January 27 2022
Obituary Robert R. Merrill, Jr., 68, passed away January 27, 2022, at Overlook Hospital in Summit. Son of Robert and Joan (nee Ruscansky), he was born in Elizabeth, and was a lifelong resident of Cranford. Friends and relatives are invited to visit Wednesday, 2/2, from 2-6 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, 218 North Ave. West, Cranford, N.J., 07016. A funeral Mass will be held Thursday 9 am at St. Michaels Church, in Cranford. Robert was a graduate of Cranford High School in 1972 after which he attended University of Louisville, Kentucky. Also in 1972, he was a Golden Gloves light-heavyweight boxing champion. He retired as a Detective Sergeant in 2005, after 25 years of service with the Cranford Police Department. He was a member of the Mayflower Descendent Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as the Local #52 PBA in Cranford. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening. He was predeceased by his father, Robert; and his nephew, Anthony Fanelli, Jr. Surviving are his devoted wife of 38 years, Nancy (nee Walsh); his beloved son, Robert R. Merrill, III; his loving mother, Joan; his sisters, Nancy Donnelly (Patrick), Ginny Fanelli, and his brother, Curtis Whitney Merrill (Sue); his brother-in-law William Walsh; his nieces, Elizabeth Fanelli, Dr. Katie Donnelly, and Kelly Durso; and his nephew, Mickey Walsh. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert R. Merrill, Jr. please visit our Tribute Store. Read more
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert R Merrill Jr January 27 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Absecon, state: New Jersey