Howard W. Merritt Sr. 1928-2020
YOUNGSTOWN — Howard W. Merritt Sr., 92, of Youngstown, passed away of natural causes early Friday morning, Oct. 30, 2020, at his assisted living residence, The Inn at Christine Valley.
Howard was born March 3, 1928, in Youngstown, a son of the late Rose Mick and Wesley Merritt.
He was a lifelong area resident and a member of Christ Church Presbyterian. The majority of his working years were spent in the highway construction industry primarily involved in asphalt production. He was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local No. 66 and worked in supervision for City Asphalt and Paving Company for many years.
Howard volunteered his time to Camp Stambaugh earning the organization’s prestigious Silver Beaver award. He belonged to Wick Lodge No. 481 and Scottish Rite Valley of Youngstown and was an active member of the Youngstown Shrine Club and was a member of the club’s transportation team. He was also an honorary member of the Kentucky Colonels but most important to Howard was his role as husband, father and grandfather.
He leaves a son, Howard (Shirley) Merritt Jr. of Canfield; two daughters, Diane Sveth of Canfield and Nancy Martauz of Boardman; six grandchildren, Michael (Gretchen) Merritt of Canfield, Matthew (Jing) Merritt of Beijing, China, Megan Merritt of Cleveland, Anthony Sveth of Austintown, Tara (Jeff) Liebowitz of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Lauren Martauz (fiance, Maxx Guerreri) of Boardman; and six great-grandchildren, Riley Merritt, Haydyn Merritt, Matthew Merritt, Sophia Merritt and Audrey Liebowitz and Aidan Merritt.
Besides his parents, Howard was preceded in death by “his bride” of 68 years Doris; a son, James Merritt; his in- laws, Thelma and Harry McClain; an infant twin brother, James; an older brother, Wesley Merritt; and a son-in-law, Michael Martauz.
A private family service will be held Nov. 3, with interment in Lake Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to the Youngstown Shrine Club’s children’s hospital fund, P.O. Box 302, North Lima, OH 44452.
Arrangements are being handled by Lane Family Funeral Home, Canfield Chapel. The family would like to thank the staff at the Inn at Christine Valley for the loving care provided to Howard during his residence there as well as the staff of Crossroads Hospice for their care.
(special notice)