Howard H. Merkel

Captain Howard Henry Merkel passed away in the early hours of January 26th, 2024. He was a dedicated Christian and had attended Stewartstown Baptist Church, The Church of the Open Door in York as well as Antioch Baptist Church in Stewartstown.

Howard was born in Moline, Illinois on August 14, 1946. He lived in various locations in central Iowa before his family moved to Middletown, PA. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1964.  He then attended the State of New York Maritime College, Fort Schuyler.  He graduated in 1968. It was here that he became an Officer in the Merchant Marine. He served in the Merchant Marine during the Vietnam War, delivering fuel and supplies to US troops. In 1972 he was selected to be a ship’s pilot for the Association of Maryland Pilots. On March 3rd, 1973 he married the love of his life, Patricia.

Howard partially retired from the Association of Maryland Pilots in 2007 but continued to pilot and give tours on the SS John W. Brown, which was a Liberty Ship in WWII. Howard fully retired in 2018.

Howard had an intense interest in General Aviation. He was a licensed pilot in several categories including gliders, single engine aircraft, commercial aircraft, helicopters, and gyrocopters. He built several aircraft including one ultralight and two gyrocopters, one of which he used to establish a world record. He flew his Barnett gyrocopter from San Diego, CA to Kitty Hawk, NC for a coast-to-coast speed record. Howard accomplished this in the fall of 1989.

Howard had a quick mind and easily remembered history, facts and figures.  His interests were extensive and wide ranging.  He was the keeper of family history and stories that were passed down from his parents.

Howard was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Patricia. He is survived by his son, Jonathan and his wife Kristy as well as his two older brothers, Charles of Plano, Texas and Alan of Whitestone, VA.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a visitation from 12-1 p.m. on Friday, February 2, at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 19 S. Main Street, Stewartstown, PA 17363, with a funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral in Zion Methodist Episcopal Cemetery in Stewartstown.

Howard was a patriotic American. In lieu of flowers please donate to Donald Trump’s re-election campaign at https://www.donaldjtrump.com/