Thomas R. Mertz

Thomas R. Mertz, 75 of Bloomsburg, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 30, 2022 at his home surrounded by his beloved family .

Tom was born on August 15, 1946 in Bloomsburg, to the late Dennis F. Mertz and Helen R. (Reichart) Mertz.

A graduate of the Central Columbia High School Class of 1964, Tom went on to Harrisburg,  to attend Barber school where he ultimately met the love of his life, and his best friend, the former Cimmie Marie Varano. Tom and Cimmie were married on his bride's birthday, May 13, 1967. They were lucky enough to have just celebrated their 55^th Wedding anniversary earlier this year, a true testament to their love and devotion for one another.

Tom started out his professional life as a barber in the lovely hamlet of Lightstreet, the same town where he grew up. He later decided to join the family business, working alongside his father, Dennis, running Mertz Auto Sales. Both of these careers proved to be stepping stones for the career Tom would flourish in, as he became a licensed insurance professional working for over 45 years in the industry, ultimately owning his own agency Keystone Insurance Associates, inc. Tom was a member of St. Columba Parish, the Sons of the American Legion Post 273 and spent much of his life volunteering for the local Jaycees and the Lion's Club.

Tom is survived by his lovely wife of 55 years and their two children, Michael John Mertz and partner Madeline Wilson, of Bloomsburg, and Shelley Ann Mint and her husband Joseph Mint of Barton, NY. Tom was fortunate to have 10 Grandchildren whom he described as the "light of our lives", they are Griffin Mertz, Colin Mertz, Samantha Wood, Benjamin Wood, Joanna Wood, Dominic Wood, Eve Wood, Emmett Wood, Sara Prough and Caden Mint. A step mother, Helen (Reeves) Mertz, a brother in law Frank Varano and his wife Virginia, a sister in law Jackie Adzema and her partner Joseph Kern, a sister in law Josephine Varano, a sister in law Roseanne Kobilis and her husband Edward. Tom had numerous cousins but was fortunate enough to have a few who stayed by his side for all of his 75 years, Larry and Claudia Reichart, Ron and Joanne Reichart, Cynthia Reichart Brotzman, Janet Reichart, Greg and Donna Mekulski, and Connie Kressler Foust. Tom also had a great community of friends on McGuire Park Drive, where he resided for so many years, who provided love and constant support through his battle with cancer.

Tom was so thankful and appreciative that so many of his dear friends reached out to him with cards, calls and visits during his battle with cancer, they surely helped him continue to find the will to fight and gave us all more of the cherished time we all desired. He was especially appreciative of the visits and calls from Monsignor Lawrence and Father Mowery from the Diocese of Harrisburg, those visits gave him the solace needed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on, Saturday, June 11 at 1:00 pm in St. Columba Catholic Church, 342 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, by his pastor Rev. Richard J. Mowery. Interment will follow in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy. The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in his memory to The Sons of the American Legion, Post 273, 110 Juniper St., Bloomsburg, PA  17815

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.