Dr. Richard H. Merritt, 78, of Bridgewater, N.J., passed away Oct. 31, 2011, in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J.  Dr. Merritt leaves behind his wife, Bonnie McCay Merritt; sister, Joan Spielman; daughters, Lori Merritt, Jeanne Hertrich, and Caroline Benard; sons, Richard William and James Howard Merritt, and seven grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, those interested in making a donation may contribute to a memorial fund to benefit undergraduate students at the School for Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University. Please make out checks to "Rutgers University Foundation" and include Richard Merritt's name in the note. Donations may be sent to Kelly Watts, associate dean of development, Suite 111, 88 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, N.J. 08901.