Howard M. Merritt

Howard ‘Wes’ Matthew Merritt, 80, of Barto, PA, husband of the late, Annette Y. Merritt (Parsons), passed away on February 20, 2024 in the comfort of his home.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, September 24, 1943, he was the son of the late Howard and Elsie Merritt (Bachmann).

While Howard was always ‘from’ Philadelphia, he truly grew up in Williamsport, PA, experiencing the joy of childhood with his sister, Betty, and many cousins. Howard spoke often of his young life, fishing, hunting, running barefoot at the farm, and discovering his lifelong fondness for trains.

As a proud graduate of Northeast Catholic High School (class of 61), Philadelphia, PA, he always reminisced about the great times he had there. He delighted in sharing stories about school, including funny tales of hiding from the nuns and playing pranks without getting caught. He always spoke proudly of his youth and his experiences with friends and family.

As a young man, Howard joined the United States Air Force where he proudly served 23 years. Over his career he earned multiple military medals, including: Meritorious Service, Air Force Commendation, Small Arms Expert in Marksmanship, Service Longevity, National Defense, Overseas Service, Vietnam Service, Air Force Outstanding Unit, Vietnam Gallantry Cross and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

While stationed in Stephenville, Newfoundland, Canada, Howard met the love of his life, Annette. He told her his name was Wes and the nickname forever stuck. They married on Boxing Day and for 56 years celebrated their ‘Christmas’ anniversary. Together they built a wonderful life supporting his military career, creating a beautiful family, and traveling the world. They partnered in every aspect of their lives and built fond memories in Canada, Florida, England, Virginia, Japan and New York and finally settled in Pennsylvania. After his military retirement, Howard began a second career in appliance repair and was known by many as, the Maytag Man. He served the Philadelphia suburbs for years but was always ready to help family and friends with anything mechanical. Howard finally retired, again, and he and Annette embraced the next chapter of their lives.

Howard was a wonderfully devoted father to his children and took great pride in his family. He found positive ways to encourage them and frequently had a wise word of advice to share. Howard was incredibly proud of his children’s accomplishments and warmly spoke about everything they had done. In his retirement, Howard found the most joy in being a grandparent. He lit up as each grandchild came along and was able to relive, through his grandchildren, all the experiences of his own children’s youth. From holidays to vacations he took immense joy in participating in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Howard took special pleasure in watching the grandkids learn to swim in his backyard pool and appreciated a sunny day and a cold beer with family, friends and neighbors. Howard enthusiastically enjoyed a game of pinochle, spades or challenging Annette to a game of dominoes. He loved his little chihuahua, Rosetta, who sat in his lap daily, enjoying the treats he always had in his pocket. Howard had countless friends over the years and found special ways to touch the lives of others. His home was always inviting and the place to be. Howard was always ready to tell a good joke and savored in the opportunity to talk and laugh with family. He welcomed everyone in with a smile.

Howard enjoyed life and treasured his hobbies, collecting coins and railroading. From model railroads to great steam engines, he was a true train enthusiast. He loved trains and never missed an opportunity to ride a train or visit a train museum. Some of his favorite times were spent tinkering around, building model layouts or just reading books and magazines with anticipation of his next railroading adventure.

He will be forever missed, and his kindness will never be forgotten. He will be lovingly remembered by sons Howard Merritt, husband of Celeste, Mike Merritt, husband of Jennifer, and Gene Merritt, husband of Marianne; daughter Kendy Vernitsky, wife of Jeff; grandchildren Rebecca Hudy, wife of Zach, Summer Vernitsky, and Michael, Brendan, Matthew, Deanna, and Haylie Merritt; great grandchildren Oliver, Orion, and Parker Hudy; sister Betty Barker; nephews, Andrew and Robert Barker; and sisters-in-law Shirley, Dola, and Cecilia Parsons.

Along with his parents and wife, he is predeceased by his brothers-in-law Lindy, Jack, Wallace, Mike, and Howie Parsons, Jack Leger; Sisters-in-law Madonna Leger; Minnie Parsons, and Violet King.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 10:30 AM at C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., 821 West Broad Street, Quakertown, PA 18951.

A private interment will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.