Adra Charles Merritt

Adra Charles Merritt, 94, of Zelienople, formerly of Brighton Township, passed away Friday, January 23, 2015. He was born June 11, 1920 in Rochester, son of the late Adra D. and Ivy (Corliss) Merritt. Known by family and friends as either “Red” or “Bud”, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy during WWII.

Bud retired as the Superintendent of the Electrical Department of St. Joe Minerals after 40 years of service. In his leisure, he enjoyed a round of golf, whether with the St. Joe Golf league, with his wife Ella, or on the courses of Myrtle Beach where he was fortunate to reside for ten years.

Bud was a member of the Park Presbyterian Church, Beaver and the New Brighton Masonic Lodge, Union Lodge 259 F.&A.M. where he was a Past Master and the B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 283, Rochester.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years: Ella “Pat” (Patterson) Merritt; and his sister: Alma Corcoran.

Bud is survived by one son and daughter-in-law: Terry and Carol Merritt, Valencia; one daughter and son-in-law: Adrienne and John Zelenak, Elizabeth City, NC; five grandchildren: Jennifer Merritt, Charlotte, NC; Jessica (Samuel) Barker, Charlotte, NC; David (Nicole) Zelenak, Narragansett, RI; Beth (Todd) Allain, Plymouth, NH; and Steven Zelenak, Coventry, RI and six great grandchildren.

In honor of is wishes, private services and entombment arrangements are by the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC. at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com.

If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, NV 89053; the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001; or the Wounded Warrior Project, 301 Grant Street, Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 or through www.woundedwarriorproject.org.