Larry A. Mertz, Sr.

Larry Albert Mertz, Sr., age 77, of Bethel Park, PA, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025 at his home.  Larry was born on April 14, 1947 in Greenville, PA to the late Albert “Al” J.  and Creta P. (Hudson) Mertz.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Andrew “Andy” Lizak; uncle and aunt, Roland “Bud” and Joanne (Johnson) Mertz; and cousin, Virginia “Ginger” Mertz.  

Larry graduated from Oil City Senior High School in 1965 and went on to study art education at Edinboro State College.  After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education, he started his first job at North Clarion Area School District as a K-12 art teacher, kickstarting a 38-year career in teaching (Boggs Avenue Elementary School, Knoxville Middle School and Perry Traditional Academy).  Larry also enjoyed coaching many sports, including wrestling, girls’ basketball, boys’ softball, and girls’ soccer at Knoxville Middle School, and boys’ track at Perry Traditional Academy and Bethel Park Senior High School. 

In 2007, Larry retired from Perry Traditional Academy and spent his time golfing, camping, traveling, and working the “chain gang” at the Bethel Park Senior High School home football games.  He was also a 32° Mason at the Shidle Lodge #601 and a member of the Scottish Rite Freemasons.

 
Larry was the proud father of Larry A. Mertz, Jr., Heidi Mertz, Stefanie Mertz, and Michael Mertz (Kelsey Bowers), and loving grandfather of Ethan Opiela.  He is survived by his four children, grandson; sister, Patricia (Mertz) Lizak; nephews, Eric Lizak (Ashlee) and Jeffrey Lizak; step niece, Heather (Lizak) Wagner; cousins, Roland “Buddy” Mertz (Kathy) and Sandra (Mertz) Young (Bert), and many other family members. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff at AHN Hospice and his team of private caregivers for their loving care.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, with the committal service immediately following at 7 pm, at the David J. Henney Funeral Home, 6364 Library Road (RT 88), South Park, PA  15129.  Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Hillview Cemetery on Cemetery Road in Greensburg, PA (coordinates:  40.27780, -79.52610). EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial in Larry’s name be made to the Bethel Park Volunteer Fire Department, 5213 Brightwood Road, Bethel Park, PA  15102 (Venmo - @BethelPark-VFC or Paypal - @bpvfc).  www.davidhenneyfuneralhome.com

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