Obituaries
Edward “Doc” Mersky, VMD, 89
March 25, 2019
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 3rd.
A graduate of New Holland High School, class of 1947, he was an all-star athlete in both baseball and basketball, 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 2-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 2 years of service and honorable discharge, at the age of 24 and with 2 children, Dr. Mersky returned to school for 7 years, completing his pre-med studies at F&M College in 3 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, treating 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 honor of Dr. Mersky to the New Bolton Center Veterinary Hospital.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
April 08, 2019
Orpha and family, Very sorry to hear of the passing of Ed Merskey. In the early years of our practice our trails crossed many times. He was always willing to help with an equine case.
Paul Herr
April 03, 2019
Dave, Sue and the rest of the family: I extend my condolences as you process your grief in the passing of your father. Although i never had the pleasure of learning to know him personally, it sounds like he lived a rich and fulfilling life. May his memory be eternal.
Jim Clymer
April 01, 2019
Sending our warm wishes to Orpha & family, with sorrow for your loss. We were grateful for your friendship and kindness in our tennis get-togethers from the 1970’s/80’s (John playing w/ Ed & Dick Cummings, and Holly playing w/ Orpha & Nancy Cummings)… Happy memories. May your memories provide comfort.
Holly List & John Ferranti
April 01, 2019
My sympathies to the family for the loss of a husband and father. He and his family has been coming to the Eden for dinner for years and I always enjoyed the banter between us. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed at the dinner table as well as in life. We’ve lost a good soul today.
Sidney Jeffery
March 31, 2019
To the Mersky family our sympathy and condolences to you doc was a great guy please tell Mom that we’re thinking of her had a lot of good times with you kids and Mom and Dad at the horse farm sincerely the coyle family
March 31, 2019
Doc you were the absolute best. You were our vet from the time I was a kid to when we had the horses at Ewells. I can’t forget Orph either she was the one we always called to schedule appointments and she kept doc on track. My deepest sympathy to the entire family, especially Orpha. Our thought and prayers are with you. Doc will be remembered by so many people who he touched during his life
Daphne Young
March 30, 2019
My condolences to the Mersky family. I graduated with Sue and worked with Dave. May God give you comfort and peace in this time of sorrow.
Joyce Armold
March 29, 2019
To hear his name brings so many fond memories. My sympathy to his family at this most difficult time. Thank you Doc for the care you always showed.
Mary Beth Hellberg
March 29, 2019
Ed was well respected among the veterinary community. We shall miss him. Our sincere sympathy to Orpha and the family. Donald M. Herr, D.V.M., Patricia Thomson Herr D.V.M
March 29, 2019
Please extend my sympathy to the Mersky family on the passing of Edward. And my condelnces to his wife Orpha.
James Lammey
March 29, 2019
So sorry Orpha. R.I.P. Ed
Harold Wright
March 29, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Our family was blessed to have Ed for our vet since the 60’s. He and my dad John were both “Straight Shooters”, so the conversation in the barn was never sugarcoated. Could text a page of stories he shared and experiences and knowledge learned through him. And we know behind every great man is a great woman ( and in the early days before cell phones, a great ham operator to keep him on his appointed rounds ). Prayers to you and your family.
RANDY GLICK
March 29, 2019
one of the great vets and friend he took very good of all my horses robert eckman jds twin springs farm christiana
March 29, 2019
I had not heard this name in many years but Doc was a neighbor of mine during my youth in New Holland . The horse barn and exercise track were right around the corner from our house.i have many fond memories from that time.
My thoughts are with his family at this most difficult time .
Trent Delp
March 29, 2019
so sorry for your loss Dr Mersky was probably the best horse vet ever we really missed him after his retirement. Many great stories we have here one in particular if he said Good Morning we would talk if no Good Morning we were quite and let him do his job. Checking a lame horse on a foggy morning i said you can’t see him he said I can hear him. never forgot that. Many fond memories
Marge and Bill Steinbaecher
March 28, 2019
Condolences to the Mersky family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Williams Family
March 28, 2019
My sincerest and heartfelt condolences. Though I never had the fortune of meeting Doc, I do have a great friendship with his son Steve. Knowing Steve is a product of his dad in many faucets of his life, I can only surmise Doc to be a wonderful man and his passing leaves a big hole in many hearts. He is a man who lead a great and admirable life as a brother, husband, father, friend, and veteran. Thank you for your service, sir. God bless!
Joe Robichaud
