Robert D Merken

Born with Down syndrome in Lynn on December 20, 1958, he was the son of Elaine D. Merken of Peabody and the late Henry Merken. From a young age he lived at the Walter E. Fernald State School in Waltham, followed by two group residences in Lynn and his late residence in Beverly. All were run by Bridgewell. Memorable caregivers and day-program staff include John Taylor, Justin Devoe, Donna Lucier, Justine Rudgis, Elis Rosario, and Christine Sepulveda.

Robert worked at Morgan Memorial in Beverly from 1979 to 1986, and then at the Lynn Work Activity Center Day Program on Woodman Street until the program was moved to Boston Street in Lynn in 2008. The piecework that Robert performed included assembling mailings (labeling, sorting, moving boxes), assembling various components for local industrial businesses, and pre-packaging items for a local business’s shipments. While at Boston Street Center he also enjoyed social activities, physical therapy programs, and occupational and speech therapy. Robert retired from Bridgewell’s Boston Street Day Program earlier this year.

He was a man of strong will who knew what he wanted. Once, residents of his group home were taken swimming. It was time to go. Robert, who loved to swim, grabbed hold of the metal ladder and refused to let go. The pool needed to be drained to convince him it really was time to go.

Developmental specialist Donna Lucier, who worked with Robert for over 33 years, described him as “a prankster. But a real charmer! A sweet, caring guy who wants to help out.” Christine Supelveda, program director at his late residence, said that without his disability Robert could have been a lawyer.

Robert enjoyed musicals, including “Grease” and “High School Musical.” He also loved animals. Supervisor Justine Rudgis described his attachment to a cat named Muffin. “He used to carry her around like a football, and he was the only one she ever sought out. She slept with him every night while she was with us.” Justine Rudgis echoed the common observation that Robert always had “such a big personality. Even though he only spoke a few words and used some sign language, he understood quite a bit and had a great sense of humor.” Mary Tilley, a hospice nurse who provided recent care, described Robert as “the most spirited person” she ever met.

In addition to his mother, Robert is survived by three brothers and sisters-in-law—Howard and Casandra Merken of Elyria, Ohio (Benjamin, Chayim, and Tuvia); Gary Merken and Laurie Rogers of Rosemont, Pennsylvania (Christopher and Katie); and Andrew and Gail Merken of Needham (Sara, Nicole, and Danielle)—and numerous cousins, aunts, and uncles. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Harry and Annie Merken of Peabody, and Ruth and Maurice Dinerman of Marblehead.

A funeral service will be held at Congregation Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Avenue in Swampscott, on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at noon. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, near Esquire Circle in Peabody. Arrangements by Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel of Salem. Following the burial, a Meal of Consolation will be served at his mother’s residence, Harriett and Ralph Kaplan Estates, 240 Lynnfield Street, Peabody. Shiva will be observed at his mother’s residence on Sunday, April 8, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and Monday, April 9, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to Bridgewell, which provides services to individuals with developmental, psychiatric, and physical disabilities, including day habilitation, clinical care, employment training, residential services, and educational programs. A special fund has been established to provide music therapy services in the residential setting. Memorial donations may be made online at www.bridgewell.org (designate “Robert Merken Music Therapy” in the “Other” line) or by mail (with the same designation in the memo line) to the following address:

Development & Advancement Office

Bridgewell

10 Dearborn Road

Peabody, MA 01960