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Eugene F. Merkert, an innovator in the food services industry whose generous support and enthusiastic encouragement led to the construction of the Boston College chemistry center that now bears his name, died in Loxahatchee, Fla., on Jan. 12. He was 92.
Mr. Merkert was the owner of Merkert Enterprises Inc., which has 13 major divisions throughout the east coast. At one time, the company was the largest food broker in the nation.
The four-story chemistry center he helped make possible opened in the fall of 1991, expanding the University’s chemistry research and teaching space and providing a model of laboratory innovation and excellence. The building was formally dedicated as the Eugene F. Merkert Chemistry Center on April 24, 1992, as part of a two-day symposium on chemistry research and education.
“I am very interested in scientific development and research,” Mr. Merkert said in an interview shortly before the dedication, “because it is through these efforts that we can aid the whole of humanity.”
Speaking at the dedication, then-University President J. Donald Monan, SJ, said the University had “reserved a special mark of gratitude for Mr. Eugene F. Merkert.”
“The scientific work that takes place in the center,” said Fr. Monan, “will be characterized by...the mark of his person and his character; gifted talent and originality, initiative and unflinching hard work, challenge and energetic drive – yes, and humility, both in setback and in brilliant success.”
In response, Mr. Merkert said, “I’m grateful that God gave me ability to help others. That’s what I was born to do. This building is for teaching and research, to create a better life for people.”
A native of Jamaica, NY, Mr. Merkert attended New York University before serving in the US Navy during World War II. He was a generous contributor to a number of private charities throughout his life and received many honors, including the Freedoms Foundation Award that was presented to him by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1964.
Mr. Merkert was also at one time a part owner of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics professional sports teams.
He is survived by his wife, Tuyet Merkert, two children and three grandchildren – one of whom, Danielle Dupre, is a 1997 graduate of Boston College.
A funeral Mass was said for Mr. Merkert on Jan. 14 at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church in West Palm Beach, Fla. Interment was in the family mausoleum in Loxahatchee.