FORT EDWARD – Robert “China” Mercier, 75, of Anthony Drive, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and best friend, Pam on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on May 18, 1941, in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Leone) Mercier.
After graduation from Hudson Falls High School, China continued his education at Albany Business College.
At one time, he was past owner of Wrought Iron Bar in Hudson Falls, but most of his life, China was a route salesman, delivering for Hogan’s Dairy, Millbrook Bread and finally retiring from Wise Potato Chips.
On October 24, 2003, he Married Pam Oeinck. Together they owned and operated China’s Motor Sports in Hudson Falls.
He was proud to have been a honorary member of the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department. China’s passion was for speed and adventure. He loved watching NASCAR, especially Richard Petty. China also enjoyed snowmobile racing, mostly in Maine, drag car racing all over this area, dirt track racing and sprint car racing. At one time, he drove backwards from Top of the World, Lake George to Hudson Falls. China also loved watching the New York Yankees and passed away while they were playing in the background.
China was a caring, loving and giving husband, father, and grandfather. He always put a smile on others faces. China was a wonderful story teller and was always ready with a joke. He was personable and fun loving man who will be missed.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Matthew Robert Mercier.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Mercier of Fort Edward; his children, Tricia Lawson and her companion, Chuck Hunt of Hudson Falls and Rebecca Osmer and her husband, Corey of Harrisburg, PA; his grandchildren, Alyssa Birnbaum, Taylor Osmer, Jamie Mercier and Kyle Mercier; his German Shepard dogs, Gretchen and Kaiser; his best friends, Gary Nolin and Chuck Caputo; his sisters in law, Linda Gilligan, Tracy Snyder and her companion Frank LaPelle; his brother in law, Larry Oeinck and his companion, Carmen Bordis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no calling hours.
A celebration of life will be at a later date.
Burial will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department, 220 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.
