Merritt Louis Pizitz

With great sadness, Temple Emanu-El announces the passing of Merritt Louis Pizitz,a member of our temple for over 60 years, today, March 14, 2024. Merritt is survived by his daughter, Paget (Chris) Taylor; brothers, Michael (Carole) Pizitz, Richard, Sr. (Joan) Pizitz; two special friends, Dee Jordan and Tate Neuville, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss him terribly.

Merritt Pizitz passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024. He attended Shades Valley High School and then transferred to the Vermont Putney School, where he completed his high school education. Merritt then attended Washington & Lee University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After graduation, Merritt attended Rich’s Department Store Executive Training Program. He then went to work for Pizitz Department Store where he worked with his father, Isadore Pizitz and his brothers, Richard and Michael as Human Resources and Operations Vice President of the company.

Pizitz Department Store was sold in 1986, and Merritt then worked as Vice President for the Pizitz family’s Great American Cookies business. Merritt remained active in this business until his death.

Merritt had a love for the outdoors. He along with his best friend Stanley Erdrich spent decades taking hunting trips across the county. His true passion was spending time on his boat Big Horse and deep-sea fishing in search of the biggest snapper. His weekends were spent on his property tending to the pastures, gardens, and horses.

Merritt was loved by many and will be missed.

A Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 17, 2024 in Elmwood Cemetery located at 600 Martin Luther King Drive Birmingham, AL 35211

Donations in Merritt’s memory may be made to:

United Way of Central Alabama

The Putney School

418 Houghton Brook Road

Putney, VT 05346

802-387-6213

or a charity of your choice.

May Merritt rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him. May God comfort these mourners among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.