Gene Merrow

Gene Ray Merrow, age 86, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Gene was born on April 29, 1940, in Conway, New Hampshire, to Ray Wilson Merrow and Olive Helene (Littlefield) Merrow.
Gene is survived by his beloved wife of forty-six years, Nancy; his brother, Glenn Merrow (Mary); and his children: Michael Merrow (Sandra), Carolyn Merrow, Jennifer Layne, Mathew Layne (Dasha), Christine Stock (Michael), Jessica Hurov (John Howard), and Stephanie Friedman (Brooks). He was the proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren: Celia, Benjamin, Rebecca, Gabriel, Maia, Amelia, Wesley, Noah, Abigail, Max, Maddox, Katerina, Maci Rae, and Joel.
Gene graduated from Kennett High School in 1958 and went on to serve in the United States Army, stationed in Germany until 1963. Following his military service, Gene continued his education at the University of New Hampshire, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education. He later pursued doctoral studies in teaching administration at SUNY Albany.
Education was at the heart of Gene’s professional life. He began his career as a teacher in the Schenectady City School System and later served as a program director and instructor with Teacher Corps, taking on leadership roles in developing and supporting educational programs. He went on to a career in educational administration, ultimately serving as Superintendent of Schools in Cohoes, New York. In 1990, Gene and his wife, Nancy, relocated from New York to Florida.
Gene was known for his quick wit, colorful turns of phrase, and he had a way of bringing humor into everyday moments and was never afraid to say exactly what was on his mind. He was a steadfast presence in the lives of his family and could always be counted on to support the people he loved. He particularly enjoyed building and designing projects with his children, as well as woodworking, boating, fishing, music, and following his beloved New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox.
Above all, Gene will be remembered by his family for his unwavering support and the countless stories and moments they shared. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and in the many lives he touched throughout his 86 years. A memorial service will be held at a future date in Conway, New Hampshire.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of North Central Florida https://www.humanesocietyncfl.org/ .