In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite, Land Conservationist, Community ‘Visionary,’ Dick Mercer Jr., 95

Longtime Rumsonite Henry Dickson “Dick” Mercer Jr. passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 24. He was 95.

The devoted son of Henry D. and Catherine S. Mercer, Henry was born on June 28, 1931, in Passaic. Nicknamed Dick by his parents, he attended Passaic Collegiate School, Montclair Academy, and The Lawrenceville School.

Dick served in the U.S. Merchant Marine prior to enlisting in the Navy during the Korean War, where he served from 1951 to 1955. After honorable discharge, Dick obtained his third mate license in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He then joined States Marine Corporation, founded in 1930 by his father.

States Marine ultimately became one of the United States’ largest privately owned maritime shipping companies. Dick held the position of Executive Vice President and Director. In addition, he was an active private investor until his final days. A further testament to lifelong learning, Dick was an avid reader of multiple daily newspapers and all genres of literature.

A resident of New Jersey his entire life, Dick had fond memories of his childhood years living in Passaic, Spring Lake, and Colts Neck.

“During World War II, growing up on Hominy Hill Farms in Colts Neck, Dick raised chickens and launched a business selling eggs to the local diner indicative of his self-discipline, strong work ethic, and ingenuity which remained steadfast throughout his life.

“His family moved to Rumson in 1947 where he remained a resident for the rest of his life. It is there where he raised a family with his beloved wife of 67 years, the late Barbara Lawes Mercer, who passed away in 2022. Dick was an integral, visionary member of the community. A proponent of land conservation, he facilitated his father’s gift of Rumson Road land to the Borough of Rumson.

“Dick was president of Hominy Hill Golf Club. In 1975, he negotiated the sale of the golf course by the Mercer family to the Monmouth County Park System, declining higher offers from real estate developers. For twelve years, he was a dedicated trustee of The Rumson Country Day School. He also was trustee and president of the Oceanic Free Library.

“A devout parishioner of St. George’s-by-the River Church, he served as usher at the eight o’clock Sunday morning service until he was ninety-one years old.

“He was a staunch supporter of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation. Dick was a long- standing member of the Rumson Country Club, Sea Bright Beach Club, Sea Bright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club, and New York Yacht Club.

“He was a firm believer in the benefits of daily exercise, especially walking. An ardent sports competitor and fan never daunted by extreme weather, the enjoyment and friendships formed while participating were important to him. Dick excelled at sailing and racquet sports. He was a skilled racing sailor with a flair for tactics sailing downwind, a three-time platform tennis club champion highly sought after by the younger generation, and an enthusiastic grass court doubles tennis player. He had an avid interest in thoroughbred horse racing deriving great pleasure as a horse owner since 1990, primarily investing in partnerships with Centennial Farms. His ownership stake in Corinthian, winner of the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile in 2007 at Monmouth Park, was the highlight of his racing career.

“Family was the center of Dick’s life, with Barbara as his mainstay. Those closest to him witnessed his integrity, humility, keen intellect, kindness, and sense of humor. Although his loss brings profound sadness to his family, he will forever remain at the helm.”
Loved ones of Dick Mercer Jr. in his obituary

Dick is survived by three children; Henry D. Mercer III and wife, Joan, of Locust, Deborah Mercer Ribas, of Westwood, MA; and Marilyn Mercer Bell and husband, Charles, of Colts Neck; his grandchildren, Dickson, Sarah, Anna, William, Elizabeth, and Matthew; his great-grandchildren, Henry, Hope, Eloise, and Theodore; his sister-in-law, Patricia Mayer Mercer; and nine nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by: his son, Andrew W. Mercer; his sister, Millicent M. Johnsen; his brother, Douglas D. Mercer.

Funeral services will be private.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home