Roger K. Mericle, 81, passed unexpectedly on July 30, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was born on October 19, 1942, in Perrysburg, to Ralph and Hazel (Holcomb) Mericle. He graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1960. After a year of studies at the University of Toledo (UT), he enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces and was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, for two years. On returning home, he completed his studies at UT, earning a degree in economics. He attended law school at UT before beginning a career in the United States Secret Service as a special agent in 1969.

Roger’s first assignment was in New York City, where he met the love of his life, Maura Sweeney, who was visiting the U.S. from Ireland. They married in Dublin, Ireland, in 1971. Roger was then assigned to the intelligence division in the Washington, D.C., head office. He later served in Columbus, Ohio, and retired from the Toledo field office as assistant to the agent in charge in August 1989.

After retirement, Roger accepted a position as zoning inspector for Perrysburg Township. In retirement, he devoted his time to doing what he enjoyed, which included RV travel, cooking, woodworking (like his father) and remodeling homes. Later he and his wife retired to Tarpon Springs. This was a chapter in his life when he established many great friendships. Roger was a free-spirit with a zest for life and had a witty sense of humor. He had a personality larger than life and never met a stranger. He was always available and willing to lend a helping hand. His community will miss him. He enjoyed mentoring the younger generation. Roger loved his family; his grandchildren were his pride and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jason, and brothers, Ralph Jr. and Robert. He will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, Maura; loving daughter, Maeve (Daniel) O’Connor; grandchildren, Grace, Chase and Chloe O’Connor; brothers, Richard and Ronald; sister-in-law, Christie Bessozzi; nieces; nephews; his lifelong friend, Dave (Jan) Stickles, and the entire Sweeney-Feely family in Ireland.

Visitation will be held at the Walker Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary St., Perrysburg, on Monday, August 12, 4 to 7 p.m. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the funeral home on August Tuesday, 13, at 11 a.m., followed by a burial with a military funeral honor at Fort Meigs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Roger’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate/ donate-to-st-jude.html?dedi cation=2&sc_icid=honorslp- donate-bttn-top&express =0&product_code=MCGL HNENAAllOccHope& frequency_selected=0.

Condolences may be made online to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.