Obituary of Michael Harris Merims

Michael “Mike” Harris Merims, age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at his home in Charlotte, NC.(formerly of Westchester, NY).  He was the beloved son of the late Jacob “Jack” Merims and Esther Rose Greif Merims of blessed memory.

Michael was born in 1937 in New York City, NY a Jewish boy who grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, NY.  He served his country in the United States Naval Air Corp from 1954 through 1957, (and Oh… the stories he told!!!). Michael was a salesman for many years, until he found his true calling in books and antiques. He dealt in items such as Fine Art, Olde Books, Antiques and Collectibles, appraising, buying and selling. He loved to travel having stopped in five different continents. He also delighted in entertaining little children by doing his famous “Donald Duck” voice imitation. He was also an active member of the Charlotte Levine Jewish Community Center. He loved eating Chinese food, it was the best to him, and with lobster, an all-time favorite…but vegetables…not so much! He received great pleasure and looked forward to hunting for treasures, and then researching his finds, and telling folks about his acquisitions.

He watched the news daily and it would not be unusual to see or hear him telling the TV if he agreed or not with what they said! He found the funny, the humor in so many things and let the rest of us laugh along with him. Most of all, Michael loved his family and his friends. He will be missed, so please think of him when you can and may his memory bring each one of you a smile.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Leila Lindsay Merims, of Charlotte, NC; his son Marshall Richard Merims and his wife Cheryl, of Cary, NC; his daughter Laura Merims Krucfeld and her husband, Rabbi Mayer Krucfeld of Baltimore, MD; his daughter Jennifer A. Lindsay and her husband Dr. Edwin Wang of Portland, OR; his sister Jeanne F. Dubno of Maspeth, NY.

Michael is also survived by eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

 In addition to his late parents, Michael was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Samuel Merims; his sister Marilyn Merims Roth; his brother in law Harold Dubno and his beloved step-son Benjamin Rodrigo Joffe.

A graveside service for Michael was held 1:30PM on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Cedar Park Cemetery, 735 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652, under the care of Robert Schoem’s Menorah Chapels, 150 NJ-Rt#4, Paramus, NJ 07652.

Contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to The Levine Jewish Community Center 5007 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, c/o www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org; or any local Jewish War Veterans organization.

Charlotte arrangements are in care of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203.