Malcolm Cockburn Mercer Jr.

Malcolm “Mac” C. Mercer Jr., of Fairfax, VA, formerly of Hackensack, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 10, 2025. Born on March 18, 1936, in Hackensack, Mac lived a full and generous life devoted to God, family, and community.

Mac graduated from Hackensack High School, attended the Peddie School, Mitchell College, and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During his college years, he proudly served in the New Jersey Air National Guard and was activated during the Berlin Crisis and stationed in France. He went on to further his education with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Stevens Institute of Technology. Continuing to expand his expertise in software programming and database design, he earned numerous professional certificates. He retired in 2000.

In 1963, Mac married the love of his life, Serena Dina Morandi. Together, they built a family filled with love, faith, and laughter. In 1977, the family relocated to Fairfax, Virginia, where they built deep roots in the community. He was a devoted father to Serena Dina (Ed) Deaton and Marjorie (Terry) Dwyer, and a proud grandfather to Jason, Jacob and Jack Dwyer, and James and John Deaton (Aryn) and great-granddaughter Aliza. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Mercer Larmann.

Mac was a man of many passions. He especially loved fly fishing in the Catskill Mountains of New York, a place that held special meaning for him and his family. He also enjoyed playing the piano, model trains, Ham radio, jigsaw puzzles, and was always eager to lend a hand to those in need or fix something in need of repair. Mac had a soft spot for animals—especially dogs—and found great joy in their companionship.

Mac had a strong calling to serve, and his faith guided every part of his life. A pillar in his church, he served as an elder, deacon, trustee, youth group advisor, and Sunday School teacher, and he participated in Men on a Mission. As a member of the FPC Men’s Breakfast, Mac also helped lead Fix It Day, where church volunteers came together to repair and improve both the church and the homes of neighbors in need through the Rebuilding Together program—a tradition of service that continues to bless the Northern Virginia community. He was always willing to step in wherever there was a need, offering his time and talents generously. In addition, he served with FISH and Kiwanis, and was deeply committed to affordable housing initiatives. Mac played a key role in creating Glebe View, an affordable housing project being built on the property of Fairfax Presbyterian Church in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Mac will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of learning, and his unwavering gratitude for each day. Above all, he cherished his family and the joy of gatherings that brought everyone together. He loved to laugh, and his humor and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Mac’s life and the causes he held dear, the family invites you to consider a donation to one of the following. The Alzheimer’s Association, in recognition of his beloved wife of 62 years, who is currently living with Alzheimer’s Dementia. “Fix It Day,” a Fairfax Presbyterian Church ministry that Mac co-founded, where volunteers help fix the church and “Rebuilding Together” to help neighbors in the community with projects such as building wheelchair ramps and making needed repairs. Or Glebe View, an affordable housing initiative in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, dedicated to creating affordable housing units on the grounds of Fairfax Presbyterian Church. Since Fix it Day, Rebuilding Together and Glebe View are run through Fairfax Presbyterian Church, please use the dropdown menu when making your donation to dedicate your gift to the specific cause. Each of these organizations reflects Mac’s love of family, service, and community, and is a fitting way to celebrate his memory.