Joseph Abraham Merhib

On Thursday, July 2, 2020, Joseph Abraham Merhib, Sr, loving husband and father of two children passed away at age 87 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Joe was born on December 22, 1932 in Sherburne New York to Jenny and Abraham Merhib and was the one of five children who grew up in Utica, New York. Following military service as an Army paratrooper completing 38 jumps, Joe returned to Utica, New York to marry Libby Milham on October 17, 1953. Joe and his family moved to Oklahoma City to work for Lear Siegler as an engineer for 10 years and later joined his wife in the clothing business for another 10 years, opening "The Riverboat" stores in French Market Mall, Shepherd Mall and Crossroads Mall. Joe had an amazing zest for business challenges and started his third career in the Oil and Gas industry which extended until Joe and Libby retired to West Palm Beach for 10 years. Joe was the epitome of a man who placed faith and family first, and was known for his quick wit, his kind spirit and his notorious shenanigans as an altar boy with his 3 brothers. He was an avid fly fisherman, bowler, golfer, reader and spectator in any activity involving his grandchildren.Joe was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Libby of Oklahoma City and daughter Dr. Lorraine Merhib Wilson and her spouse Dr. Robert Wilson, and son Joseph A. Merhib, Jr, grandchildren Rob Wilson and his wife Jennifer Wilson and great granddaughter Emma Wilson, Dr Megan Wilson and her spouse Lee Blanchard as well as numerous nieces and nephews.Services at Epiphany Catholic Church will be held at a later date and donations may be made to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff of Accentra Hospice for their compassionate care.