Bob Meritt

Mancil "Bob" B. Meritt, 92, of Cooksburg, died peacefully at home Friday, June 28, 2024, of natural causes.

Born in Lockport, NY, on November 21, 1931, he was the son of the late Carl and Sylvia Weaver Meritt. He was a graduate of LaSalle High School and was a member of the UAW.

He proudly and honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS Barton.

In Winchester, VA, on July 14, 1956, Bob married the former Cecelia "Sis" Rager and her family.

Prior to his retirement, he worked for Bell Aerospace (formerly Bell Aerosystems) as a quality control technician at the Wheatfield plant. His work included the development of the Bell Rocket Belt (aka the jet pack) and testing the lunar module engine that brought the Apollo 11 Mission astronauts back from the moon.

Tonawanda, NY, was home for many years. His pastimes included photography, camping, swimming, hiking, exploring, blueberry picking, fishing at the Outer Banks, and beachcombing --- all part of some awesome vacations and family times.

He enjoyed passing along his knowledge of trees and nature to his family --- and getting his hair combed and his back scratched.

In addition to his wife and partner of 68 years, Bob is survived by his daughters April Skalek, Debbie Meritt, and Laurie Wainwright; his grandchildren Shanna and Joshua Skalek; and great-grandchildren Noah and Cole.

Those preceding him in death, including his parents, are his brothers Von and Marvin Meritt.

Bob liked to follow NASA's missions and would watch rockets launch from beaches close to Cape Canaveral with Sis, Pat, and Dick - sometimes at 3 am!  He went to President Trump's rallies and supported Make America Great Again.

Friends and family may leave online condolences, light a memorial candle, share a memory and obtain additional information by visiting www.furlongfuneralhome.com.

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