Merrill A. Taub passed away on February 23, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on September 2, 1930, to the late Harry and Flora Taub, Merrill was raised in Bayonne, New Jersey, until he left for college. Merrill earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sanitary Engineering from Rutgers University, where he was also a collegiate athlete. Following his graduation, he proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict. After his service, Merrill and his beloved wife, Lucille, moved to Florida to join both sets of their parents who had since relocated there.

The family later returned to New Jersey, settling first in Scotch Plains and, then for the past 20 years, at Canal Walk in Somerset, where Merrill became deeply involved in the community and formed many lasting friendships. He launched the Great Decisions program at Canal Walk, encouraging thoughtful discussion of world affairs and foreign policy issues among residents.

For the past twenty years, Merrill worked as a real estate appraiser hired primarily by the State of New Jersey and Somerset County to assess farmland values for preservation through the Green Acres Program, helping protect valuable open space throughout the state.

Merrill was a longtime and devoted member of Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains, joining in 1970. 

He enjoyed fishing and looked forward to charter boat trips out of the Atlantic Highlands. Most of all, Merrill was the steady partner and supporter of his beloved wife Lucille, serving as her right hand in her many cultural arts initiatives and community projects.

Merrill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lucille Taub. He is survived by his loving daughter, Debra Rothbard, and her husband Alan; his cherished grandchildren, Jeffrey and his wife Caitlin, and Jake and his wife Jamie; and his four great-grandchildren, Emma, Colin, Maya, and Leo.

Donations in Merrill’s loving memory may be made to the Ruth Rutenberg Fund for Lifelong Learning at Temple Sholom, 1925 Lake Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ 07076.