Joseph S. Mertz

Age 93, of OHara Twp. passed away peacefully on January 25th. Mr. Mertz was the husband of the late Alice Marie (Klingensmith) Mertz for over sixty years; father of Virginia Mertz (Richard Cvetetic), Joseph Mertz, Jr. (Rebecca), David Mertz (Jacqueline), Mary Alice Mertz (Rick Wagner); brother of Helen Mertz and the late Virginia Mertz, Katherine (Mertz) Rafferty, and Marion (a.k.a. Sr. Virginia) Mertz; grandfather of Nicole, Joseph, Michael, Margaret, Kristina Mertz; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Joe was born in Etna, Pa in 1925 to the late Joseph Martin Mertz and Mary (Miller) Mertz. He was a graduate of the pioneer class at North Catholic High School and served in the Navy with the Seabees during the Second World War, helping to build Subic Bay and other strategic outposts in the Pacific.

He returned home to Pittsburgh and had a long career with Bell Telephone. A skilled craftsman and avid gardener, Joe liked nothing more than to spend time "putzing" at his workbench or cultivating and canning fruits and vegetables. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, and spending time with his family at Chapel Gate Swim Club and in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

At the end of his life, Joe received special care from Diane Altaher who he considered "a gem."

Celebrate Mr. Mertzs life with his family on Monday, January 28th, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 923 Saxonburg Blvd. at Rt. 8, Shaler Twp. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Parish, OHara Twp. on Tuesday at 10 AM. His family respectfully suggests donations be made to CureJM, 836 Lynwood Dr., Encinitas, CA 92024 (www.curejm.org).