Merlau-Herbert H. formerly of Cowlesville, NY passed away peacefully at home in Dunnellon, Florida after a long battle with cancer on April 5, 2017 at the age of 86. He was the beloved husband of 61 years to Mary Ann (Berner) Merlau.

Herb was born January 6, 1931 in Alden, NY and was the son of the late Herbert W. and Evelyn C. (Hartman) Merlau. In addition to his parents, Herb was preceded in death by his eldest son, Donald.

Besides his wife, Herb is survived by his sons, John of Kansas City, MO and Thomas of Springfield, VT; daughters Peg (Scott) Skellington of Seymour, CT, Pamela (Mark) Hondzinski of Sugar Hill, GA and Jennifer (Paul) Ahr of Doylestown, PA.; also survived by grandchildren Amanda Skellington of Seymour, CT, Riley Foster of Somerville, MA, Michael and Meghan Hondzinski of Sugar Hill, GA, Madeleine and Emilie Ahr of Doylestown, PA and Cooper Merlau of Springfield, VT.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Annunciation RC Church Elma, NY Monday at 10 AM. (please assemble at church). Family will be present at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home 13228 Broadway Alden, NY Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 PM.

Herb served in the US Navy during the Korean War from 1950-1954 aboard the USS Randolph and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal (E) for his service. He worked at Austin Dies in Cowlesville for over 25 years and retired from Moog, Inc. in East Aurora in 1990. Herb was a volunteer with the Cowlesville Fire Dept. from 1947 to 1994, when he and Mary Ann retired to Dunnellon, Fl. He was a lifetime member of the Bennington and Elma Historical Societies. He enjoyed reading, woodworking, his grandchildren and playing the harmonica. Share your condolences at meyerfuneralhome.com