Harry John Mertz, 73, of Fort Lauderdale passed away August 21, 2016. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was a resident of Fort Lauderdale for 50 years. He retired from the City of Parkland as a Manager and formerly worked as an adjunct professor at FAU's Public Administrative Department; where he received his Master's degree. He contributed community involvement with the Alumni for Point Park College in Pittsburgh, the International City Manager's Association, and an served as the president of the FAU Alumni Association from 1999-2000. Harry was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs (now College of Design and Social Inquiry) in 2007; and he was a major donor to the construction of the Marleen & Harold Forkas Alumni Center. An avid football fan, he supported the FAU stadium where he regularly attended games. Harry's contributions to, and impact on, Florida Atlantic University were significant and truly appreciated.

His hobbies included cruising, going to casinos, and watching the Steelers football team play. Harry retired from the City of Parkland as a manger between 1989 - 2004 and will be remembered as a loving, generous, caring, friendly soul who "never had an enemy in the world" and treated everyone equally with respect and dignity. He loved his family deeply and will be missed by his brother Bob (Sue) Mertz, nephew Chris (Sherry) Mertz and their children Chris Jr. and Robbie; Niece Connie (Gary) Sciulli and children Freddie and Terianne, and Shalynn; neice Colleen (Tom) O'Connor and son Tom and expected child. Services will be held at Bock Funeral Home in Glenshaw, PA