Mergim Korca

With deep respect and admiration, we honor the life and legacy of Mërgim Korça (born 30 December 1932 – passed away 22 February 2026), a loving husband, father, and the best Gjyshi in the world. Additionally, an engineer, prolific public intellectual, and tireless advocate for historical truth who left an indelible mark on cultural and civic discourse.

Born in Graz, Austria, during turbulent political times, Mërgim Korça inherited from his family (Xhevat and Seadet Korça, and his brother Gene X. Kortsha) a legacy of courage and intellect. Despite facing systemic barriers in his homeland (Albania) due to his family’s persecution under a communist regime, Korça persevered. He trained as a mechanical engineer, creating original agricultural machinery that significantly advanced mechanization efforts in Albania. His dedication and ingenuity earned him the prestigious title “Distinguished Worker of Science and Technique,” awarded by state decree — a rare honor that stood above political biases of the era.

Mërgim Korça was married to his wife Mimoza (Selfo) Korça in 1967, and the two of them immigrated to the United States of America with their beloved daughter Bibika Chabay in 1991. Once there, he built a new life at an age when many consider slowing down and embraced a second vocation as a writer, analyst, and public speaker. Mastering English in his late 50s alongside multiple other languages, he transformed himself into a penetrating publicist, bringing clarity and courage to subjects often obscured by ideology.

Beyond his writings, Mërgim Korça was known for his warm humanity, intellectual honesty, and steadfast belief that history should be examined not through ideology but through fact and critical inquiry. As a professor at Wayne State University, he taught Albanian language and culture to young students, fostering pride in their heritage. He leaves behind a body of work that continues to inspire scholars, thinkers, and all who value intellectual integrity.

Mërgim Korça served as an advocate of the community for the Teqe, Mosque, and the Catholic Church, promoting unity, dialogue, and mutual respect between the faith traditions.

Despite his many professional and community commitments, Mërgim Korça always considered his family his foremost priority. He was a dedicated, husband, father, and cherished Gjyshi. He is survived and will be greatly missed by Mimoza along with their daughter: Bibika (Oltion) Chabay and his grandchildren Claudia and Brandon Chabay. He is also survived by his niece and nephews: Anne Notter (Kenneth), Dennis Kortsha (Jodi), and Duane Kortsha (Barbara) and their children.

Visitations will be held from 3:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W University Dr. A visitation will also be held from 10:00 – 11:00 am on Saturday February 28, 2026, with a Celebration Of Life from 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, followed by a burial ceremony at Guardian Angel Cemetery, 4701 N Rochester Rd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MK Foundation. Donations will be going to orphanages in Albania (Shoqata Miresia, Tirana Sponcerizim te Jetimve) and Allie’s Angels for children with life-threatening illnesses. Donations can be made by Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/MK-Foundation1