Byron Thomas Mercer, age 82, of Ocean City passed away Friday, July 8, 2016 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, NJ. Born in Philadelphia to the late Albert H. and Irene M. (nee Hopely) Mercer, he had lived in the Lawndale section of the city until moving to Ocean City in 1958. He was a graduate of Frankfort High School, Class of 1952. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict, mainly on the U.S.S Yellowstone and the U.S.S. Intrepid. After being Honorably Discharged, Byron attended the Philadelphia Museum College of Art. Byron was employed by the Ocean City Sentinel Ledger, for thirty-five years, and served as the Advertising Manager for 18 years prior to his retirement in 1995. Upon retiring, he enjoyed fishing, golf, and traveling. Some of his favorite vacations were spent in Hawaii with his nephew Bill Spotts. Byron had an optimistic outlook on life and was a loving husband, father and doting grandfather.
Byron was a long-time member of St. Peters United Methodist Church. He was a former Commissioner to the OC Housing Authority, former Publicity Chairman for the OC Library, former Commissioner of the Cape May County Parks & Zoo, member and former Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the OC Arts Center, former member and committee worker for The NJ Press Association.
He was a Past Master of the Ocean City Lodge, #171 F&A.M., Past President of the Ocean City Masonic Club. He also served as a former Chairman of the Foster-Karney Foundation of the Ocean City Masonic Club. He was a Past Master and Trustee of The Philadelphia Girard Mark Lodge, #214, where he remained as a life member. In 1982, he served as the Grand Chaplain for the Grand Staff and as District Deputy Grand Master for the 24
th Masonic District from 1999-2004. In 2005, he was awarded, from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey, the Daniel Coxe Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed upon a member for distinguished service to the fraternity.
Byron was predeceased by his parents, Albert H. & Irene M. Mercer (nee Hopely). His wife, of 49 years, Dorothy V. Mercer (nee Johnson). His sister Jean Richards of California and brother Edward S. Mercer of Doylestown, PA. He is survived by his sons, Stephen J. Wolicki (Lisa) of Absecon, Michael C. Wolicki (JoAnn) of Marmora and daughter Kathleen I. Davis (Scott) of Seaville. Five grandchildren Michelle C. Mangam, Amanda L. Constantino, Anthony J. Wolicki, Erron T. Wolicki, and Christopher J. Davis, as well as seven great-grandchildren, Kaelyn, Gionna, Michael, Julie, Erron, Samantha, and Andrew. He is also survived by his sister, Elaine L. Jones of Ocean City, a niece and several nephews.
A Masonic funeral service by Ocean City Lodge # 171 F. & A. M. will be offered Thursday morning at 11:45 immediately followed by his Christian funeral service at 12 o’clock noon from The Godfrey Funeral Home of Palermo, 644 South Shore Road, Palermo, NJ where friends may call from 10 o’clock until time of services.
Burial will be held privately in the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery, Cape May Court House, NJ.
The family suggests those who desire send memorial contributions to either St. Peter’ United Methodist Church, 8th Street at Central Avenue, Ocean City, NJ 08226 or Shriner’s Hospital, 3351 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19140.
Condolences www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
