Paul. J. Merges, Ph.D. , 78, entered into eternal life on August 7th at home.
Born in Albany, he was the fourth of five sons of the late Frank J. and Ann (Clark) Merges. He was a graduate of the Vincentian Institute. He earned a B.S. in Physics from Siena College and an M.S. in Environmental Engineering and Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). He worked at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory as a nuclear engineer in a reactor physics group. He was an adjunct associate professor in the RPI Graduate School of Engineering for many years.
He supervised the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulatory programs in radiation, energy, hazardous waste site cleanup and pesticides for over 30 years. Paul was a member of the United States Environmental Protection Agency Services Advisory Board and its Radiation Advisory Committee. He was a board member and past president of the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors.
In addition to his parents, Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Barbara Ann Carney Merges and son Paul J. Merges Jr.
He is survived by sons Eugene (Maureen) Merges of Yonkers, NY and Brian (Julie) Merges of Beverly Hills, CA. He is the cherished grandfather of Abigail, Conor, Quinn, Patrick, Bridget, Christopher, Matthew, Sean and Keara Merges. He was the brother of Bruce (Barbara), Richard (Barbara), the late Robert (JoAnn), and Frank (Renee). Paul was a lifelong friend of the late Bishop Joseph Estabrook, and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Paul was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle who was very close to his family. He spent several years at the bedside of his late wife caring for her during a long illness. His passions during his earlier years were skiing and spending time on his boat on Lake George, and he was avid Siena College basketball fan. Paul was a devout Catholic and daily communicant at his local parish. He was loved and will be deeply missed by his family.
A visitation will be held on Thursday August 11th from 4pm-7pm at St. Pius X Church in the Chapel, 23 Crumitie Road, Loudonville NY
Funeral mass to follow on Friday August 12th at the church at 9:30am.