Richard Donald Merion

Brigadier General Richard Donald Merion, 90, of West Chester, passed away Monday June 1, 2026 at Barclay Friends in West Chester.

He was the husband of Jeanette T. Merion (Martinkus).

Born January 28, 1936, in Northampton, MA, he was the son of the late Howard Davis Merion and the late Tacy Walton Merion.

Richard grew up in West Chester and graduated from West Chester High School ‘53, received a B.S. Biology from West Chester University (WCU) '59, MPH from the University of Michigan ‘67, and a M.Ed., Biology from WCU ‘69. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from WCU ‘09. WCU’s Richard D. Merion Science Center was named in his honor in 2009. He was awarded the WCU President’s Medallion in 2022.

Richard was immensely proud of his service to his country. He enlisted in the PA National Guard in 1954 while pursuing his undergraduate degree. He graduated Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA as a 2nd Lt in 1957 and became part of the Stryker Brigade. He was Commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry in West Chester in what is now Uptown Theater. In 1972 he transitioned from the PA National Guard to the 358th Army Reserve Civil Affairs Unit (Norristown), commanded the 304th Civil Affairs Group (Philadelphia), and served on the General’s Staff at the Civil Affairs Command (N.Y.) until his retirement in 1987.

While serving he attended the U.S. Army Infantry School, graduated from the U.S. Army War College, was an Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College, attended the National Defense University and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was awarded the following medal and commendations: Legion of Merit Medal, Dept. of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the U.S. Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the U.S. Army Achievement Medal, U.S. Armed Forces Humanitarian Medal (twice), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (National Guard), and many other awards and honors from both the U.S. Army and the PA National Guard. Richard was promoted to Brigadier General (PA National Guard, Ret.) by Adjutant General Gerald Sajer.

Early in his career he worked at the PA Health Dept. and the Chester County Health Dept. Later, he was self-employed in construction, real estate investments, water companies, utility management companies, and restaurants.

In his retirement, Richard continued to volunteer to support his love of the miliary and community organizations. His various memberships and leadership positions include serving as Commander of the Veteran Guard, Commander of Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands, Vice Commander of American Legion Post 134, President of the USO of PA & So. NJ, life member of both ROA & MOWW, Allied V.P. British Officers' Club of Phila., and was VP on the Board of the Chapel of Four Chaplains, later receiving their Humanitarian Award. Richard was appointed PA State Chairman of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. During his 33-year membership in the Union League he served on the Armed Services Committee. Dick also served as President of WCU Alumni Association and was named Distinguished Alumnus in '95. . He was a member of and Paul Harris Fellow in West Chester Rotary Club, a member of West Chester Masonic Lodge 322 F&AM, and a LuLu Shriner. Richard served 23 years as Republican Committeeman in West Whiteland Twp. He was an avid world traveler having visited over 45 countries.

In addition to his wife of 46 years, Richard is survived by his children, daughter Renee Merion Everett (Gregory Everett), his son Mark B. Merion (Cali Stevenson Merion), grandson Tyler Stevenson, many nieces and nephews, and former spouse, Joan Merion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Merion, sister Marjorie Ebert, and niece Karen (Ebert) Call.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10:00 am - 10:45 am at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380, followed by his Masonic Service at 10:45 am and his Funeral Service at 11:00 am.

Interment will be private by the family at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery,  Annville, PA, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the General Richard Merion Memorial ROTC Scholarship, c/o West Chester Univ. Foundation, 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.