John Joseph “Jack” Merritt
John Joseph “Jack” Merritt, 75, of Pine Island, came to the end of the trail on March 29, 2010 after a long, courageous battle against cancer fought with dignity and fortitude.
Jack was born in Hackensack, NJ, graduated from Westwood High School, attended Teterboro School of Aeronautics and served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Jack attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and was employed by Curtiss Wright Corp, Wright Aero Division holding many different positions.
With his loving wife, Joanne, Jack moved his family to St. Pete Beach, Fla. in November, 1964, where they owned and operated the SunSea Motel and SunSea Realty for 11-1/2 years.
In 1976, they moved to Treasure Island, Fla. where he continued his involvement in real estate until his passion for boating led him to a career change. He then became Harbor Master/Dockmaster at Hamlin’s Landing in Indian Rocks Beach, FL, Isla Del Sol Yacht Club and Country Club in St. Petersburg, Fla. and Pasadena Yacht and Country Club in Gulfport, Fla.
After moving to Pine Island in 1994, Jack was employed by Home Depot in Cape Coral as a commercial outside sales rep, as well as Architectural Materials in Fort Myers before retiring due to health issues.
Jack was well suited for his leadership roles as the Past Commodore of the Gulf of Mexico Yacht Club in St. Petersburg and Past Vice Commodore of Pass-A-Grille Yacht Club in St. Pete Beach. He was a member of the American Legion Post 136, VFW Post 4353 and the Calusa Land Trust Nature and Preserve, all of Pine Island.
Surrounded by the salty sea air was where Jack was happiest, and he took great pride in knowing the way of the waters and passing that knowledge on to his children and grandchildren. He took great pleasure in boating, fishing, hunting and stock car racing. At family gatherings, Jack could hold a room captive with his stories, of which he had many, and always told with great flourish, but was also an exceptional listener. He encouraged his loved ones to follow their hearts, and came to the end of his trail with the certain peace of a man who had lived a rich life and had been loved and respected by many. Jack’s spirit will forever be felt in a warm Gulf breeze, the zing of a powerful cast and the waves lapping at the water’s edge.
Jack will be greatly missed by his survivors, wife of 53 years, Joanne, of Pine Island; daughter, Joanne (Lash) Lashey, of Pine Island; sone Jack (Kim) Merritt and Paul (Deb) Agamaite of St. Petersburg; grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Kreger, Jason (Katie) Merritt, Vicki Schultz and Brandon Borgan, all of St. Petersburg; great-grandson, Isaac Kreger of St. Petersburg; brother-in-law, George (Louise) Elsaesser of Belvidere, NJ; many nieces, nephews and friends and Jack’s caring and devoted companions, Pepper and Ensign.
Preceded in death by daughter, Judith, and parents Jack and Mae Merritt.
A celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post 4353 at 8150 Stringfellow Road, St. James City on Saturday, April 17, at 11 a.m.
Donations requested to Hope Hospice, 2430 Diplomat Pkwy E., Cape Coral, FL 33909 or Pine Island FISH, PO Box 357, Matlacha, FL 33993.