HERKIMER-Richard Eugene Mergenthaler age 57 of South Washington Street passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon March 22, 2012 in the home of his sister Sandy Climek in Stittville with his loving family by his side. He was born on June 4, 1954 in Ilion, son of the late Lyle and Dorothy Reid Mergenthaler. Richard was raised and educated in Herkimer. He had worked for many years in construction and United Van Lines in Doylestown, PA retiring in 2004. Mr. Mergenthaler had attended the New Life Church in Herkimer. He possessed a strong faith and shared his love for the Lord with everyone, especially his children. He also was blessed to have the ability to connect with others, which made it easy for him to develop many friendships in his life. In his leisure time, he enjoyed spending time at the Herkimer Fishing Derby, listening to music, reading the Bible, refurnishing furniture, cooking, and playing the drums. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. Surviving are his companion, Jacqueline Reagan, one son Colby Mergenthaler and his wife Amanda of Herkimer, two daughters, Elyza (Mergenthaler)Jackson and her companion Alan Clark of New Hartford, Amie Mergenthaler-Crane and her husband Kevin of Herkimer and their mother Gale Henderson Mergenthaler, one brother, Mitchell Mergenthaler and his wife Laurie of NC, two sisters, Alice Tarbox and her husband David, Sandy Climek and her husband David of Stittville, twelve grandchildren, Chelsea Lanaux, Porsche Jackson, Alexis Jackson, Chad Jackson, Rickie Mergenthaler, Kevin Crane, Alex Crane, Natalie Crane, Nathan Crane, Ariana Janes, Dante Mergenthaler, Jacob Mergenthaler, One great grandson Matthew Mergenthaler, Two nephews, David Cefaly, Jr., Joseph Cefaly, two nieces Tammie Ovitt, Sherry Brander, a special friend Jim Caliguire of Herkimer. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a son, Benjamin Mergenthaler in 1993. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. His family will be present in the funeral home to receive relatives and friends, to share memories, on Monday from 6:00 until 7:30 pm. Interment in Mt. View Memorial Gardens, town of Little Falls will be later this spring at a time to be announced.