Merritt Edward Hartz

Merritt Edward Hartz was born in 1931 in Deposit, NY and passed away on December 4, 2018.  He was a wonderful person who was loved and admired by all who knew him. His interest in people was genuine, which made people feel appreciated and connected to him. Ed had a great sense of humor and a practical and pragmatic approach to life He lived a full life that included service to our country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, a successful professional career, service to his community in many ways, summers at The Cottage on Cayuga Lake, and some wonderful travel around the world. His interests included vintage cars, watercolor painting, wood carving, and history. Without question, Ed was most proud of, and dedicated to, his family. Ed is survived by his wife, Judy Hartz; his sons and their wives, Wayne (Margaret), Greg (Bev), and Eric (Deb); seven grandchildren, Emily Hartz, Laura Hartz (Aaron Laflamme), Nathan Hartz (Stephanie), Karyn Hartz (Jason Mandell), Katy Chase (Tom), Matthew Hartz (Cati), and Kassie Meigs (Ryan); two great grandchildren, Samuel and Andrew; Judy’s children, Richard Smith, Ronnie Smith, and Joni Sydes (Carlos); Judy’s grandson, Cavin Sydes; the three children of his second wife, Jane Cullings Hartz, who predeceased him (1997), Paul Cullings (Jane), Todd Cullings (Jenni), Mary Wright (Jim); Jane’s grandchildren, Ian Cullings, Glenn Cullings, and Garrett Swanson; as well as a large extended family and many dear friends. Ed was predeceased by his first wife, Wilma Jean Lovell Hartz (1985), and a step-grandson, Jesse Wright. Should you want to honor Ed’s life, please consider a donation to the Cape Fear Hospice or hospice in your community, or Shelter Care (building ramps for handicap accessibility), a project of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church, Wilmington, NC. A second service and interment will be held in Ithaca, NY at a later date.