Enfield Athletic Hall Of Famer Bob Mercik Dies At 87

ENFIELD, CT — Bob Mercik, a 2-time inductee into the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame, both as an individual and as a member of multiple championship teams, died Friday. He was 87.

Born in Springfield, he played baseball, football and basketball in the sandlots and at the A.D. Higgins School, where he played basketball and baseball. A 3-sport athlete at Enfield High School, he was captain and voted the Most Valuable Player of the football and baseball teams his senior year. In football, he played quarterback and defensive back, and his 1953 undefeated team was the Pioneer Valley champions. The 1954-55 basketball team won the Valley Wheel championship, and he played shortstop on the Raider baseball teams and led the team in hitting as a senior.

Mercik was an academic cum laude at Enfield, and served as class treasurer, on the student council and as a delegate to Nutmeg Boys' State. He was elected by his peers as Most Athletic Boy, Handsomest Boy and Most Popular Boy.

He attended American International College in Springfield, playing two years of varsity football as a starting running back and defensive cornerback, and was one of the team’s leading rushers in both of his varsity seasons. He also played three years of varsity baseball at AIC, and was among the team's best hitters as a senior.

He earned the AIC Alumni Award as the student-athlete of the year, and ranked No. 2 in his graduating class academically.

In 2002, Mercik was elected to the Enfield Athletic Hall of Fame, and was inducted again two years later as a member of the 1953 football team and 1953-54 basketball squad.

His daughter, Susan (Mercik) Davis, was an outstanding field hockey player at Enrico Fermi High School and Boston University. When she was honored by the Hall of Fame in 2005, they became just the second father-daughter duo to be elected; Tony Romano (1996) and his daughter Amy (1997) were the first.

Hall of Fame chairman Michael Cotnoir said, "Bob was a true Hall of Famer in every way. He excelled on the football and baseball fields at all levels - including college. He was truly an amazing athlete, and the Hall of Fame is honored to call him one of our own. However, he exhibited a greater love for his teammates and coaches on and off the field. He always was approachable, friendly, and cherished his amazing family. He was especially proud to welcome his daughter, Sue, alongside him into the hall of fame in 2005. He will be deeply missed and his accomplishments and leadership were inspiring to many."

After college, Mercik stayed in Enfield, married Joyce Monette ("an Enfield girl") in 1963, and raised four children. He also operated a certified public accounting firm for many years.

In his Hall of Fame induction speech, Mercik spoke lovingly about his lifetime devotion to Enfield.

"I had the good fortune to be raised in Enfield, a community of hard-working people who cherish its history and its love of sports," he said. "I will forever be grateful to the coaches, teachers, teammates and those who I refer to 'friends of Enfield athletics'. A day doesn't go by that I don't spend some time reminiscing about the great times I had playing ball, about my teammates and the friendships that last a lifetime."

Davis announced her dad's passing via social media, stating:

"I feel deeply grateful to have had him as my Dad. He was strong, loving, and the most incredible source of guidance a daughter could ever hope for. My Dad was a quiet man with a fierce love for those around him and an unwavering love for his family. He was a true gentleman, honest, kind, smart and always putting others before himself. Though I haven’t been able to hear his voice or his laugh for some time, I cherished every moment I spent holding his hand, or sharing a smile. My heart is heavy but it is also so full of love and memories that I will always cherish. After such a long and brave fight, it was time for him to rest peacefully and be reunited with my Mom. There will always be a piece of my heart missing! I love you Dad."

Mercik was predeceased by his wife of more than 56 years, Joyce. He leaves two sons, two daughters and eight grandchildren.

Services and a celebration of life will be private. His complete obituary may be found here.