John Merrick Obituary

John Alden Merrick Jr., 84, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 15, 2023. He was born March 20, 1939, in New Kensington to the late John A. Sr., and Vivian Malcolmson Merrick, and was a graduate of Ken-Hi, Class of 1957. He also attended the University of Pittsburgh and received an associate's degree. Mr. Merrick was an Air Force Veteran. He was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church and VFW Post 92, Lower Burrell. He enjoyed camping, boating, traveling, golfing, bowling and helping his late wife Roberta Scholze Merrick with the school she founded, Bethel Nursery School. He was a salesman for over 30 years for Union Electric Steel, Carnegie. Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his twin granddaughters in infancy, Jami and Jennifer McKruit; and his aunt, Judith Leiby. Surviving are his children, John A. (Shannon) Merrick III, Cristen (Brian) Speedy, Susan (Jason) McKruit and Robert (Valerie) Merrick; grandchildren, Nick (Tristen) Speedy, Sara Speedy, Hannah Speedy, Samantha Geracia, Tyler Merrick, A.J. (Dede) McKruit, Noah McKruit and Vivian Padron Merrick; two great-grandsons, Elijah McKruit and Ellis Speedy; siblings, Stephanie (Robert) Corley and William Merrick; and uncle, Bob Fisher, and aunt, Sebia Crum. Viewing will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 18, 2023, in ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where a service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday followed by military honors conferred by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard. Private burial will be in Linesville Cemetery, Crawford County.