Raymond Nicklas Merena, 75, of Vero Beach and Wolfeboro , N.H.,, died May 21 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.
Merena was born July 9, 1937 to Nicklas and Josephine Merena in Johnson City, New York.
An alumnus of Johnson City High School and Cornell University, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
A nationally known professional numismatist, he was president of Bowers & Merena Galleries, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, until his retirement in 2000.
The company was a major auction house for consignors of some of the country’s most prestigious rare coin estates.
Merena was a life member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the Professional Numismatist Guild (PNG) serving as president from 1995 to 1997.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Patricia Roberts Merena; his children, Mark Merena (Gina Adams), Caroline Merena and Sara Merena; his grandchildren: Nicklas Merena Suga, Theodore Raymond Linde, Caroline Patricia Linde, Beau Carson and Chad Carson.
He was predeceased by his sister, Julia Merena Zlamal, of Binghamton.
After being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2003, he and his wife became advocates and fund raisers for research, understanding of the disease and part of a research project at Penn Memory Center of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Contributions may be made to: Penn Memory Center Alzheimer’s Disease Center ATTN: Chelsea Brand 3615 Chestnut Street, Room 236 Philadelphia, PA 19104.
A memorial service will take place on at 11 a.m. June 1st at All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
A reception will follow at the Wolfeboro Inn.
Burial will be private.
The Baker-Gagne Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Wolfeboro, N.H., is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To send online go to: www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com.