Obituary for André Roland Merz
On Monday April 26, 2021 Andre Merz, longtime Greenwich resident passed away at the age of 88.
Of Swiss descent where he trained and worked as a professional coiffure, Andre was the beloved son of Ida and Alfred Merz and brother to Madeleine. He was known as an avid tennis player, snow skier, swimmer and "such a kind man" by everyone who knew him. He immigrated to the United States in the early 60's and gained employment at the illustrious Saks Fifth Ave Salon in White Plains. He was perceived as one of the top stylist of his day and customers felt like the "in" crowd should they land in his chair.
Once settled in Greenwich, Andre called for his soon to be wife Rosly Katherine, also a hair stylist, to join him. Marriage, a tour of the world via planes, trains and automobiles, a son Jean-Claude and daughter Suzanne soon followed. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed learning American sports like baseball, telling anyone in ear shot,with his Swiss French accent,"You have to know the rrrules!" But life can throw its own curveball sometimes. In 1981, Rosly lost a brief battle to an unknown illness leaving two young children and Andre to fend for themselves.....but they were never alone. The Ryan, Fidelibus, Hilgefort, Biedermann and Troller families, neighbors and customers volunteered their time as sitters, drivers and cooks to help for many years. Andre was forever grateful to all of you who gave your time and emotional support when needed.
Andre was diagnosed with Alzheimers and recently began a slow decline into memory loss.....but he never lost his gentle kindness and ability to appreciate a helping hand with a sincere,"thank you." He continued to be most proud of his accomplished son Jean-Claude (JC), owner of JCM Services and daughter Suzanne (Sue) two time Olympic Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey (1998 Gold, 2002 Silver) and medical device sales professional. In his last weeks, he frequently told his companion aid Winifred that Sue was a "pretty good" hockey player.
Andre leaves behind his son JC Merz and his wife Karen, daughter Sue Merz and her wife Margaret, granddaughters Sophie and Bella and several cousins in Switzerland.
We would like to thank Solace Care for providing Andre with companionship during a critical stage of his life. Winifred, we are forever in your debt for giving Andre such great experiences in his last months. He loved his first taste of fish and chips!
A private memorial service for the family was held at Castiglione Funeral Home. We would like to thank them for treating Andre with such dignity and respect.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Andre's honor to your local Alzheimer's Association.
Of Swiss descent where he trained and worked as a professional coiffure, Andre was the beloved son of Ida and Alfred Merz and brother to Madeleine. He was known as an avid tennis player, snow skier, swimmer and "such a kind man" by everyone who knew him. He immigrated to the United States in the early 60's and gained employment at the illustrious Saks Fifth Ave Salon in White Plains. He was perceived as one of the top stylist of his day and customers felt like the "in" crowd should they land in his chair.
Once settled in Greenwich, Andre called for his soon to be wife Rosly Katherine, also a hair stylist, to join him. Marriage, a tour of the world via planes, trains and automobiles, a son Jean-Claude and daughter Suzanne soon followed. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed learning American sports like baseball, telling anyone in ear shot,with his Swiss French accent,"You have to know the rrrules!" But life can throw its own curveball sometimes. In 1981, Rosly lost a brief battle to an unknown illness leaving two young children and Andre to fend for themselves.....but they were never alone. The Ryan, Fidelibus, Hilgefort, Biedermann and Troller families, neighbors and customers volunteered their time as sitters, drivers and cooks to help for many years. Andre was forever grateful to all of you who gave your time and emotional support when needed.
Andre was diagnosed with Alzheimers and recently began a slow decline into memory loss.....but he never lost his gentle kindness and ability to appreciate a helping hand with a sincere,"thank you." He continued to be most proud of his accomplished son Jean-Claude (JC), owner of JCM Services and daughter Suzanne (Sue) two time Olympic Medalist in Women's Ice Hockey (1998 Gold, 2002 Silver) and medical device sales professional. In his last weeks, he frequently told his companion aid Winifred that Sue was a "pretty good" hockey player.
Andre leaves behind his son JC Merz and his wife Karen, daughter Sue Merz and her wife Margaret, granddaughters Sophie and Bella and several cousins in Switzerland.
We would like to thank Solace Care for providing Andre with companionship during a critical stage of his life. Winifred, we are forever in your debt for giving Andre such great experiences in his last months. He loved his first taste of fish and chips!
A private memorial service for the family was held at Castiglione Funeral Home. We would like to thank them for treating Andre with such dignity and respect.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Andre's honor to your local Alzheimer's Association.