Leroy Paul Merkel Jr.
OBITUARY
It is with great sadness that we announce Leroy Paul Merkel Jr., aged 64 of Blandon, PA, passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2026.
Born on July 13th, 1962 in Allentown, PA, to the late Leroy Paul Merkel Sr. and the late Beatrice (Cammauf) Merkel, Leroy attended Parkland High School before beginning a career in the Food Service industry. He worked in many kitchens, including Shankweiler’s Hotel in Fogelsville, PA, Kutztown University, and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, before settling in as the Food Service Director with the Kutztown Area School District for many years. While working full-time, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Organizational Behavior from Alvernia University in Reading, PA. He went on to retire from Pottstown Area School District as their Food Service Director in 2017 and began working part-time with Lexus of Lehigh Valley as a valet driver.
Leroy was a loving and dedicated father, a good friend, and was known for his humor and quick wit. Leroy married Teresa (Moll) Merkel in 1995, and they raised two daughters in Fleetwood, PA. He treasured attending their various sporting events and school activities, and he loved taking trips. While Bar Harbor will always remain one of his favorite family trips, he cherished their trips to Cape May, NJ, Spring Gulch Campground, and to Virginia Beach as well.
Leroy loved seeing live music and comedy shows with his friends and with his girls. He especially treasured taking his daughters and son-in-law on trips, his favorite being Sedona, AZ. He also enjoyed going out to eat, especially for crab cakes, going to the mall for a quick pinball game, and playing mini golf.
Leroy is survived by his daughters, Rebecca Merkel and Lauren Mims, his son-in-law, Austin Mims, Teresa Merkel, and his closest friends, Mike Schappell, and Steve and Jane Escott.
In honoring his wishes, no services will be held for Leroy. Please honor him in your own way, keep him in your thoughts, and forever cherish his memory.