Saratoga Springs, NY – David W. Merriman, age 58, passed away peacefully on July 31 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his family.

Dave was born in Rochester, NY in 1963 and grew up in a number of places as the son of a Navy father, but primarily in Irondequoit, NY where he graduated from high school.

He received his Bachelor's Degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Dave was a sports fanatic who loved the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Orioles, and Buffalo Sabres. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball, spending fall at the football field, and winters at the hockey rink. He was tremendously proud of his kids and took every opportunity to spend time with them across a variety of activities.

He spent his Thursday nights in the summer golfing with his buddies at SPAC and was as good of a salesman as there ever was, working for Genesee, Labatt, Saratoga Eagle Distributing, Sierra Nevada, and Paradox over a 30+ year career in the beer industry.

He lit up a room when he walked in and genuinely made anyone in his path smile and laugh at a moment's notice, whether through his sense of humor or his infectiously positive attitude. He felt at home in Lake Placid and always had a soft spot for the Adirondacks and their native wildlife.

He was as kind hearted as they come, an endlessly dedicated father, and one of the friendliest souls on the planet. And he so much looked forward to growing old with his kids who look forward to keeping his memory alive and well.

Dave is survived by his children, Brett and Pamela, his brothers Marc and Mike, sister Sue, The Hockey Hackers, and countless friends and extended family members. He is predeceased by his father Marcus, mother Anna, ex-wife Jennifer, and brother Tim.

He will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and community.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cancer Research Institute where they are leading the charge in advancing breakthrough immunotherapies in an effort to end cancer for good.

A Celebration of Life for both Dave and Jen will take place at Wadham's Lodge, Powder Mills Park, September 25th, noon to 5pm.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com