Your Story Matters Here: Ron & Marlene Merriman

By; Jim Lawrence

Ron Merriman and his wife, Marlene, are newer faces around Dutilh Church. After attending a local Baptist Church for many years, they decided they wanted to join many of their friends and relatives who were currently attending Dutilh.

Ron and Marlene are lifelong residents of the area. Ron grew up in the North Allegheny School District, where he played football and ran track for the Tigers, while Marlene went to Shaler Area High School. Fate brought them together at a McCandless dance club called “Fat Daddies,” where Ron says it was love at first sight. Their story continued on September 29, 1973, when they were married at Franklin Park Baptist Church, celebrating afterward in the Franklin Park Fire Hall—an especially meaningful location given Ron’s long service as a volunteer firefighter.

Before their marriage, they both worked various jobs. Marlene was a hairdresser for about 10 years before becoming a homemaker and starting their family. Ron, meanwhile, made a life-changing decision in 1962 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to serve his country and see the world. He was eventually assigned to the destroyer USS John R. Pierce (DD-753) and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis in the Mediterranean—a tense moment in history when the world stood only hours away from the possibility of World War III.

During his service, Ron’s ship also recovered one of the early Gemini capsules at sea as the United States began its pioneering work in space exploration. Although he can’t recall the mission number or commander, he remembers guarding the capsule until a carrier arrived to retrieve it and its crew.

After receiving an Honorable Discharge, Ron returned home and worked as a school bus driver, a guard at American Bridge Co., and ultimately as Superintendent of Franklin Park Borough for 47 years. He has also served the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Department for 54 years—45 of them as Lieutenant Chief—and remains active today. Ron says, “It is in my blood to serve and protect.” His dedication has touched many, including myself, whose home Ron personally checked after a lightning strike to ensure no fire had started.

Ron is one of countless volunteers across the country who help us all sleep a little easier, knowing they stand ready to serve and protect. THANK YOU, RONALD MERRIMAN—and thank you, MARLENE, for your support and the many worries you’ve carried on behalf of others. We are blessed to have you both in our Dutilh family.