William Joseph Merkel, Sr. - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

William Joseph Merkel, Sr.

January 9, 1926 - January 9, 2015

William Joseph Merkel, Sr., of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2015, his 89th birthday.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1926, Mr. Merkel was a son of the late William H. Merkel and Olive A. Fisher Merkel. He bravely served his country during WWII as a member of the US Navy. Mr. Merkel made his career as an operation supervisor with the Shagrin Gas Company in Middletown, retiring in 1988 after 36 years of dedicated service.

A resident of Newark since the 1970’s, he was a longtime parishioner of Holy Family Church and a member of the Newark Senior Center. A passionate model train enthusiast, he enjoyed building elaborate model train town displays. Mr. Merkel was an avid bridge player and enjoyed a good game with friends. In his leisure time, he adored fishing and writing poetry. A devoted and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather, he will be deeply missed by all.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Merkel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice Louise Thornton Merkel, sister, Mary Austin, brother, Joseph Merkel and a grandson, William J. Merkel III. He is survived by his sons, William J. Merkel, Jr. (Janet) of Atlanta, GA and Robert H. Merkel (Maureen) of Las Vegas, NV; daughters, Sharon A. Dugan of Glassboro, NJ and Roxanne Johnson (Robert) of Newark, DE; sister, Mildred McCarthy of New Castle, DE; 7 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2015 at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:30 am on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2015, at Holy Family R.C. Church, E. Chestnut Hill and Gender Roads, Newark, DE. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Ste. 101, Newark, DE 19713.

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7 Condolences for William Joseph Merkel, Sr.

  • RIP Uncle Sonny. Although I only met you once and talked to you on the phone, I will miss the songs you sang to me when you did call. Love you Mike and Brenda McCarthy

  • RIP Uncle Sonny, The Heavens have acquired another Angel….Please tell everyone up there that I miss and Love them and may God Bless you all. Love Tracy

  • Will miss you Uncle Sonny, always remember the time we sat in Nana & Poppop’s room and sang the Chipmunk song into the tape recorder – ha ha you made us sound just like them. I will always cherish that little time spent together where it was just us two. I think I got my love of writing poetry from you. Love you

  • Dear Sharon, Billy, Bobby, and Roxanne,
    Our hearts go out to you at this heart-wrenching time and send you our deepest sympathy.
    There are many pleasant memories going back to our days at MHS and our time at eachother’s homes (both of our families of four kids) Sharon and Cyndi being the eldest and our mothers’ extra set of eyes.
    God Bless You All and keep in mind that your parents are now together as are ours. It wouldn’t be surprising that if there are bridge games in heaven, there would be four familiar faces at the card tables!
    Be comforted in knowing those of us who have lost both parents have a special understanding of the feelings that come and go…and be comforted that you can always pick up the phone and call and in some way that small gesture will help you to get through. The wonderful memories of the years when we were right around the corner from each other and all the fun we had can’t ever be taken away.

    Love & hugs to all.
    Tony & Cyndi

  • I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories that you have give you comfort at this sad time. Love, Judy Suarez

  • Sharon, Bill, Bob, and Roxanne: I was so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. The obituary acknowledged how much he was loved as a parent, grandparent and friend. George and Charlotte Anne also send their condolences. I hope that our son, Matthew, was able to make things a bit easier for you at this difficult time. Alice Atkinson Smith

  • I met Bill when he joined our Bridge group at the Washington Township Senior Center in Washington Township N.J. During the different times that I would see him and talk with him while at the Senior Center, I learned what a fine and good man he was and I am glad that I was able to have known him even though it was not for very long. He will be missed by many.