Bradford Merritt, 73

New Jersey State Police | Former Rocky Hill Borough Councilman

April 29, 1952 – December 12, 2025

Mr.  Bradford “Brad” Merritt, 73, of Rocky Hill, NJ died peacefully on December 12, 2025.

He was born on April 29, 1952, in Trenton, NJ and graduated from Trenton High School. He attended Allegheny College and The College of New Jersey where he received a bachelor of science in biology.  He married the love of his life, Marguerite, on November 12, 1982.

Brad started his career with the New Jersey State Police as a Public Safety Communications Operator.  During his career, he helped design a training program for new Public Safety Communication Operators at the NJ State Police. He retired as the Chief Public Safety Telecommunicator.

Brad was a member of the Shriner’s Organization, where he served as a president. He also served as a councilman on The Rocky Hill Borough Council. 

Brad was also a well-known bird watcher and ornithologist throughout New Jersey. He was a long-time board member of Washington Crossing Audubon Society and frequently led birding trips around the state.

Brad served as the Princeton Christmas Birding Count Chair, Washington Crossing Audubon Society former President, Vice President, and Field Trips Chairman.     

Brad enjoyed gardening, barbecuing, and spending time with his family and pets, Sheldon, Clover, and Mooch. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Brad is predeceased by his parents, Milton and Ethel and his siblings, Weston and Winthrop. 

Mr. Merritt is survived by his wife, Marguerite “Peggy," his daughter Marguerite “Peggy” Gladstone and her husband Fred, and three grandchildren, Victoria, Elizabeth, and William.  

Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 17, 2025, from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Kimble  Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Avenue, Princeton, NJ.  Visitation will also be held from 9:30 am to 10 am Thursday December 18, 2025 followed by an 11am service at Trinity Episcopal Church of Rocky Hill, Crescent Park Ave, Rocky Hill, NJ. 

Graveside services will follow at Rocky Hill Cemetery, Montgomery Avenue, Rocky Hill, NJ.