Merle E Glick

Merle Glick passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026. He was born in 1924 to Nathan and Helen Glick and was brother to Jean Lessem and Shirley Nevin. Merle celebrated his 101st birthday last year with many friends and family. He was the cherished husband of Myra Samsa. Merle was predeceased by his son Douglas in 2019 and is survived by his son, Gregory (Nancy) and grandsons Jeremy, Tony (Katie) and great grandchildren Derek, Austin and Ivy.

Merle attended Glenville High School, participated in track and loved to tell stories about getting smoked by future Olympic Champion, Harrison Dillard. After being accepted at Case Institute of Technology, he enrolled in Officer Candidate School and served as a combat engineer (Lt) in Italy, France, England and the front lines in Germany under General Patton. He believed in living life to the fullest; his war experience taught him the value of human life and how fleeting life can be. His love of life was infectious to his many friends and acquaintances.

After the war and graduation from Case, he began a long career in education, primarily as a math teacher in public & private secondary schools and local colleges and universities. He was a founding member of the Shaker Heights teacher’s union.

Students benefitted from his creative teaching style that was interspersed with a certain “joie de vivre” and mischievous wit. Deeper relationships were forged in his role as chaperone during school organized excursions to Europe. He was routinely recognized by his former students, decades after their association. Merle continued his love of teaching well into his 80’s.

Merle’s interests remained varied throughout his life. To supplement his income, he worked as a real estate broker and travel agent. He and Myra were avid world travelers and enjoyed trips to many parts of the U.S. and world. Merle was active politically and a fierce defender of democracy. He loved cars, both new and classic, and he spent countless hours enjoying this pastime with his son Greg.

He was very generous to charities & friends, a NYT Crossword Puzzle master and competitive poker player. He appreciated the beauty of nature, spending hours on his deck observing the abundant wildlife in his beautiful garden.

Merle was a kind and loyal friend. He brought joy and laughter to all around him and always had a joke or story to tell. He was well loved and will be dearly missed.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 18th at 9:30am at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 26700 Aurora Road, Bedford Heights.

Donations in memory of Merle, can be made to Malachi House (www.malachihouse.org).

Arrangements were made under the supervision of Berkowitz Kumin Bookatz Memorial Chapel.