Obituary of Raymond L. Merz

South Plainfield, NJ – Raymond L. Merz, 74, died on December 2, 2023 at JFK Medical Center in Edison.  Born in Jersey City to the late George H. Merz, Jr. and Rosemarie Doble, Ray lived in Iselin and has been a South Plainfield resident since 2006.

An honorably discharged veteran, Ray served his country as an SP4 during the Vietnam War.   He was awarded the National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign, Army Commendation, Air and the Bronze Star Medals.  For over thirty-five years, Ray worked as a Letter Carrier for the town of Iselin.  He was a sports fan, having a love for the NY Giants, Mets and Devils.  Ray enjoyed classic rock and belonged to the South Plainfield American Legion and VFW.

Ray leaves behind his loving wife of fifty-years, Nanette (Pickard) Merz, their daughter Laura O’Neill and her two sons; Danny Woods and Ryan O’Neill.  Ray is also survived by his six siblings; Charles Merz of Beachwood, NJ, Joymarie Collier (William) of Sarasota, FL, Dorothy Merz of Flemington, NJ, Lynne Merz of Avenel, NJ, Thomas Merz (Lori) also of Avenel, NJ and Michael Merz of Fords, NJ and by seventeen nephews, nine nieces, eighteen great-nephews and seventeen great-nieces.

Visitation will be held in McCriskin-Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4pm until 7pm.  A concluding military service will be held at 6:45pm.  Cremation will take place privately and Ray will be laid to rest in the family plot of Holy Trinity Cemetery in Hopelawn, NJ.