Steven M. Mertz

Steven M. Mertz, 59, of Otego passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. Born January 23, 1952 in Sidney, he was the son of the late Wendelin A. and Eleanor L. (Norton) Mertz of Sidney.

Steve served as Chapter Chair of the American Red Cross and he was a volunteer EMT for Otego Fire Department. He served both very proudly. He worked as a salesman for Barrier Windows Systems of Westmorland and for Royal Chrysler of Oneonta.

Steve was a five year cancer survivor and a 22 year kidney transplant recipient, which failed in October. Because of this he became a huge organ donor advocate. He also had a love for animals, especially his Rocky and Little Girl.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Hendrickson) Mertz of Otego; his son and daughter in law, Gerald and Gwen Mertz of Milford; seven very beloved grandchildren, Emilie, Garrett, Kara and Aidan Mertz of Milford, and Skylar Conklin, James Gillieo and John Moran; two brothers, Gregory Mertz and Randall and Dawn Mertz all of Sidney; three sisters, Deborah McGee of Sidney, Wendy Lee and Tim McGrady of Kenar, Alaska and Sheryl and Ted Roberts of Rome; his stepmother, Sandra Mertz of Unadilla; two uncles, Joseph and Nancy Norton of Sidney and Larry and Sally Norton of Arkville and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his aunt, Charlotte Norton of Sidney.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. A funeral service will be held on Friday, 11:00 AM with Reverend Mel Farmer officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s name to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016 or to the Susquehanna SPCA, 4841 St Hwy 28, Cooperstown NY 13326.