Brian J. Merkel, Sr.

Brian J. Merkel 60, of Cranford, died in a tragic car accident on December 8, 2023, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Born on April 3, 1963, in Manhattan, New York to John P. and Lorraine P. Merkel (nee Logan), he was raised in Cranford, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Cranford High School Class of 1981 where his varsity wrestling career led him to be a Cranford High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Brian had a natural talent for wrestling and never missed an opportunity to mentor wrestlers or reminisce about his wins. He continued to Rutgers University where he received his bachelor’s degree.

He was a talented football player, playing for Rutgers and was chosen to represent the New Golden Dome Gym. Brian went semi-professional in football, and a quick injury made him step back from the sport. He continued to stay physically fit throughout his life and found the benefit of working out to stay in shape.

Brian’s father, the late John P. Merkel, was an engineer, working with one of the largest construction companies in New York Structure Tone and NY Housing Authority. His mother, Lorraine P. Merkel, was an inspiration to him, achieving her BSN and becoming a nurse, he always found joy in reconnecting with his Mom.

Brian met the love of his life, Diane Levy, in 1984 and began their true love story. Married by their mentor and friend, Msgr. Ronald Marczewski, who maintained a presence in their lives to this day. The inseparable love witnessed by Msgr. Marczewski will now be witnessed in his homily as he celebrates the Funeral Mass for Brian.

The Merkel’s settled in Cranford where they raised their pride and joy, their two sons Brian and Sean. He began his career working as a foreman for Lehman Architectural Construction Company. He went from small additions to his pride and joy, a 13,000sqft home in Short Hills. Brian became a Short Hills builder, working with Thomas Baio Architect PC. The bond he built between his associates and in business was always a strong point of his. After years of being an incredible team, Brian and his wife decided it was time to begin their legacy and opened Merkel Construction Corp. His son’s joined in from a small age and Sean rose to the level of foreman with the guidance of his father and longtime friend, Mark Robinson. Brian worked very closely with his first born son Brian and taught him skills of the trade that he carries on in his own very successful business endeavors. Brian ran the company and construction as his wife ran all the administration, Mark was his right-hand man and a mentor to his children. This incredible team that built Merkel Construction will continue to thrive in the wake of Brian’s absence as his legacy will live on in every project on hand.

Brian never stopped learning and taking on continuing education. He was a licensed building inspector and certified in Lew asbestos removal. As his company grew, he had the idea of lending his expertise and continuing with building inspections.

He enjoyed time spent at his beach house with his family, especially the memories created with his boys. He always took the time to coach them and teach them throughout their lives and never turned down helping them succeed. Brian and his wife found joy in going to showrooms for work, and finding themselves laughing with strangers and helping them design their dream space. They enjoyed live music, big concerts or small bar shows, they loved to chase the music and spend time together. Finding properties and turning them into masterpieces, they were a dream team amongst themselves, Brian and Diane were an epic duo. Brian took the time to always take Diane to lunch and made sure they looked good together no matter what the occasion. His sense of design and style wasn’t limited to just construction. Brian was blessed throughout his life, from his loving parents inspiring his higher education, to his cherished family at home, he never met a stranger who didn’t walk away as a friend. He will be forever remembered for his dedication and devotion to God, his family, and his work, all of which directly shined in all he did.

He was preceded in death by his dear father, John P. Merkel

Surviving are his loving mother, Lorraine P. Merkel nee Logan, his beloved wife and best friend, Diane Merkel nee Levy, his adored children Brian and Sean Merkel, his dear siblings Jack Merkel, Anne Merkel, and Geraldine Bonaccorso, his many nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family, colleagues, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Friday, December 15, 2023, at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, 541 Washington Ave. Kenilworth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday December 16, 2023 at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church, 541 Washington Ave. Kenilworth

Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery,1100 E Broad St. Westfield.