Frank E. “Sonny” Merritt, 81, of Shadyside, Ohio, died Thursday, November 27, 2008 in Case Medical Center Cleveland, Ohio.
Sonny was born November 8, 1927 in Shadyside, Ohio, a son of the late George and Grace Gordon Merritt.
He was retired from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel, Martins Ferry Plant, a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Shadyside, Ohio and an Army Veteran.
Preceding him in death was his wife, Florence Rich Merritt in 2006, two brothers, Charles and Howard Merritt.
Surviving is a son Raynard Merritt of Bellaire, Ohio and a daughter Rita James Power of Medford Lakes NJ, two sisters, Wilma Bonham of Steubenville, Ohio and Virginia Wolery of Portsmouth, Ohio. Five grandchildren, Michael Wolf, Yuri Matsuk, Tasha Matsuk, Sara Lee Jones and Frank Merritt, 6 great grandchildren, Robert Jones, Michael Wolf, John Thomas “JT” Wolf, Kayla Wolf, Eli Kahana and Laif Matsuk Beck.
Family will receive friends Tuesday, December 2, 2008 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East 40th Street Shadyside, Ohio from 9a.m. until time of Funeral Liturgy with Mass at 10a.m. with Fr. Samuel Saprano as Celebrant.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
Arrangements by Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Homes and Crematory 3900 Central Avenue Shadyside, Ohio.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at altmeyer.com
Dear Ray & Rita,
We were truly saddened by the death of your father. We always considered him part of our own family. For years he and your mother were always a part of many family gatherings including birthday parties, Christmas, Easter and July 4th. Even after your mother’s passing, he continued to visit often. He always enjoyed good food, good wine and good football. I’ll miss ribbing him about my “scrap iron” Steelers and his beloved Brownies. We’ll miss him dearly and he’ll always be in our hearts.
Dear Ray & Rita,
I wanted you both to know how much I loved and adored your Dad. In my heart he was and always will be family. My condolences to you both and to your families.
God’s Blessings.
Nila
Dear Ray and Rita,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. Both your parents, my Uncle Sonny and Aunt Flo were the best Godparents anyone could have wished for. They were terrific people and very special to me. I think of your mom every day and feel her spirit all the time. I know that they are now happy together and looking down on all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
Love, Brenda
My sincerest sympathy to your family. Used to work with your Mom at North American Coal — have good memories of your folks and still using Flo’s recipes! Sonny always had a smile for everyone.
Ray and Rita and families,
I am so sorry to hear that your Dad passed. I always remember Uncle Sonny’s smile. He was just a happy guy who really enjoyed life! I’m sure he missed your Mom a lot, and now they’re together again. Who knows…maybe they’re playing cards and laughing with my Mom and Dad.
And hey, Frank….you were pretty special to your grandparents…don’t you ever forget it.
They’ll always be with you….trust me, you’ll feel them in your heart. God Bless all of you.
Take care…
Love, Roxanne
Ray and Rita,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I never saw him sad or mad and enjoyed all of the teasing over the years. Memories will someday be your blessing and you will smile again. He had a gang waiting in heaven for him.
write to me,
Sandy
Ray and Rita,
There are no words to describe how much your father meant to so many people. My family will miss him and your mother greatly. They were such great neighbors to my grandparents, mother, and aunt. In fact, they were more than that, they were family. Anytime I would travel to Ohio to see my family, I knew I would get a chance to go see Sonny. That is something I will greatly miss.
But now we have an opportunity to remember the many good times we all had and smile.
We will always keep your family in our prayers.
Joseph N Bittengle
Ray and Rita,
I want to send my condolences on the loss of your dad. I have many fond memories of your mom and dad through working at W. A. Wilson with your mom several years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.
Judy Bickmeier Waterhouse
Rita and Ray,
I was shocked to hear about Uncle Sonny passing away. I am sorry for you and your families. I feel bad that I couldn’t come to the calling hours with John & Kathy, but I haven’t been feeling well the last couple of days. That was a nice video tribute.
Your Cousin, Marvin
Rita, Ray, and family
So sorry about the loss of your father. We were lucky enough to have lunch with him before he went to Cleveland. We will miss him. Rich & Susan