Joseph Philip "Joe" Merse

Joseph Philip Merse, 88, of Fort Washington died October 1, 2010, at Fort Washington Medical Center. Born July 29, 1922 in Malaga, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Philip and Mary Josephine Murse. He is preceded in death by his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Robert Gick. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary; son, Philip, grandchildren, Christopher Gick Sr. and his wife, Francesca, Ryan Gick Sr. and his wife Candace, Samantha Mais and her husband Matthew, Mariah Herrera and her husband Victor; great-grandchildren, Christian, Ryan Jr., Brandon, Christopher Jr., Emma, Francesca, Sammy, Ethan, Alyssa, Mia and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at The Huntt Funeral Home, 3035 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, Maryland. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Piscataway on Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 1:00 PM. Father Dan Gallaugher will officiate. Burial will take place at Maryland Veterans' Cemetery, Cheltenham, Maryland on October 7, 2010 at 3:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be: Andre Capoen II, Thomas Murse, Nicky Adriani, Tony Adriani, Frank Adriani, Victor Adriani, Joe Adriani, Chris Gick and Ryan Gick. Mr. Merse was a veteran of The United States Marines serving his country from 1942 to 1945 during WW II. He was part of th 2nd. Group landing on Iwo Jima operating the cannons. Later he and his wkfe enjoyed going to the movies and faithfully vacationing every year in Nags Head with the entire family. One of his fondest memories was driving to California with his wife, brother and sister-in-law. Every year on Easter Monday, come snow or shine they had a picnic which once traveled all the way to Great Falls. Mr. Merse was a former manager and coach of The Boys Baseball Club of PG. County. He retired as a 1st. Class Coal and fuel operator for Pepco Electric Company after 39 years. While he was a Redskin, Notre Dame and The Red Sox fan, his greatest joy was spending time with Grand and Great grandchildren who knew him lovingly as "DeDad".