Dr. Edward ‘Doc’ Mersky, VMD, 89, of Manheim Township and formerly of Strasburg, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019.
He was born in Philadelphia to the late Jacob Mersky and Adeline Porter. Dr. Mersky celebrated 68 years of marriage with his wife Orpha M. (Yoder) Mersky on February 3.
A graduate of New Holland High School, class of 1947, he was an all-star athlete in both baseball and basketball, and was drafted out of high school by the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played for the Dodgers’ farm team in Vero Beach, Florida, before injuring his throwing arm and requesting release.
After his two-year stint with the Dodgers, he was drafted into the US Marine Corps and served as an MP at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Korean War. Following two years of service and an honourable discharge, at the age of 24 and with two children, Dr. Mersky returned to school for seven years, where he went on to complete his pre-med studies at F&M College in three years and thereafter receiving his doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
Known as the horse vet from Strasburg, Doc Mersky opened his solo veterinary practice on Miller Street in 1961, where he treated both large and small animals. He eventually transitioned to caring for horses only, which was his true passion. He retired from Equine Veterinary Medicine after 47 years of practice.
Dr. Mersky served on the State Board of Veterinary Medicine and, through his expertise in the equine field, served as a consultant. Following his passion for horses, he also provided riding lessons to the public.
He was an avid sports fan his entire life and enjoyed many family vacations in Stone Harbor, NJ.
In addition to his wife Orpha, Dr. Mersky is survived by their four children, Dianne Mersky Martin of Harrisburg, Suzanne Mersky, wife of the late William ‘Billy’ Beschel of Brownstown, Steven Mersky, husband of Heather of Tyngsboro, MA, and David Mersky of Paradise; four grandchildren, Tony Almodovar, husband of Kim Suess Almodovar, Lori Almodovar, Ben Mersky and Dylan Kyer; five great-grandchildren, Shawnee, Shae, Cole, Morgan and Hannah; and 2 great great-grandchildren, Kaylor and Destinee.
In addition to his parents and son-in-law, Dr. Mersky was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Mersky.
Services and interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made in honour of Dr. Mersky to the New Bolton Center Veterinary Hospital.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Edward Mersky.
(USTA)