Carmen E. Merritt

Carmen E. Merritt, 83, of Saegertown, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 23, 2023, at home, surrounded by his family.

Carmen was born in Corry, on October 25, 1939, a son of the late Russell S. and Helen R. (Roush) Merritt, Sr.

In 1959 Carmen married his high school sweetheart, Vina Lilley.

He was a 58 year member of Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church where he taught the Confirmation Class, Sunday School, served as Council President and sang in the choir for 55 years.

A graduate of Corry High School, Carmen was also a graduate of Allegheny College and University of Pittsburgh where he earned his Master's Degree in Social Work and accreditation in Academy Certified Social Workers (ACSW). In 1979 he was appointed Delegate to the National Association of Social Workers Convention in San Antonio, TX. From 1964-1974 Carmen served as Director of Social Services at Bethesda Home for Children. From 1974-2001 he was the Director of Erie County Foster Parent Program. His life's purpose was caring for others. He had a deep seeded passion for orphaned children and believed every child should have a roof over their head and food on their table. He taught classes for foster parents at a state level and built strong friendships with many foster parents locally. He enjoyed fixing things and working on projects. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, bowling and growing his vegetable garden, which he was very proud of. Carmen will be most remembered as a man who had a passion for life, was loving, kind, and caring to others. He loved his family deeply and will be sadly missed.

In addition to his wife, Vina, of 63 years, Carmen is survived by a son Scott Merritt; a daughter in law Melanie Merritt; grandchildren Amber Bradshaw (Patrick), Kyle Merritt, Andrew Merritt (Sarah), Meredith Merritt, Stephen Merritt, Justin Merritt, Carmen M. Merritt; two great grandchildren Connor and Cole Bradshaw.

In addition to his parents, Carmen was preceded in death by two sons Carmen R. Merritt and David D. Merritt.

Family and friends are invited to call from 11 AM-1 PM on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, 358 Euclid Ave., Saegertown, where Funeral Services will follow at 1 PM with Rev. Mark Fischer officiating.

Carmen will be laid to rest in Saegertown Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carmen's memory to Twelve Apostles Lutheran Church, PO Box 640, or Common Grounds Grotto, PO Box 237, both in Saegertown, PA 16433 or Hospice of Crawford County, 766 Liberty St., Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements by STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 330 BROAD ST., SAEGERTOWN.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com