Robert Frederick Merz, 84, of Raleigh, NC passed away suddenly at home on October 4, 2024. He was born on January 24, 1940, in the Bronx, New York to George and Agnes (Cassidy) Merz. Robert married Johanna Roberta Ambrose on September 23, 1961. They moved from the Bronx and eventually settled and raised their family in Wappingers Falls, NY.

Following an almost 40-year career at IBM, Robert enjoyed retirement by volunteering at his parish, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church. He also enjoyed working on home improvement projects including woodworking, building furniture, and his model train set that never seemed to be finished, which led to many jokes with Robert and his family. But the favorite way to spend his time was with Johanna, the love of his life.

Robert is predeceased by his parents, his wife Johanna, his daughter Maureen Merz, his brother George Merz, and his sister Elizabeth Shay. He is survived by his children, sons Thomas Merz (Yoshiko) of Tokyo, Japan, and Robert Merz of Raleigh; daughters Kathleen Merz and Christine Stranahan (Brian) both of Raleigh; his grandchildren Erin Tull (Graham); John and Mary Sapienza; Brian, Brendan, Thomas, and Gavin Stranahan; and one great granddaughter, Saoirse Tull (all of Raleigh). He is also survived by his sister Agnes Taylor and brother William Merz (both of Wappingers Falls, NY) and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends immediately prior to the funeral Mass on Thursday, October 10. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Robert at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27614 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow immediately at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, 770 Stadium Drive, Wake Forest, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073.