Harley Merithew

Obituary of Harley Merithew Harley F. Merithew: November 23, 2012. Harley was born in Northern NY to Claude & Ida(Steacy) Merithew in 1937. Grew up in De Kalb Jct., NY and graduated from Hermon-De Kalb Central School there. Attended ATC Canton ( Suny Canton) and Syracuse University. Began his working career at Crouse-Hinds Co., Syracuse, NY which later became part of Cooper Industries. He was transferred to Vicksburg, MS in 1983 as Product Manager of Cooper Lighting. Retired from Cooper Lighting in 1997. He was an Electrical Engineer with the 174 NY Air National Guard. During the Berlin Wall Crisis, he was activated into the US Air Force and sent to Phalsburg, France from 1961 to 1962. One November 30, 1963, Harley married Katherine Edgerton at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Liverpool, NY. They became the proud parents of son P.J. in 1965 and daughter Tracy in 1969. Harley was a member of the Catholic Community of St. Paul in Leesburg, FL. Up until the spring of 2009, he was active in his church. Over the years, He and Kathy co-taught CCD for 12 years and were one on one Pre-Cana Counselors. Harley also serve as a Eucharistic minister, an Usher, on many committees, projects and fund raisers. He was a 4th Degree member of K of C Council #5082 in Baldwinsville, NY which he transferred to Vicksburg, MS Council #898 in 1983 and then to St. Timothy's Council #2722 in 2004. He was also a 3rd Degree member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Council #13300 in Wildwood. He was especially dedicated to programs to help the intellectually challenged. He served in various capacities and offices including Deputy Grand Knight for Council #5082. Harley was affiliated with St. Mary's Scout Troop #119 in Baldwinsville, NY for 5 years, serving as Scout Master for 2 years. As well as being an avid Flea Marketer, he especially enjoyed wood working, remodeling and building on to a number of his homes through the years. Harley loved nature, canoeing, camping and hiking. He had an eye for spotting the special animal, bird, etc.; much to the delight of his family. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Katherine(Edgerton)Merithew and two children; Patrick J."P.J." Merithew and partner Carrie Bryant of DeKalb Jct., NY and Theresa "Tracy" (Anthony)Corpus of Goose Creek, SC. Four grandchildren: Marie, Rhys, Sage, and Tony. His father, Claude Merithew, three brothers: Richard (Chris)Merithew, Robert (Shirley)Merithew, and Paul (Jean) Merithew. Two sisters: Doris (James) Smith and Geraldine (Richard) Fletcher; 15 nieces and nephews; 14 grand nieces and nephews and a number of great grands. He was predeceased in death by his mother in 2000 and by a nephew James Smith in 1977. No local service. A Mass and burial will take place in December in New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lane Purcell Hospice House, 2452 CR 526E, Sumterville, FL 33585 OR Moffitt Cancer Foundation, PO Box 23827, Tampa, FL.