PHILADELPHIA, NY —Â Merlin J. Shorkey, 84, lifelong resident of Philadelphia, died peacefully, Wednesday morning, Aug. 7, 2019, at his home.
Born July 29, 1935 in Theresa, NY, he was the son of the late Clarence and Lois Rudes Shorkey. Graduating from Philadelphia High School in 1953, he worked for Rapplole Farms until the fall of 1954 when he went to work for the New York State Department of Transportation. Merlin worked for NYSDOT for 37 years as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in 1991.
Merlin married Sina B. McKeever of Philadelphia, NY, on April 20, 1957. After their marriage, the couple moved to their present address in November of 1958.
He was an active member and Past Vice-President of the Philadelphia Fire Dept., joining in April of 1960.
Merlin was also a former member of the Philadelphia Methodist Church.
Among his hobbies besides the fire department was deer hunting, making maple syrup and woodcutting.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Sina; a daughter and son-in-law, Debbi Ann and David Hill, Spencerport, NY; a son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Linda Shorkey, Philadelphia, NY; a daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Robert Buffham, Madrid, NY; a son and daughter-in-law, John and Teresa Shorkey, Webster, NY; a son and daughter-in-law, Darrin and Catalina Shorkey, Hanover, MD; a son, Joel Shorkey, Greenville, SC; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Shorkey, FL; four sisters, Dawn Kiechle, Philadelphia, NY, Glenda Webb, FL, Â Cheryl McKinney, FL, Gloria Barnhardt, Sackets Harbor, NY; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents and a sister, Keitha Liscomb, died previously.
Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at Childs Falls Sunrise Cemetery, Co. Rt. 29, Philadelphia, NY with Pastor Paul Watson, of Grace Community Church, officiating.
Donations may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, NYÂ 13601 or to the Philadelphia Fire Dept., PO Box 419, Philadelphia, NYÂ 13673.
Arrangements are with Frederick Bros. Funeral Home, Theresa, NY.
Condolences may be made to www.frederickbrosfuneralhome.com.
