Kurt Charles Merl's Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Kurt Merl announces his passing on Thursday, May 7th 2026. Kurt died peacefully, in his sleep, at home. He was 97 at the time of his death.
Devoted husband to Ellen Merl, who preceded him in death, for 74 years. He was born on April 9, 1929, in Vienna, Austria. He emigrated to America and arrived in NYC in 1938. He resided in Boca Raton, Florida since July 1994. His prior residences include Puerto Rico, Plainview, New York, and New York City. When Kurt arrived in NYC in 1938, he didn’t speak a word of English. He only knew German. He did well in school and was eventually chosen to attend the prestigious and highly competitive Brooklyn Technical High School. He then attended City College of NY and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
In 1951, Kurt enlisted in the US Navy. This was the start of a life long relationship with the Navy. He started work in 1952 as an early radar design engineer at the Ford Instrument Company. Soon after, Ford was bought out by Sperry Rand Corporation and Kurt‘s work location moved to Syosset Long Island. He quickly climbed the corporate ladder from Engineer to Manager to Director to Vice President and when he retired in 1989, he had achieved the position of President of the company and had more than 1000 employees under him.
Kurt is survived by his children, Susan Merl-Nachinson (Jon), Jeffery Merl (Paulette), and Gary Merl (Linda); and by his grandchildren, Lauren Beslow (Micheal), Joseph Nachinson, Joshua Merl (Johnnie Maroon-Merl), Jessica Matisoff (Jason) and Lily Neville (Travis). He is also survived by 5 great grandchildren.
The Funeral Service will be held starting 12pm on Sunday, May 24th, 2026 at The Gardens, 4103 Military Trail North, Boca Raton, Florida. Shiva to follow from 2 - 5 pm at Bocaire CC.
Kurt was the family patriarch. And he took this role very seriously. He was always ready to help his family with kindness and pride. He will be missed and forever loved.
What’s your fondest memory of Kurt?
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Share a story where Kurt's kindness touched your heart.
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