Obituary of Merton Sarvay

Merton Emerson Sarvay II, born in Cortland, NY on February 3, 1929, passed away in Hamden, CT at the age of 95 on September 4, 2024. Mert was predeceased by his beloved wife Donna, parents John and Martha, brother James, sister Laura Ann (Robert Meade). Mert was a graduate of Syracuse University and a member of the Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. He went on to have a successful career in banking and retired from NBD Bank in Illinois. Mert had a life-long passion for genealogy. He extensively researched his family tree leading to many conversations about his and his wife's family history. He was a member of the McHenry County IL Genealogy Society where he was honored for his volunteerism. He was also an avid supporter of the historical societies and libraries in Crystal Lake IL and Cortland NY. Upon his retirement, Mert returned to Cortland where he cherished time spent with relatives and visits from family. You could often find him walking miles through Cortland or reading the New Yorker magazine cover to cover. Mert is survived by his children Laura Ann (Darlene Ashford) and William (Jacqueline) and granddaughters Eriche and Jeannise. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Sarvay and several cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. His final years were spent in Hamden CT supported by his loving daughter and her spouse and the caring staff at Benchmark Senior Living. A Memorial service will be held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY at 10:00 a.m. on September 26, 2024. In lieu of flowers, please support the Cortland County Historical Society, 25 Homer Ave., Cortland, NY 13045, or online at https://cortlandhistory.org/donations/.