Mahlon A. Merk, 97, of Casco, Maine passed away early Monday morning, Aug. 16, 2010 in Waterville, Maine at the Oak Grove Rehabilitation Center.

Mahlon was raised in Lanesboro, Pa. as one of four children of Arthur and Mary Merk. During his early life he developed many interests including participating in track events, playing musical instruments and working with all things mechanical. He attended Mansfield State College in Mansfield, Pa. where he prepared to become a music teacher.

While in college he also met his future wife of 62 1/2 years, Esther Ayers.

After graduation from college he and Esther married in 1936 and raised a family of three sons while he taught high school music at Oakland and Norristown, Pa. and Bound Brook N.J. While in Bound Brook he earned an MS degree from Temple University and a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia University.

In 1952 he became a school administrator and served as an elementary principal in Bound Brook, N.J., assistant superintendent in Brunswick Township, N.J. and superintendent of schools in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. After his retirement from Point Pleasant Beach he served as a consulting superintendent to several school districts in New Jersey before fully retiring and moving to Kutztown, Pa. to build a retirement home with his wife.

Throughout his adult life he played in dance bands and performed at many weddings and funerals, and served as church organist for at least 25 years at the Bound Brook Congregational Church. He also enjoyed working with others on civic and church projects, restoring antique furniture and building new furniture. He and Esther also enjoyed traveling in RVs to see the country and family.

In his retirement years, more than ever, his family was his life. He is survived by three sons: Larry Merk and wife Claudia of Monmouth Junction, N.J., David Merk and wife Nancy of Waterville, Maine, and Rich Merk and wife Beth, of Otisfield, Maine. In addition he leaves five grandchildren: Stephanie Jonaitis of Lawrenceville, N.J., Meciel Stevens of Bangor, Maine, Taylor Merk-Wynne of Waterville, Maine, Leona Merk of Boston, Mass., Dana Merk-Wynne of Waterville, Maine, and two great-grandchildren, Owen and Emily Stevens. He was predeceased by his wife Esther in 1999 and a grandson, Clifford in 1993.

The family would like to thank all the people who shared in Dad's wonderful life and the care providers who recognized and appreciated the amazing spirit he maintained while his physical health failed.

A private graveside ceremony in Pennsylvania will be held at a future date.

Contributions may be made in memory of Mahlon to the Casco Village Church, PO Box 367, Casco, ME 04015.