Obituary of Merlin E. Brockway

Merlin E. Brockway, 79, of Wyckoff, New Jersey, previously of Waldwick, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 with his wife, Sharon, by his side. Merl graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and earned his master’s degree in environmental engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark. Plant manager for the Spencer Kellogg manufacturing facility in Edgewater for several years, he was later responsible for maintaining the Chemical Waste Management plant in Newark. A quiet man with a zest for living, Merl travelled extensively within the United States and abroad. He was also a skilled carver of small figures and specialized in creating unique Santa Claus characters. Merl enjoyed opera and the theater, entertaining guests in his home, playing bridge, and walking at the James A. McFaul Environmental Center. A member of Activities Unlimited in Wyckoff, Merl also belonged to a book club for more than 30 years. While club reading selections were eclectic, American history was always his favorite. A 20-year member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ridgewood, Merl served faithfully on several boards and committees. He also attended the First Congregational Church in Park Ridge, and he participated in Bible study groups at both churches. Merl is predeceased by his son, Clinton Stuart Brockway, and three brothers: Ronald, Donald, and Darvin. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Sharon K. Brockway; daughter Nadine M. Maloney; daughter-in-law Debra Brockway; sister Virginia Foltz; brother Merril Brockway; and many nieces and nephews. The Brockway family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Paul Hamlin and his staff at MSKCC for their compassionate care. A memorial service will be held on January 13, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 131 Pascack Road, Park Ridge, NJ.  Contributions in Merlin’s memory may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Wall Street Plaza, 88 Pine Street, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10005 or to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203. Arrangements are by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, (vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff.