John R. “Bob” Merhar, 80, died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Sept. 1.
Bob was born in Springfield, Mass., June 23, 1937. He graduated from Classical High, Springfield. In 1959 he received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Lawrence University and later received his masters in metallurgical engineering from RPI in Troy, N.Y. After resigning from the U.S. Army with the rank of captain, he worked as a metallurgist for a small company in Worcester, Mass. He then worked for DuPont as part of Remington Arms in Ilion, N.Y. He finished his career with DuPont in Wilmington.
A member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Bob was an active volunteer, serving as a garden volunteer with Winterthur Museum, Wilmington, Case Trading Post in the Wheelwright Museum, Santa Fe, N.M. and the Pecos National Historical Park, Pecos, N.M. He was a member of the Kennett Township Historical Commission, the Kennett Area Senior Center, the Chester County Community Foundation and the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce, in Santa Fe. Bob was a past mayor of Newport, N.Y., a past president of the Shrewsbury Jaycees, Shrewsbury, Mass. and a past president of the Metal Injection Molding Association (MIMA). He also served on Eagle Scout committees and boards of review with the Mohegan Boy Scout Council, Worcester, Mass., the General Herkimer Boy Scout Council, Herkimer, N.Y. and the Chester County Council Boy Scouts, West Chester, Pa. Bob also enjoyed traveling, his home in New Mexico, tinkering with antique clocks and walking.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judith M. Merhar; his sons Thomas (Cori) and Steven; his grandchildren Michael (Brie), Joshua, Courtney and Justin and his precious great granddaughter Mia. Bob is also survived by his sister Carole J. Martino and his cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents John H. Merhar, Janet Cummings Merhar, his son, Robert L. Merhar, and other relatives.
Friends and family are invited to his visitation on Friday, Sept. 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, where his memorial service will begin at 11. A reception will follow in Spellman Hall immediately after the service.
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania c/o Development office, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104 or online at www.pennmedicine.org/cancer.
Arrangements are by Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (610-444-4116) of Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com
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