To the Editor:

My family and I live just down the road from Joe Merli’s shop and have been fortunate to call him a friend for many years. He will be missed by a lot of our neighbors....

I wrote this poem as a kind of tribute to him to remind myself of the kind of man he was. Perhaps reading it will help you gain some more insight into his life...It is really for all of us lucky enough to have shared time with Joe. 

Ed McKinley

Duanesburg

The Man Of Steel

His silver mane flowing

While the shop lights were always glowing

He poured his big heart into wood and steel

A man on a mission

With a singular pointed vision

To leave a legacy that would be true and real

He always had a kind word

With the irony sometimes heard

He never lacked the time to share a tale

A dreamer on a grand scale

Be it car machine or rail

His artistry could be found in the smallest detail

A story behind every cart

The consummate professor at heart

Always willing to share and explain his fine art

We will miss you Old Joe

For now, you must go

But we remember a good man

Forged in steel