James Merva

James Andrew Merva, 72, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2014 surrounded by his family, at Presbyterian Hospital in Allen, Texas.

Jim was born November 19, 1942 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania to the late Andrew and Susan Merva. He was a graduate of Greater Latrobe Senior High School and St. Vincent College. Jim's professional life included positions at Kennametal, Walworth Valve, Rockwell International and a position with Lennox Industries that brought him to Texas in 1985. In his retirement years, he made frequent trips back to his second home in Whitney, Pennsylvania, which was sentimentally referred to as "the hut" by his grandsons. Jim will be fondly remembered for his many talents and passionscooking, restoring old cars, fishing in his orange bass boat, his handyman skills and proudly interacting with his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 51 years, Roberta Rabic Merva; his daughter, Janice Richard and her husband Troy; grandsons, Blake and Nathan Richard; brothers, Thomas Merva and wife Ann, Robert Merva and wife Sue; bother-in-law, Thomas Rabic and wife Nancy; sister-in-law, Marlene Berg and husband Richard; uncle, George Meholic and wife Jo; aunt, Josephine Meholic; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jim was a man of faith. He was a former member of the St. Cecilia Parish in Whitney, PA as well as St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Plano, Texas. Jim could be described as a man of few words, but his kindness and gentle heart were apparent to those who loved him.

In November, he was able to travel with his family to Austin, Texas to tour the University of Texas and get a first-hand look at where his grandson, Blake, attends college. His grandsons meant the world to him. He was so proud of their academic achievements, musical talents, spiritual involvement at church, and the fact that they've grown up to be mature, loving, and responsible young men. He loved his wife, Roberta, his partner, companion, friend, and caregiver. His daughter was also near and dear and he was proud of the woman and mother that she has become.

Jim will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him. His legacy will live on through his daughter and grandchildren. Rest in Peace Dear Soul. You will always be in our hearts. Until we meet again...we love you Pap! The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers, memorials are made in Jim's name to your church or to a charity of your choosing.

A memorial Mass will be held in Spring/Summer of 2015 in his hometown of Whitney, PA. Details of the services for family and friends will be forthcoming.