Merritt

Robert Keith Merritt, 92, of Mars, formerly of McCandless Township, passed away Jan. 11, 2022.

Born April 4, 1929, in Scottdale, Pa., he was the son of Helen and John Merritt.

Robert loved his family unconditionally! He is survived by his son, Mark (Leah) Merritt of Cortland, Ohio; his granddaughter, Dr. Katie (Colin) Gant of Miami, Fla.; his great-grandchildren, Henley and Arleigh; granddaughter, Bethany (Andrew) Hamann of Cincinnati, Ohio; his great-granddaughters, Lucy and Mary; his daughter, Robin (Dave) Wuchina of Connoquenessing; his granddaughter, Merritt Wuchina of Juan-les-Pins, France; and grandson, Stephen Wuchina of Athens, Ohio.

Additionally, he is survived by his sisters, Carol Barclay of Wilmington, N.C., and Janice Cimbala of Locust, N.C.

Robert had many nieces and nephews, related in the gift of gab, who fondly remember Uncle Bob as one of the six Merritt crew well-known for their loquaciousness, intelligence and humor.

Robert was preceded in death by the love of his life, Shirley Merritt, to whom he was married for 65 years. They traveled widely, bringing two kids along for the ride. Additionally, his brothers, Jerrold (Virginia) Merritt, of Springfield, Ill., and John Frederic (Laura Jane) Merritt of Richmond, Va.; his sister, Elinor (John) Grissom of Bedford, Ind.; and his niece, Nanette Barclay of Cary, N.C.

Robert served in U.S. Air Force for 20 years working in encryption and security. During his military service, he and his family lived in Germany, Wisconsin, Texas, Alaska and Massachusetts, and he obtained his undergraduate degree in secondary education, political science, at Alaska Methodist University. Although he never formally taught school, he was a teacher to all who knew and worked with him.

After retiring from the USAF, he returned to Western Pennsylvania, settling in Pittsburgh and was initially employed as security director and later, plant manager at the University of Pittsburgh.

After retiring from Pitt, he worked at North Hills Passavant Hospital as chief of security, where he implemented a system linking babies to mothers with I.D. bracelets to prevent any confusion upon discharge. Wherever he worked, Bob extended the same powerful trust to all people he supervised, a trust that obligates each to perform their role with integrity and thus enjoy the ensuing self-assurance from honoring the work ethic. His concern for equity led to healthy workplace relationships, sensible settlements of disputes, and getting the job done.

He had many solid acquaintances and a few dear friends and enjoyed playing poker, fantasy football and talking politics with his buddies during the off hours. He also enjoyed yard work, gardening and being a good neighbor.

In retirement, he served as a board member at Northland Public Library, a perfect fit for a man who loved reading especially history and biography. He could tell anyone listening everything about the Civil War and the lives of American presidents.

Thank you to the caring staff at Rose Crest, who helped Bob through his slow decline. You are all doing such very important work.

As Mark Twain said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”

See ya later alligator. We love you, we miss you, and we thank you for your joyful approach to daily living.

MERRITT — A celebration of life will be held in the spring for Robert Keith Merritt, who died Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022.

Memorial contributions may be given to Northland Public Library Foundation, 300 Cumberland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, 856 Evans City Road, Renfrew.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.