifted fighter for Lady Justice.

Once, he told me this very interesting story. Had me captivated. When I started passing it on, he gently giggled and told me that the story was just a joke for fun. That was him in court; had me in stitches half the time. Loved the man!

I will miss him deeply.

Zeke

Merle was a fine example to follow and had an incredibly generous heart. His intellect and his wit were part of his many attributes and they were only surpassed by his kindness. Always a good friend and always a reliable fun story teller.  He selflessly shared his knowledge and his experience.  He opened doors for me with no expectations other than I succeeded.  He used his considerable strengths to help the weak.  And Merle always conducted himself with the highest degree of honesty and integrity.  I am sad to see him depart from this world, but I am glad that I will always keep with me the memories of his words and acts that have influence me in many aspects.  I will hold those until I die.    RIP my friend.

I am so sorry for your loss. Merle was not only a good attorney, but a fine human being. He has always been gracious with his time and knowledge to his colleagues and he was kind. He will be missed.