Henry Dickson Mercer Jr., 95, passed away peacefully at home in Rumson Aug. 24, 2026.
The devoted son of Henry D. and Catherine S. Mercer, Henry was born June 28, 1931, in Passaic. Nicknamed Dick by his parents, he attended Passaic Collegiate School, Montclair Academy and The Lawrenceville School. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine prior to enlisting in the Navy during the Korean War, from 1951 to 1955. After an honorable discharge, Dick obtained his Third Mate license in the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Henry joined States Marine Corporation, founded in 1930 by his father. States Marine ultimately became one of the United States’ largest privately owned maritime shipping companies. Dick held the position of executive vice president and director.
He was an active private investor until his final days and an avid reader of multiple daily newspapers and all genres of literature, a further testament to lifelong learning.
A resident of New Jersey his entire life, Dick had fond memories of his childhood years living in Passaic, Spring Lake and Colts Neck. He grew up on Hominy Hill Farms in Colts Neck during the World War 11 era. Dick raised chickens and launched a business selling eggs to the local diner, demonstrating the self-discipline, strong work ethic, and ingenuity that remained steadfast throughout his life.
His family moved to Rumson in 1947, where he remained a resident for the rest of his life. It is there that he raised a family with his beloved wife of 67 years, the late Barbara Lawes Mercer, who passed away in 2022.
Dick was an integral, visionary member of the community. A proponent of land conservation, he facilitated his father’s gift of Rumson Road land to the borough. Dick was president of Hominy Hill Golf Club. In 1975, he negotiated the Mercer family’s sale of the golf course to the Monmouth County Park System, declining higher offers from real estate developers. For 12 years, he was a dedicated trustee of The Rumson Country Day School. He was also a trustee and president of the Oceanic Free Library. A devout parishioner of St. George’s-by-the River Church, he served as usher at the 8 a.m. Sunday service until he was 91 years old. He was a staunch supporter of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation.
Dick was a long- standing member of the Rumson Country Club, Seabright Beach Club, Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club, and New York Yacht Club. He was a firm believer in the benefits of daily exercise, especially walking. An ardent sports competitor and fan, undaunted by extreme weather, he valued the enjoyment and friendships formed while participating.
Dick excelled at sailing and racquet sports. He was a skilled racing sailor with a flair for tactics while sailing downwind, a three-time platform tennis club champion, highly sought after by the younger generation, and an enthusiastic grass-court doubles tennis player.
He had an avid interest in thoroughbred horse racing, deriving great pleasure as a horse owner since 1990, primarily investing in partnerships with Centennial Farms. His ownership stake in Corinthian, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in 2007 at Monmouth Park, was the highlight of his racing career.
Family was the center of Dick’s life, with Barbara as his mainstay. He was deeply proud of his naval service. Those closest to him witnessed his integrity, humility, keen intellect, kindness and sense of humor. Although his loss brings profound sadness to his family, he will forever remain at the helm.
He is survived by three children, Henry D. Mercer III and wife Joan of Locust; Deborah Mercer Ribas of Westwood, Massachusetts; and Marilyn Mercer Bell and husband Charles of Colts Neck.
He was predeceased by his son, Andrew W. Mercer, his sister, Millicent M. Johnsen, and his brother, Douglas D. Mercer.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dickson, Sarah, Anna, William, Elizabeth and Matthew, as well as his great-grandchildren, Henry, Hope, Eloise and Theodore. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Patricia Mayer Mercer, and nine nieces and nephews.
Thompson Memorial Home in Red Bank is entrusted with the arrangements. Funeral services will be private.
The article originally appeared in the September 3 – 9, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
