Merle U Prentice, Jr

Merle U. Prentice, Jr, 82, of Newark Valley, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 3, 2023, with his family by his side. He was born on May 6, 1941. He was predeceased by his parents Merle Sr and Violet Prentice, and sisters Sandy Warren and Lois Hollister. Merle is survived by his daughter Laura and son-in-law Tom Panella; his daughter Donna Prentice and Dean Rypkema; his grandsons Ron Harris, Tommy Panella, and Corey Nilon; his brother Robert and sister-in-law Jan Prentice, and nephews Daniel, Michael, and James Prentice. He is also survived by his close, dear friends Roger and Betsy, Joe, Stu, Dan, Charlie, Freddie, the gang at the Truck Stop and Harris Diner, his neighbors, and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

Merle graduated from NVCS and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served four years overseas, traveling Europe. After his service, he moved back home to Newark Valley, first at the Trout Ponds, which he proudly helped establish and care for. He then moved with his family to Silk Street, opened his own chain saw repair shop, Merle’s Motors, and began a lifelong, distinguished career at IBM. And if anyone asked Merle about IBM, it stood for “I Belong to Merle”.

Merle was an active and involved member of his community. He was a long-time member of the Newark Valley Emergency Squad and Fire Department, serving as 1st Assistant Chief for several years. He also served on numerous village boards, and if there was a parade in Newark Valley, you could bet Merle was on one of his antique tractors! He was also a member of the Speedsville-Newark Valley- Johnson City Unity, Candor #411 Masons, and Mount Olive #290 Freemasonry.

After retirement from IBM, Merle drove truck for Gregory & Sons and continued to tinker out in his garage. He always had time for coffee and some conversation at the Truck Stop in Newark Valley, or Harris Diner in Owego. He enjoyed collecting and working on antique tractors, walking his dogs, and gardening, and he took pride in his pepper plants and sunflowers. But without a doubt his biggest joy was supporting his grandsons, whether it was watching them play football, basketball, baseball, plays, concerts, you name it, Grandpa was there. He always bragged that he NEVER missed a football game!

Please join the family for a celebration of Merle’s life on Wednesday June 7, 2023 from 4pm-7pm at the Newark Valley Fire Station. At 6pm, there will be time for sharing memories. Online condolences may be shared on Merle’s guestbook at macphersonfh.com

The family wishes to thank the staff and friends at Castle Gardens and Susquehanna Nursing Home for the love and care you showed Dad this past year. Caring assistance is being provided by MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St. Newark Valley.