MERLIN EARL SPADE – Obituary
Merlin Earl Spade of Clayton passed peacefully, with his family by his side, on Friday, March 10, 2023. Age 64. Husband of 38 years to Cindy Lou Spade (nee May). Devoted father of Tammy Noriega (Daniel) of Fort Worth, TX; Jessica Martinez (Ed) of Cinnaminson, NJ; Michelle Richardson (Dave) of Clayton, NJ; Melissa Spade of Clayton, NJ; and Nikki Spade. Loving PopPop to Maddison, Daylin, Mason, Aria, and Santino. Son of the late Earl B. Spade and Alma Merlene (nee Ulrich) Tracy. Brother of Joyce Gollon, Bill Spade, Debby Morris, Bobby Spade, William Bratsper, Bob Bratsper, Mike Tracy, Matthew Spade, Cathy Caputo (sister-in-law), and the late Robin Tracy. Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Born in Ephrata, PA and raised in Elmer where he was a longtime resident, Merlin was a 1977 graduate of Bridgeton High School. He worked as a welder for Accurate in Erial for 25 years fabricating dumpsters. While welding, he also managed Nick’s Pizzeria in Newfield from 1990 to 1998. Merlin moved to Pine Island, FL in 2008 where he worked as a stocker for Walmart. In 2015, he moved to Clayton and transferred to the Deptford Walmart where he worked until his retirement in 2022.
Merlin enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Phillies and loved watching NASCAR. Merlin also loved “Lexi”, his Jack Russell Terrier.
Services are private at the convenience of the family under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME. Sign the guestbook at BarclayFuneralHome.net.