Obituary of Donald I. Merritt

Donald Merritt, ITT Engineer, WWII veteran, age 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at home in Wayne. Mr. Merritt was born April 15, 1927 in Poughkeepsie, NY, the son of the late Gordon and the late Rosalin (Immich) Merritt. He grew up in North Arlington, graduating from North Arlington HS, class of 1944.

Donald served in the Navy from 1945-1946. He received his engineering degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1951. He was employed for 40 years at ITT Avionics.

Donald was married to Valentina (Giacobbe) in 1951. They had a loving happy 51 years of marriage, raising 3 sons, living in Clifton, Parsippany and Wayne.

Donald was active as the Scout Master of Troop 108, Wayne for several years; a member and officer of the Prime Timers Club of Wayne; a member of the Golden Age Circle of Wayne; and a league bowler for over 40 years. He was an enthusiast of opera, golf and traveling having made five trips to Europe with his wife and trips throughout the country with his family. Donald loved to fish but apparently loved the fish even more, as he never wanted to hurt them by actually catching them.

Donald is survived by his stepmother, Evelyn (Schmidt) Merritt; his sons, John and his wife Jane, Bill and his wife Karen; his grandchildren, Liam, Brynn, Keith and Erin; his brothers, Ron, Russell, Arnie and sister, Lisa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife Valentina (2003); his parents, Gordon and Rosalin; his sister, Joan; his son, Stephen; and his daughters-in-law, Pam and Christine.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the visiting on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

The funeral will be Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley R.C. Church, 630 Valley Rd., Wayne.

Interment will be in Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes.

Memorial donations in Donald's may be made to DePaul Catholic High School, 1512 Alps Rd, Wayne, NJ 07470