God saw him getting tired and a cure was not to be. He wrapped him in His loving arms and whispered "come with me." Mark suffered much in silence. His spirit did not bend. He faced his pain with courage until the very end. He tried so hard to stay with us. His fight was not in vain. God took him from his loving home and freed him from his pain. Mark passed away peacefully. He was the son of the late Lester and Jean Merritt. He retired in 2006 after 33 years at Delphi. He was a well-known percussionist and at an early age, won a National title for solo snare drumming. He went on to teach, and write for drum corp, and most recently recorded the CD "Rudimental Heritage Project.". One of his biggest pleasures was performing in his well-known area band "The Blues Rockers". He also was an avid Bills fan, enjoyed golf, making wine, luncheons with cousins and drumming with friends. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with family. He leaves behind his best friend and wife for 27 years, Terri; children, Jonah (Megan), Melissa (Ben) Schubring, Erik (Maria) Serafin, Kerin (Joseph) Jendrzejewski. Proud grandfather to 16 grandchildren, Kaitlin and Trevor Merritt; Annie, Simon, Anthony, Raymond, Helena, Audrey, Gregory and Madeline Serafin; Brianne (fiancé Corbin Anderson), Haley, Joseph, Emily, Lauren, and Lily Jendrzejewski. Proud great-grandfather to 2 great-grandsons, Jackson and Greysen; brother Paul (Suzy) Merritt, brother-in- law Ray Galante; close cousins, nephews, nieces, and special, close friends. Family and friends may call on Saturday, May 15, 2021 from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at LANGE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 186 East Ave. A private memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM. Donations may be made in Marks' memory to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be offered to the family at langefuneralhomeinc.com