Retired Physician
Dr. Leon “Le’ Merc” Rafer Mercado, 90, of Levittown, PA, passed away with family by his side at home on February 12, 2018. He was born on July 2, 1927, in Camarines Norte, in the Bicol region of Luzon, Philippines to the late Maria A. (Rafer) and Benito C. Mercado. He has lived in Nutley and Passaic, NJ. He was preceded by his wife of 55 years, Dr. Zenaida Abante Madrid Mercado who he married in 1962, his 3 older siblings and his parents.
In childhood, other than being a student, he helped on the family farm in the rice fields “riding and working” the carabaos, tilling. In his teens, being too young to join the military, he was forced into hiding with his family in their rice cellar during the Japanese occupation. Unfortunately, losing his older brother at Bataan.
After liberation, he assisted in salvaging the fields and also performed odd jobs to earn income after school. He climbed trees to gather coconuts and fruit. He performed traditional dance for entertainment. He was a tutor and a teacher.
He attended college at the University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University and graduated with a Doctorate of Medicine in 1958.
Upon emigrated to the United State and he began his career in Chicago Illinois, at Cook County Hospital. He moved East to New Jersey where he worked in several hospitals across Essex County and surrounding areas as well. He formally retired in 2002.
Being on the East Coast, he became an avid Yankee fan collecting memorabilia and enjoying the excitement during the World Series, especially the 77-78 season.
He is survived by his 8 children; Mary Michelle, Milton, Mark and his wife Lori, Michael, Myrna Fernandez and her husband Jorge, Monica Stenger, Maurice and his wife Jennifer, Maria Blackford and her husband Shawn.
12 grandchildren; Marjorie, William, Brandon, Christa, Alec, Sierra, Shayna, Michelle, Devon, Nicole, Renee and Marcus; and 3 great grandchildren; Madison, Mason and Chloe.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church in Nutley at 9:30 a.m.
The entombment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in No. Arlington
Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Friday from 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society would be preferred.