Bruce A. Merkur

Bruce A. Merkur lost his battle with Parkinson’s and heart disease with his family by his bedside on February 26, 2018 at the age of 84.

Bruce moved to Cortland in the mid 1940’s, being born in Manhattan, fell in love with theatre at Cortland High School. After high school he joined the Cortland Community Players until they folded in 1956 when the Cortland Standard referred to him as Cortland’s leading man. His passion his whole adult life was hunting and fishing, or just simply sighting in one of his many hunting rifles.

His natural ability was being a salesman, working first in retail, Montgomery Ward’s and Sears then automobile sales becoming Ames Chevrolet Truck manager. He worked for several car dealers in the area always making friends along the way. Then he found what he considered the best job ever, working for Richard and Sherri Beebe who owned Redding Reloading. Now he got to play in gun stores all over the U.S. selling what he used, Redding Reloading equipment becoming the company’s national sales manager.

Bruce was active with Cortland Boating Association, Hunting Instructor for the State of New York and a member of Cortlandville Lodge #470 of the Masonic fraternity. He was Past Master, Assistant Grand Lecturer and Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master.

Bruce married his high school sweetheart, of 64 years, Gwendolyn (Lasater) Merkur who nursed him this past year with courage and compassion her family will always remember. They have three children Gwenn Anne (Michael) Francey, Constance (Kevin) Mack and Dana (Carol) Merkur; eight grand children and twelve great grand children.

There will be a Masonic Service for friends and family to attend on Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Donald L. Barber Funeral Home, 5016 US Route 11, Homer.

In keeping with Bruce’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Memorial donations in Mr. Merkur’s memory may be directed to the Cortlandville Lodge #470 Endowment Fund, 1883 NY-13, Cortland, NY 13045, or to Hospice of Cortland, 11 Kennedy Parkway Cortland, NY 13045.

The Merkur family, personally thanks Dr. Malakar, Kelly, Richard, Michael and Nancy for the comfort and professionalism during this difficult time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bruce A. Merkur, please visit our floral store.