Howard R. Merryman, age 68, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Erie on July 27, 1958, son of the late Alan and Marilyn (Morey) Merryman. Howard graduated from Strong Vincent High School in 1976. He attended Edinboro University for a brief amount of time and while there met his first wife Catherine. They were married June 6, 1981. Howard was married to Catherine for 17 wonderful years until her passing. Howard then married his second wife Jean, July 27, 2002. They were married 21 beautiful years until her passing in 2023.

Howard went on to have a long career at Smith Provisions Co. He retired after 33 years.

Howard was a member of Sacred Heart Church where he participated in many church functions and was a Eucharistic minister. He was a hardworking, kind, loving family man. If you knew him, you loved him. He loved his family more than anything, especially his granddaughters. On many occasions he would pick them up and go for a ride around the Peninsula, to the movies, shopping or just to go get a sweet treat at Romolos.

Howard loved history! Anything you wanted to know, he would tell you about it in in great detail. He was a Civil war reenactor for many years. His love and passion for this time period took him to many reenactments throughout the states and of course Gettysburg. He always looked forward to camping out with his fellow friends and shooting the breeze.

The family would like to thank Interim Hospice, especially Jordan. Their exceptional comfort care, kindness, and support brought Howard and his family great peace during his final months

Howard is survived by his daughters Diane (Shawn) Russell and Sarah Merryman; two brothers David (Karen) Merryman, and Brian (Beth) Merryman; three granddaughters, Elizabeth, McKenzie and Abigail Russell. He is also survived by nieces and nephews and one great niece.

Friends may call at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP, 1595 West 38th Street, Erie, on Thursday, Sept. 17th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Sept. 18th at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church, 816 West 26th Street, Erie. Private interment will follow at Erie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial denotations may be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511.

Posted online on September 14, 2026

Published in Erie Times-News