Roger K. Mericle, 81, passed unexpectedly on July 30, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, FL. He was born on October 19, 1942 in Perrysburg, OH to Ralph and Hazel (Holcomb) Mericle. He graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1960. After a year of studies at the University of Toledo (UT), he enlisted in the US Armed Forces and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany for 2 years. On returning home, he completed his studies at UT, earning a degree in Economics. He attended Law School at UT before beginning a career in The United States Secret Service as a Special Agent in 1969.
Roger’s first assignment was in New York City where he met the love of his life, Maura Sweeney, who was visiting the US from Ireland. They married in Dublin, Ireland in 1971. Roger was then assigned to the Intelligence Division in the Washington, DC head office. He later served in Columbus, OH and retired from the Toledo OH Field Office as Assistant to the Agent in Charge in August 1989.
After retirement, Roger accepted a position as Zoning Inspector for Perrysburg Township. In retirement, he devoted his time to doing what he enjoyed, which included RV travel, cooking, woodworking (like his father) and re-modeling homes. Later he and his wife retired to Tarpon Springs FL. This was a chapter in his life when he established many great friendships. Roger was a free-spirit with a zest for life and had a witty sense of humor. He had a personality larger than life and never met a stranger. He was always available and willing to lend a helping hand. His community will miss him. He enjoyed mentoring the younger generation. Roger loved his family; his grandchildren were his pride and joy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Jason, brothers Ralph Jr. and Robert. He will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, Maura, loving daughter Maeve (Daniel) O’Connor, grandchildren Grace, Chase and Chloe O’Connor, brothers Richard and Ronald, sister-in-law Christie Bessozzi, nieces, nephews, his lifelong friend Dave (Jan) Stickles and the entire Sweeney-Feely family in Ireland.
Visitation will be held at The Walker Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg, OH 43551, on August 12th, 4-7 PM. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the funeral home on August 13th at 11 AM followed by a burial with a Military Funeral Honor at Fort Meigs Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roger’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?dedication=2&sc_icid=honors-lp-donate-bttn-top&express=0&product_code=MCGLHNENAAllOccHope&frequency_selected=0.
Condolences may be made online to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.
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