Richard Mertz Obituary

Rev. Richard L. Mertz, 87, of Smicksburg, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at Mulberry Square in Punxsutawney. 
Richard was born Jan. 31, 1938, in Wilkinsburg, the son of John and Bertha (Dibler) Mertz.  
Richard proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a 1st Class Petty Officer Radioman for 11 years, was part of the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crises of 1963, and was stationed at a variety of bases including UK, Alaska and Guantanamo Bay. He then completed he university degree, attending Marion College in Indiana and graduating from Olivet Nazarene College in 1970. He then served as pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in Appalachian, New York, and Brocton New York, moving to his parents' home in Smicksburg in 1979 to raise his family while serving as pastor at the Evangelical Church in Juneau and Hawthorn Church of the Nazarene. He also worked for PennDOT until his retirement.
He continued to be active in the church where he and his wife were members of the NuMine Church of the Nazarene until they passed away to be with the Savior, Jesus Christ.
His memory will be cherished by his son, Curtis R. Mertz and wife Tammy of Punxsutawney; daughters Sarah E. Carlson and husband Brian of Linden, Indiana, Michele R. Kabay and husband Michael of Richards, North Carolina, and Amy A. Stewart and husband Daniel of Ashburn, Virginia; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and one brother, Paul Mertz and wife Alice of Plum Borough.  
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janet A. (Dunmier) Mertz, whom he married on July 6, 1963, and who died on Nov. 4, 2023, as well as his parents and brothers and sisters.
Interment is in Smicksburg Cemetery, Smicksburg. Arrangements are being handled by Bauer-Bly Funeral Home, Inc. For anyone wishing to send an online condolence to Richards's family, please visit www.bauerfuneral.com.