Richard Carter Mertz, Jr. Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan Obituary

Richard Carter Mertz, Jr.

Richard Carter Mertz, Jr., 80, passed away Friday, August 9, from complications following a stroke. He was born May 15, 1939 to Jane and Richard Mertz, Sr., the eldest of four boys. He spoke fondly of his youth, including his Lakeshore Drive paper route, building a race-boat in the basement with his father and brothers, and spending summers on the family boat. Richard graduated from Grosse Pointe High School and attended the University of Michigans undergraduate and medical schools. Following his internship at Henry Ford Hospital, he entered the Navy as a lieutenant and medical officer and served one year with a Marine Sea-Bee unit In Chu Lai, Vietnam. Upon his return, he married his college sweetheart Alyssa and together they moved to California where he completed his second year of service at the San Diego Military Hospital. After returning to Michigan in 1969, he completed a residency in Ophthalmology at Henry Ford Hospital and moved back to his beloved Grosse Pointe Shores to work and raise a family. Always invested in his community, he served The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores on the Planning Commission, as a Village Trustee, and Mayor Pro-Tem. In 1983, he designed and built the Metropolitan Eye Center and Out Patient Surgery Center in St. Clair Shores. He enjoyed going to work each day because of the love and respect he had for his patients and his extraordinary staff. Passionate about patient care, he also spoke before Congress on the value of outpatient surgery centers.. His "work hard, play hard" ethic allowed him to follow his lifelong passions for flying and boating. He enjoyed taking his family and friends on jaunts by air having earned his multi-engine, Air Transport Pilot rating and, eventually, his Eclipse Jet rating. By sea, "Dick" was a 40-year member of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and a Power Squadron instructor, obtained a U.S. Coast Guard Masters License and so enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow boaters. For 40 consecutive summers, he and Alyssa cruised northern Michigan waters and the Canadian North Channel and chaired several remote rendez-vouss. As his crowning nautical achievement, he cruised in all five Great Lakes in one summer. When his children were younger, Richards changing array of boats were docked behind the family cottage on Harsens Island. Accompanied by the family dog, Mitzi, Richard led expeditions to water ski, jet ski, fish, and, of course, get ice cream. When summer ended, U of M football became his passion. For 50 years, Dick and family attended the games in the Big House in Ann Arbor. He loved to tailgate and endlessly analyze the teams winning and losing years. Dicks favorite greeting was, "GO BLUE". Richard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Alyssa, and his adored children, Julee (Paul Webster), and Jeff (Dr. Jennifer). He was a loving "Papa" to his grandchildren Charlotte and Amelia Mertz and Elliott and Carter Webster. He enjoyed spending time with his brothers John (Sharon) Mertz, Stephen Mertz, and Dr. Thomas (Anne) Mertz, his sister-in-law Susan Sovel (the late Robert Sovel) and the many nieces and nephews he admired. He was also deeply loved by his in- laws, the late Kopel and Estelle Kahn and their entire clan. For those wishing to honor Richard, donations may be made to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. to train and provide a service dog for a Michigan veteran in need. The on-line link is https://tinyurl.com/GAMSDMertz or donations may be sent to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. 3251 NE 180th Ave. Williston, FL 32696. A Celebration of Life will be held in the near future. Funeral Home: A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe 20705 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI US 48236 Service: A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe 20705 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI US 48236 Visitation: A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe 20705 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe Woods, MI US 48236
May 15, 1939 - August 9, 201905/15/193908/09/2019
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Richard Carter Mertz, Jr.
Richard Carter Mertz, Jr.

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F
Funeral Home Owner
December 4, 2019
M
Mort and Renee Crim
August 24, 2019
Dick was a dear friend and a wonderful physician. We miss him and treasure so many great memories.
F
Flutura Meta
August 21, 2019
I'll remember Dr. Mertz in many positive ways with a big smile and a great sense of humor.
J
Judy Sutton
August 21, 2019
Deepest sympathy and happy memories. Dick was my first date (and probably his) when his father drove us to the Woods theater for a movie. Always a kind and thoughtful person, he will be missed.