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W. Gene Mercer, Sr.

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W. Gene Mercer, Sr.
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W. Gene Mercer, Sr.

W. Gene Mercer Sr., 91, of Washington, died Wednesday, December 9, 2020, in Canonsburg Hospital.

He was born November 19, 1929 in Washington, a son of the late John T. and Matilda (Tillie) Supler Mercer. He graduated from Washington High School, class of 1947, and was hired as a Firefighter for the City of Washington in September of 1951. In October of 1951, Gene entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Numburg, Germany with the 793rd Military Police Battalion Company B, where he also was an outfielder for the Nurburg Tigers District Baseball Team.

Upon returning to Washington, he continued his career as a fireman for 32 years with the City. Serving as Union President and Lead Negotiator for numerous contracts. He was instrumental in reorganizing the firefighters into the International Association of Fire Fighters Union Local 2218 in 1973, retiring June 1, 1983 as First Driver.

Gene coached and managed many midget and youth football and baseball teams in Washington throughout the years. He was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Washington/Greene Chapter for organizing and coaching the Semi-Pro Washington Merchants Football Teams of Yesteryear 1961 and 1962. The Merchants went on to later become the Semi-Pro Washington Generals.

Gene was the past President/ Operator of the Keystone Club in Washington, where he was also a lifetime member. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 639 for 34 years and VFW, Post 927, and a Life Member of the 793rd Military Police Battalion Association. He was heavily involved in politics, whether he was running for office or behind the scenes. He was an influential figure and great organizer. Plenty of newly elected officials, as well as aspiring ones, sat on his porch and listened to his advice, learning how to play the game of politics according to “Big Gene” He was usually correct, and he would tell you so. His commonsense approach and tell it like it is attitude, was how he lived and died.

On October 26, 1967, Gene married Patricia Stanley Mercer, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, John T. (Mindy) Mercer, and W. Gene Jr. (Michele) Mercer, both of Washington; grandchildren, Lauren Mercer, Nicolas Mercer, Jackson Mercer, Andrew Mercer, Joseph Mercer and Destinee (Dan) Knox Notaro; great-granddaughter, Lennon Louise Notaro; sister-in-law, Elaine Mercer; two nieces, Monique (Tom) King and Cristina (Randy) Dorsey, great-nieces and nephews, Natalie and Dylan King and Jordan and Andrew Dorsey.

Gene was predeceased by brother John M. Mercer who passed in April, 2020.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all services will be held privately at the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be given to the charity of one’s choice.

Additional information and guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.

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