Richard Allen Merat

Richard Allen “Dick” Merat, age 79, of Bennetts Valley, Force, PA, died March 31, 2026 at Penn Highlands-DuBois, after a short illness.   A son of the late Calvin and Dorothy (Whitesell) Merat, he was born on November 28, 1946 in Frenchville, PA.  On March 30, 1968, he married Connie (Berasi), who survives at home.

Along with his wife of 58 years, Richard is survived by: four children, Brock (Shane Brewer) Merat of Penfield, Lori (Glenn) Chittester of Weedville, Melinda (Jay) Hedlund of Weedville and Tracey Carnahan of Hollywood, PA; Seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four siblings, Robert (Lisa) Merat, Irvin (Paula) Merat, Regina (Ralph) Smith and Brenda Mitchell; and a brother-in-law, Robert Blasik.

Along with his parents, Richard was predeceased by seven siblings, Dianna Blasik, Patricia Feldman, James, Susan and Kenny Merat, and two siblings in infancy.

Richard Served in the US Army during the Vietnam Era and was a member of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 720.  He worked many years at Metaldyne, retiring in 2002.  He lived his school age years in Kersey and has been a resident of Force since 1968.   He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Force and enjoyed restoring and working on Mustang cars.

There will be no public visitation.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held, 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the Gardner Hill Cemetery of Weedville, PA, with Father Mark Mastrian.

Military honors will be accorded by the Valley Legion Post 978 Honor Guard.

The family suggests memorials to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Force and will be accepting online condolences at the Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home website(www.nedzafamilyfuneralhomes.com).