George P. Mercer
January 16, 1944 - September 22, 2023
Obituary
George Mercer resided in Aberdeen, MD and died at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore on 22 September. He was a unique, engaging, kind, memorable man.
Born in Drexel Hill, PA to Elizabeth and Robert Mercer, George grew up and attended schools in Wilmington, DE. He graduated from P.S. du Pont High School in 1961.
He enlisted in the US Army in 1965 and attended Public Information Schools at Forts Slocum and Benjamin Harrison and was later assigned to the Public Information Office at Ft. Monroe. In March 1967, he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Phu Loi, Viet Nam earning a Bronze Star, Army Commendation and National Defense Service Medals
After honorable discharge in February 1968, he returned to school and earned a BA degree from Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio. He then worked for Planned Parenthood and Delaware Social Services and Parole Board.
His civilian service with the Army began in 1982 as a Public Affairs Specialist at Perry, Point, and MD. He then held several positions at Aberdeen Proving Ground and in 1999 became Chief Public Affairs. He retired in 2011 after a distinguished career in public information with the Army.
George’s passion was Blue Grass and country music. From 1989 until the 2020 Covid pandemic, he co-hosted “Rural Free Delivery” on WVUD radio each Saturday afternoon. From 1975 until this year, he was a volunteer and board member of the Brandywine Friends of Old Time Music. He loved these activities and the other volunteers.
He is survived by his brothers Peter (Jane) and Tom (Patricia) and sister, Judith Mercer-Freidman (Greg), as well as niece Elizabeth and nephews Steve, James and Mark. Also surviving him is special friend Sara Crowers and her daughter Evalyn.
An incessant conversationalist and story teller, he had many friends including on Facebook and many fellow dancers at contra-dance halls along the East Coast. He also called many of those dances over the years.
George also had a large, colorful collection of Hawaiian shirts which he proudly displayed….. daily.
He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends
Do-si-do, George