Contributions to the tribute of Merton Sarvay

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Kay Zaharis posted a condolence

Sunday, September 8, 2024

I was the director of the Cortland Free Library during a major construction project in 2006. Mert would come to the library at least weekly to see the progress of the project which consisted of tearing out the handicap ramp up to the front doors and building historically-correct steps and breaking into the brick facade at the rear of the building to build a walkway to build an elevator shaft on the back. He took hundreds of pictures of the work and when it was finally finished, he gave to me a CD with all the photos he took for the library's history. During his photo-shoots, He came into my office to discuss what was happening I always enjoyed talking with him about the construction as he was truly interested and cared deeply for the library, not only it's physical improvements but the changes in services which were being made. I looked forward to his visits because he brought calmness and enlightenment to my days. I missed his visits when the construction was completed. I feel blessed to have had those memories with him.

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Matthew Meade uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Miss you Mert. Thank you for all the memories of the maple festival, our trips to AJ’s for breakfast, our trips to Ithaca to see the waterfalls or get bagels. Our drives just to drive and our walks just to walk. Thank you for being there for me like a father when I needed you with an open ear and beautifully blunt advise to push me in the right direction. Thank you for your kindness and your love. And most of all thank you for finally letting me change your light bulbs so I could sleep better at night. Keep walking, keep moving forward. Love you Mert.

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Michael Meade posted a condolence

Thursday, September 5, 2024

As a nephew of Merton, my brother Marshall and I share many fond memories. Perhaps the most meaningful one was when he made a three-day round-trip in June 1968 to retrieve us from boarding school in Michigan. We were “holdovers,” very much like the recent Academy Award winning movie, and somehow we packed our stuff and three people into his vintage VW bug for the 13-hour drive home. He and wife Donna made many trips to concerts and events during our education and professional musical careers. He will be greatly missed.

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The family of Merton Sarvay uploaded a photo

Thursday, September 5, 2024

In loving memory of

Merton

1929 - 2024