Charles Richard Merwarth

Pittsboro, NC – Charles Richard (Dick) Merwarth, MD was born on August 27, 1930 and died on February 2, 2024. He grew up in a small town in New Jersey where he made friends that lasted a lifetime including his beloved wife, Pat. They became high school sweethearts, married eight years later and remained in love for sixty-seven years of marriage. Pat predeceased him in January of 2021.

Dick graduated from Duke University School of Medicine, served in the Air Force, and upon discharge was a respected and admired practicing physician in Raleigh, NC for many years. Even with his demanding practice, he and Pat were able to experience many outdoor adventures including kayaking in Alaska, rafting through the Grand Canyon, and canoeing across the Okeefenokee Swamp. In their beloved sailboat, Kluane, they explored the rivers and sounds of North Carolina and Virigina, and when he retired, they journeyed The Intercostal Waterway to Florida, and enjoyed four winters in The Bahamas. He instilled this sense of adventure and love of travel in his children and grandchildren.

As a valued resident of Galloway Ridge, Dick was active on numerous committees, serving as a chairperson of the Current Events group and as a leader of the residents writing group. An avid sailor and writer, he was published multiple times in Sail magazine. He was also greatly valued as the resident medical expert and residents often sought his medical advice.

Dick is survived by his children Mike (Priscilla), Eileen (Mike), and Leigh Ann (Mike); grandchildren Charles (Anna), Ruth (Collin), Lindsay (Mac), and Caroline (Mitch); and seven beautiful great grandchildren.

The Merwarth family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham, NC. Online condolences:www.hallwynne.com; select obits. The family requests that any donations be made to the Wake County or Chatham County Humane Society, the Nature Conservancy, or the Salvation Army.