Merton L. Iosue

Pharmaceutical salesman, beloved husband and uncle

Merton Lee Iosue, 64, of Estero, Fla., passed away on Feb. 7, 2018, after a lengthy illness. He was born on Oct. 31, 1953, to Nicholas and Hazel (Amon) Iosue of West Brighton, Staten Island.

Mert is survived by his devoted wife, Marilyn (Terjesen) Iosue; beloved brothers, Carmine Iosue of Illinois, Nicholas Iosue of Pennsylvania, and Kenneth Iosue of Florida, and his very close first cousin, Maria (Iosue) Dempsey.

Merton was predeceased by his sister, Jane Iosue. "His children" consisted of 14 loving nieces and nephews, and 13 grandnieces and nephews, who all adored their "Uncle Mert."

Mert's long sales career began by delivering the neighborhood Staten Island Advance in the 1960's, then selling advertisement space for the S.I. Advance in the 1970's, and working himself up to be a national account manager for Galderma Pharmaceuticals, retiring in 2010. His successful pharmaceutical career awarded him many company trips abroad.

Calvary Presbyterian Church Boy Scouts and Explorer organizations instilled a deep sense of ethical values in Mert at a young age, and those values remained steadfast throughout his lifetime.

Mert was a staunch fan of the New York Giants and New York Yankees, and he enjoyed playing his beloved Italian childhood game of bocce and "Hand and Foot" cards.

Mert was passionate about politics and travel. He loved to critique wine and restaurants wherever his travels took him.

Mert will be remembered for his altruism, a sunny positive disposition, sense of humor, competitive nature, and for being a keen enthusiastic listener.

Funeral arrangements are with Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Avenue, Staten Island. Visitation is on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, from 4 to 8 p.m. The funeral service is Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be this spring in the Pocono Mountains, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to National Aphasia Association, P.O. Box 87, Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583, or Hope Hospice Healthcare, 9470 Healthpark Circle, Fort Myers, Fla. 33908.

Harmon Funeral Home

571 Forest Ave.

Staten Island, N.Y. 10310

(718) 442-5056