Neil A. Mercando, Ph.D. of Pipersville, died Monday, January 10, 2022 at Neshaminy Manor. He was 78 and the loving husband of Bonnie S. Mercando.
Born in Manhattan, New York City and spending his childhood in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Aldo and Elisa Louise Poldelmengo Mercando.
Neil, affectionately known as “Doc” by his students, was a Biology Professor at Penn State Abington for 31 years. He received his undergraduate degree from Bloomsburgh University and taught Biology at Abington Jr. High School for two years. He then received his Master’s Degree from Penn State University followed by his Ph.D. at North Carolina State University.
Aside from his family, his students were so very important to him, always wanting to be the best teacher in the classroom and student advisor. Over the years, he received many awards at PSU Abington for both.
Neil had a great love for nature and the outdoors. He loved exploring from the mountains to the bottom of the ocean. He could often be seen with binoculars at Lake Galena and Peace Valley Nature Center, where he served as President of The Friend’s of Peace Valley.
Neil loved spending time with his family, coaching his son’s baseball and soccer teams as well as skiing, diving and snorkeling on coral reefs.
He was an active member of the Animal Behavior Society, a parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and a member of PSU and NC State Alumni Associations.
In addition to his loving wife, Neil is survived by his son, Dr. Jeffrey D. Mercando, his wife, Shannon; his grandsons, Joshua P. Ecker, his wife, Timarie and Maxwell J. Mercando; his granddaughter, Caroline R. Mercando; his great- granddaughter, Adeline R. Ecker; his brother, Robert Mercando and his brother-in-law, Eugene Stansfield, his wife, Pauline, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral Mass at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown, where the family will greet guests from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow Mass in Doylestown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Neil’s name may be made to: Peace Valley Nature Center, 170 North Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA 18901 or: Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871.
