Obituaries

Thomas Neil Mertz, Sr. 84, of Danville, PA, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Geisinger Medical Center. He was born July 19, 1939, in Montour County, PA, the son of the late Byron and Laura M. Daily Mertz.

Tom was a graduate of Coal Township High School class of ’57 where he was a member of the football, basketball and track and field teams.

Tom was a self-employed businessman owning Danville Sales and Service, Inc. in Northumberland, PA. He thoroughly enjoyed and served his position as Chairman of the Mahoning Township Water and Sewer Authority for over four decades. Tom was a past President of the Danville Chamber of Commerce and Danville Kiwanis Club. He was a member of the Danville Moose, Elks, and the East End Fire Company. Tom was a member of the Danville Area Industrial Development Corporation and a Charter member of Montour Savings Bank. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penn State and Bucknell football. A devoted family man, Tom loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, vacationing with his family and family reunions.

Throughout his life, Tom exemplified dedication and commitment in all his endeavors. His love for chatting with people was unmistakable, and he truly thrived on the connections he made through conversation.

As a result of his first marriage to Joan Grinaway Mertz who passed away in 2008, Tom is survived by one son, Thomas N. Mertz, Jr. of Danville, PA and one daughter, Tammy L. and her husband Dr. Ken Berg Danville, PA. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Bret Thomas Berg and his wife Sarah (Yocum) of Doylestown, PA, and Dr. Alexandra Berg of Danville, PA. A great-grandson is expected in November. He is also survived by one brother, Kenny (Joanne) Mertz of Shamokin, PA and two sisters: Fran Weaver of Shamokin, PA, and Lois Walburn of California. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

Tom is survived by his significant other, Christine DeLong of Danville, PA and her daughter, Brook Hughes and her husband Greg and their children, Carter, Ryder, and Harper of Smyrna, DE, and Christine’s son, Dustan DeLong and his wife Sara and their children Aiden, Morgan, and Kirra of Sumter, SC.

He was preceded in death by his 4 brothers Byron, Joseph, Russell, and Jack and 5 sisters Ruth Snyder, Cleo Mertz, Lucille Dimmick, Rachel Raker, Margery Stametz.

Services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Danville S.P.C.A. 1467 Bloom Rd. Danville, PA. or Danville Riverside Food Bank 512 Bloom St., Danville, PA 17821

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street, Danville, PA 17821. www.visneski.com.