Raymond Nicklas Merena

Raymond Nicklas Merena, 75, of Vero Beach, FL, and Wolfeboro , NH, died May 21in Marblehead, MA, from complications of Alzheimer's Disease, an illness he not only dealt with for ten years, but actively supported in research and fund-raising for a cure. Merena was born July 9, 1937 to Nicklas and Josephine Merena in Johnson City, New York. An Alumnus of Johnson City High School and Cornell University he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. A nationally known professional numismatist he was president of Bowers & Merena Galleries, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, until his retirement in 2000. The company was a major auction house for consignors of some of the countries most prestigious rare coin estates. Merena was a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the Professional Numismatist Guild (PNG) serving as president from 1995 to 1997. During his years in Wolfeboro, Merena was an active member of the community, donating land to community development, helping to establish the town's annual musical festival Great Waters, and supporting its wonderful World War 2 museum, the Wright Museum. An accomplished pianist he especially liked playing progressive jazz. He was a modest and reserved man but always enjoyed lending his baritone voice to any gathering of singers. Golfing in Florida and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in NH were favorite pastimes. He claimed playing bridge was, too, but that was often debatable. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Roberts Merena and his children: Mark Merena (Gina Adams), Caroline Merena and Sara Merena. His grandchildren: Nicklas Merena Suga, Theodore Raymond Linde, Caroline Patricia Linde, Beau Carson and Chad Carson. He was predeceased by his sister, Julia Merena Zlamal of Binghamton. After being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease in 2003, he and his wife became advocates and fund raisers for research, understanding of the disease, and part of a research project at Penn Memory Center of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Contributions in Ray's memory may be made to: Penn Memory Center Alzheimer's Disease Center ATTN: Chelsea Brand 3615 Chestnut Street, Room 236 Philadelphia, PA 19104 A Memorial Service for Ray will take place on at 11 AM June 1st at All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. A reception will follow at the Wolfeboro Inn. Burial will be private. The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wolfeboro, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Raymond Nicklas Merena

July 9, 1937 - May 21, 2013