Robert Donald Merillat, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2026 at the age of 83. Born on October 26, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan to Donald Robert Merillat and Harriet Olivia Williams, he went to Michigan State University where he married the love of his life, Mary Leone Bridenbaugh. They both earned their master's degrees and settled in East Fishkill, New York for lifelong careers at IBM.

Bob's life was one of boundless curiosity and enthusiasm. He built his house from the bare rock of a mountainside, learned to fly and joined a group purchase of a small plane, loved photography and HAM radio, electronics and programming. He brought that same passion to his spiritual life, becoming a leader in his church and their mission program. The same hands that built his house went on to help build schools in South America. His quick wit and kindness will be missed by all who knew him.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Mary and his brother Roger Merillat. He is survived by his two sons, Daniel Robert and David Donald, his daughters-in-law Melissa and Jamie, his brother Ronald Merillat, his sisters Virginia Grose, Iris Young and Patricia Klinkert, as well as his eight grandchildren: Cordelia Daniela, Emmeline Kislev, Leone Eloisa, Arthur Franklin, Felicity Anne, Nella Dawn, Rose Victoria and Robert Michael.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16 from 10-11am at the Hopewell Reformed Church, 143 Beekman Road, Hopewell Junction. The funeral service will be at 11am followed by interment in the Hopewell Cemetery.