Merrill Maratea

Merrill Maratea, born August 26, 1952 to the late Frank Maratea and Lily Maratea in Riverside, New Jersey, he journeyed home on June 18, 2026 after a valiant fight with Pancreatic cancer. A near lifelong resident of New Orleans and Metairie, he attended John F. Kennedy High School and received a B.S. from UNO in Medical Technology.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Pamela Horridge Maratea, son Christopher (Melissa) Maratea, two daughters, Stacie (Emery) Minnard, Julie (James) Mayes and a grandson. He is also survived by a sister, Alison Belsom and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

Merrill worked in the medical field before moving to Industry at the (QA) Laboratory of Shell Chemical enjoying many special projects, special assignments, advanced instrumentation, and computer integration. He retired from Shell Chemical achieving Laboratory Supervisor position and following assignments in both the Chemical Plant and Refinery forming many lasting relationships.

Following retirement, Merrill enjoyed his time being an extra in several movies and TV enjoying a special segment in the series Kville. In addition, he was a member of the St. Philip's Men's Club, a Defensive Driving Instructor for the Nat'l Safety Council and on "at the elbow" software support for nurses and physicians training on electronic medical records around the US.

An avid golfer and woodworker, Merrill recently began enjoying pickle ball and the many wonderful people he met.

Thanks for all the prayers and support from all who knew Merrill and in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Wounded Warrior Project or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday June 25, 2026 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church 2729 Lowerline Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70125