Obituary of John Merry

Niskayuna - John J. Jack Merry, 82, of Niskayuna and Lake George, died Saturday, October 18, 2104, at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Schenectady on November 10, 1931, the son of Edward J. Merry and Anne Connoly Merry. He lived all his life in Schenectady. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy and Siena College, where he enjoyed playing basketball both at CBA and Siena. One of his most exciting times was to have the opportunity to play for Siena at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Jack proudly served six years in the US Navy Reserve including two years on active duty assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Leyte stationed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island. The best day of his life was May 6, 1956, when he married the love of his life, Irene LuBrant Merry. They had 56 wonderful years of married life together until Irene passed away on April 30, 2012, the worst day of his life. He was also predeceased by his cousin, Doctor Margaret Mary Bergen. Jack started working at the General Electric Company shortly after graduating from Siena and worked for GE for 38 years, retiring in 1992. He took many financial and management courses including the Financial Management Program and GE's three month General Managers Program at their educational facilities in Croton, NY. When he retired from GE he held the position of general manager of International Power Systems Department. He traveled extensively internationally promoting the sale of GE's steam and gas turbines. He formed Joint Venture Companies and developed Manufacturing Partnerships with companies in Taiwan, China, Korea and Japan intended to increase the sales of GE steam turbines in Asia. Jack also enhanced the manufacturing partnerships for Gas Turbines in France, England, Germany and Italy. He was also successful in negotiating steam turbine contracts in Romania, Israel and Spain. Jack was a member of GE's Quarter Century Club and The Elfun Society. He served on the board of directors of The Sunnyview Hospital Foundation and The Schenectady Boy's and Girl's Club. Jack and Irene were longtime members of the Mohawk Golf Club and together chaired many events together there. He also served seven years on the Board of Governor's of the Club and was elected and served two terms as club president. Although Jack spent a lot of time out of the country, his family was his number one priority. Jack and Irene felt lucky to have children and grandchildren living so close to them. They enjoyed the family parties and their were many of them throughout the year. In the summer, it was swimming at the pool in Niskayuna or picnics at Lake George. In the winter, it was always someone's birthday. He is survived by three children, Carol Ann (Robert) Butera of Somerset, NJ, Lynn (Gregory) Laniewski of Clifton Park and Kevin Merry of Niskayuna; a nephew, John (Kathie) LuBrant of Niskayuna; a cousin, Margaret Connoly; four grandchildren, Erica (Alek) Chartrand, Colleen and Michelle Merry and Samantha LuBrant; and extended family members, Barbara (Tom) and David. Funeral service Wednesday morning 8:15 from the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady and 9 a.m. at the Church of Saint Adalbert where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Calling hours Tuesday afternoon 4 to 7 in the evening at the funeral home. Interment, Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. Memorial contributions may be made to The Visiting Nurses Service of Northeastern NY, 108 Erie Blvd., Schenectady, NY 12305 or the Church of Saint Adalbert, 550 Lansing St., Schenectady, NY 12303. Jack's family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Dolinsky, Lois and Diana of Ellis Radiation Oncology and Dr. Rana Jacob, Chris, Kim and Gina of Upstate Hematology Oncology for the kindness extended to Jack and family.