SUNBURY — Friends have nothing but nice things to say about a local businessman who lost his battle with cancer Monday. Robert Mertz, one of the owners of Sunbury Motor Company, died at the age of 76.
Mertz served on the board of Sunbury Community Hospital, with former Sunbury Mayor and retired businessman Jesse Woodring. He said Mertz was always someone he could count on, “During a period when I was chairman of the board, we had reached some times where we really had some turmoil. Bob was one of the people I turned to, and he helped to really formulate a plan to move forward. He was just always there… He had kind of a quiet demeanor about him, but when he spoke it was something worthwhile.”
Woodring remembered the qualities that made Mertz a good person. “He had a great sense of humor. He obviously was a great businessman. He was also a very generous man. He was a happy giver. There was never any hesitation… He was also very loyal to his friends, of which I am pleased to say that I was. I just have a very great deal of respect and admiration for him. To say that he’ll be missed, is just not really saying enough.”
Robert Mertz was president of Sunbury Motor Company. He died Monday, after a 7 year battle with cancer. (Codi Jade)