Chance Michael Alford-Mercier, age 23, of New Port Richey, Florida, passed away on December 31st, 2023.

Chance was born February 1st, 2000, to Maurice Michael Mercier and Charlene Lynn Alford-Mercier in Tampa, Florida.

Chance grew up in New Port Richey, Florida, and he loved it! When he was two he learned to swim and later won ribbons after he joined the high school swim team. Growing up, he tried his hand at almost every sport at least once, including soccer, flag football, baseball, basketball… but his favorite was Lacrosse. Even box Lacrosse.

Chance loved boating and jet skiing. He loved being out on the water so much, he even worked on the SunCruz casino boat for awhile. He learned to water ski on Lake Ponca on July 4th 2018. He later became a slalom skier on the Gulf of Mexico, friends and family cheering him on. He loved sunrises and he loved his dog Kai.

But most of all, he loved his baby brother, Beau. From the moment he found out that he was going to be a big brother, Chance was always proud of Beau.  He was protective, affectionate, and loving. Of course, like all siblings, they had the occasional disagreements. But the love never stopped. the respect was never lost.

Chance was an adventurer. He enjoyed discovering new things and exploring new cities and towns. He most recently traveled to Alaska to see the northern lights and  to hike. Meeting new people was very easy for Chance. He was always kind, courteous, respectful, and often entertaining. Chance was a naturally gifted salesman that led to a very successful profession as an insurance agent.

Chance was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Richard Jude Alford, Sr; and his paternal grandmother Shirley Mae Mercier.

Chance is survived by his parents; his brother Beau; his grandfather Ronald Mercier; his grandmother Cheryl Carlton; his aunts Ricky Celeste Boyle, Michelle Mercier, Renee Bergstrom, Denise Baker, and Noel Fitzgerald; his uncle Marc Mercier; 19 cousins; and his beloved dog Kai.

In his own words, Chance wanted people to know that, “He meant well”.

I think everyone who knew him would agree,  “he did well. He did VERY well”.