Javier Merino

Javier Merino passed away on December 14, 2020, at the age of 79. He lived a full and eventful life. Javier was born in Santiago, Chile with 2 brothers and one sister. The family was quite involved politically and helped encourage him to move to a different country. At the age of 26, after getting his degree, Javier moved to the United States to create a new career path in engineering. He chose a career in design and mechanical engineering.

He was attracted to the beautiful mountain scapes of New England, and New York in particular. There he met his wife, Phyllis, and they were married for 47 years, until his death. Shortly after they were married, the couple moved to San Diego, California, where Javier would spend the remainder of his life.

Starting in 1999, Javier faced many health challenges after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. With a fighting spirit, Javier overcame this cancer, going on to live another 21 years without another recurrence of this deadliest form of cancer.

Javier loved to sail, a passion that existed his whole life, even back in Chile. Most recently, Javier owned a 30 foot Catalina named “Wind Dancer.” He would frequently boat Wind Dancer around the bay, sharing his passion with anyone willing to go. In addition to sailing, Javier had a passion for photography. He took multiple courses in photography and photoshop during his retirement. He was often seen with a camera in hand, photographing his grandchildren. He was also an excellent bridge player and enjoyed other tough mental challenges.

Javier is survived by one brother, George, and one sister, Ana Maria; also by his wife Phyllis and 4 children, Conseulo, Pilar, Michael, and Lindsay, 14 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your support at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. https://www.pancan.org/.

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