FORT EDWARD – Robert “China” Mercier, 75, of Anthony Drive, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife and best friend, Pam on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born on May 18, 1941, in Fort Edward, he was the son of the late William and Mary (Leone) Mercier.
After graduation from Hudson Falls High School, China continued his education at Albany Business College.
At one time, he was past owner of Wrought Iron Bar in Hudson Falls, but most of his life, China was a route salesman, delivering for Hogan’s Dairy, Millbrook Bread and finally retiring from Wise Potato Chips.
On October 24, 2003, he Married Pam Oeinck. Together they owned and operated China’s Motor Sports in Hudson Falls.
He was proud to have been a honorary member of the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department. China’s passion was for speed and adventure. He loved watching NASCAR, especially Richard Petty. China also enjoyed snowmobile racing, mostly in Maine, drag car racing all over this area, dirt track racing and sprint car racing. At one time, he drove backwards from Top of the World, Lake George to Hudson Falls. China also loved watching the New York Yankees and passed away while they were playing in the background.
China was a caring, loving and giving husband, father, and grandfather. He always put a smile on others faces. China was a wonderful story teller and was always ready with a joke. He was personable and fun loving man who will be missed.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Matthew Robert Mercier.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Mercier of Fort Edward; his children, Tricia Lawson and her companion, Chuck Hunt of Hudson Falls and Rebecca Osmer and her husband, Corey of Harrisburg, PA; his grandchildren, Alyssa Birnbaum, Taylor Osmer, Jamie Mercier and Kyle Mercier; his German Shepard dogs, Gretchen and Kaiser; his best friends, Gary Nolin and Chuck Caputo; his sisters in law, Linda Gilligan, Tracy Snyder and her companion Frank LaPelle; his brother in law, Larry Oeinck and his companion, Carmen Bordis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no calling hours.
A celebration of life will be at a later date.
Burial will be private at St. Mary’s Cemetery in South Glens Falls.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Hudson Falls Volunteer Fire Department, 220 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.
Pam I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of China. I have fond memories growing up with him at the house with dad. He was always so good to us kids. My heart breaks for you and the girls,
Rosemary Carpenter Koehler
Dear Pam,
My heart is broken to learn the passing of my birthday twin…I am so sorry to hear of China’s passing. He joins a group of greats in heaven for sure. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,Georgeanne
Heaven just got a little sweeter with the addition of China or as I called him “Pop” … A close family friend and a man that enjoyed living life indeed. I’ll miss talking with you about the old stories and sharing thoughts about Matthew. RIP Pop, Love Ya!
So sorry for your loss Pam and family. China was a very good friend of my Dad and I. He was truly a great man who I always enjoyed spending time talking with.
So very sorry to hear about China’s passing. We have fond memories of him whether it be working on cars in the garage, or out together for some fun. He was a genuinely all around nice guy, and he will be missed by all that knew him. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Pam I am so sorry for your loss. China was a great person with a big heart. He treated me like one of his own for many years. I will always miss and love him for that. Love ya. I will always be here for u love ya
We had a lot of fun,China.Another big hole in life.
Best to Pam and family.
Dear Pam and family. So sorry for your loss! Wish I could be there but can’t at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!! Sending you hugs!! In time may the happy memories ease your mourning.
Bobby was a big influence on my dragracing career! Used to peek through the fence and watch him run his Super Stock AA hemi Dart at South Glens Falls Dragway. Road my bike up to his garage to look at the” Rickshaw” and hope he would start it up.Thanks Bob for the great memories. So sorry Pam for your loss!!!
my sincere sympathy to bob’s family and friends. i’m very sad to hear “THE WISE MAN” was taken from you all. many fond memories and laughs through the years beginning when i worked for him to the wrought iron lounge and all through the years as he was the wise man. rest in peace my old friend
Dear Pam, Just got the news. Mike and I are heartbroken for you and your family. Keeping you close in our hearts and prayers.
Pam so sorry for your loss. China was a great friend, you could always count on him when things went wrong. He was riight there to help out, I have a lot of Great memories to cherish from are racing days.
I remember Bob from high school and some reunions. He was always friendly and cheerful, with a great sense of humor, who always brightened your day when you met him. Everyone liked him. My deepest condolences. John Day, Delmar NY, HF class of ’59.