Thomas Reid Mercer, a resident of Shelton Connecticut, passed away Tuesday AM, August 14, 2018, of an apparent heart attack at age 76.

Tom was born in Erie, Pennsylvania at Hamot Hospital, March 1, 1942. He was the son of the late Claire and Roberta Mercer.

After graduating (barely) from Academy High School in 1960, he followed his dad and joined the United States Marine Corps. Tom received the distinguished exemplary duty award, upon graduation from embassy training academy and then served with great pride for the next years as a Marine attache at the United States Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.

After his service, Tom returned to Erie, attended Gannon University, and won a $500.00 Bingo jackpot with his grandmother which financed his move to the Big Apple, New York City. It was there that he met the love of his life, Glenda Collins, whom he married in NY in April, 1968.

Tom and Glenda celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past spring with friends and family.

Tom spent his entire career in the automobile industry, a passion he acquired in high school, restoring his beloved 1950 blue Studebaker.

He owned several car dealerships, and continued to work up until his passing, most recently as a consultant and general manager for Garavel Chrysler/Jeep, in Norwalk Connecticut. Besides his wife Glenda, Tom is survived by the second love of his life, his daughter Jennifer, her life mate Gerry DiEdwards, his sister Marilyn Mercer Pliego, her daughter & son in-law Suzy & Tom Finegan and two great nephews. In addition, several brother & sister in laws and their children in The U.K.

Tom remained loyal to his Erie roots, returning to the area annually. He could be seen visiting friends, returning to his love of The Niagara and doing a "drive by" of Academy, other favorite haunts, and stopping at every open ice cream parlor!

Tom had an outspoken zest for life; he was a passionate student of world and naval history, a great friend to all, and he will be sorely missed by the many people he came into contact with during his life.

We salute you Cpl Mercer!