Dr. Richard Collins Merkelbach

Dr. Richard Collins Merkelbach, known affectionately as “Dick” or “Merk” to his family and friends, passed away peacefully with his loved ones at his side in Manahawkin, New Jersey on Thursday, September 11, at the age of 87.

Dick was born in 1938 in Montclair, NJ to Walter Merkelbach and Regina Collins Merkelbach. He grew up in Glen Ridge, NJ and attended the Hill School in Pottstown, PA. He enlisted in the National Guard, then went on to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University where he earned the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He maintained a successful dental practice in Bloomfield, NJ where he practiced dentistry for over 50 years.

A loving husband, father, and Opa, Dick was also an enthusiastic outdoorsman, an avid golfer, a disgruntled Giants fan, and a true Long Beach Island beach bum. He and Marianne shared a passion for cooking and entertaining—never missing the chance to gather friends and family around the table or to join in on a good party.

Dick is survived by his devoted wife, Marianne Smits Merkelbach, and his children, Mark Richard Merkelbach and Krista Merkelbach Galyon, and their spouses Christina Eichbaum Merkelbach and Jeremy Galyon. He was the proud grandfather of Marcus and Mia Merkelbach and Elise and Elliot Galyon. He is also survived by his brother, the Superior Court Judge Donald Merkelbach, his nephew Joseph Cassels, and his grandniece Holly Cassels. He was predeceased by his sister, Anne Merkelbach Brown.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Jetty Rock Foundation at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/HCew3g?vid=1lldfn, whose mission reflects Dick’s lifelong love of the ocean, Barnegat Bay, and the waterways of New Jersey. The foundation supports the protection of clam and oyster beds and fosters environmental stewardship for the places Dick cherished throughout his life.

A celebration of life is being planned for Saturday, November 29th in Ocean County. The location is still to be determined.