Michael Preston Merilan
Michael Preston Merilan of Sidney, N.Y., died Saturday, July 10, 2010, after a battle with kidney cancer. He was 54.
Mr. Merilan was born Jan. 5, 1956, in Columbia to Charles Preston and Phyllis Pauline (Laughlin) Merilan. He married Karene Anne Yanuklis on Sept. 2, 1995.
Mr. Merilan graduated summa cum laude from MU in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in physics. He also earned a Master of Science in physics from MU in 1980. Mr. Merilan went on to earn his doctorate in astronomy from Ohio State University in 1985.
Mr. Merilan joined the faculty at the State University of New York College at Oneonta in 1985. After serving briefly as chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the early 1990s, he was selected as the dean of science andsocial science. Throughout his deanship, he continued to teach astronomy courses, undertake astronomical research and perform public service.
He is survived by his wife and a sister, Jean Elizabeth Merilan, of Tucson, Ariz. His parents died earlier.
Mr. Merilan was an avid collector of meteorites, stamps, coins and antique books and was a classically trained violinist.
Private services to celebrate Mr. Merilan’s life will be held at the Unadilla Center United Methodist Church and at the State University of New York College at Oneonta in September 2010. The date and time of the memorial services will be announced later. Mr. Merilan will be buried in Conway Cemetery, Osage Beach.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the College at Oneonta Foundation to establish the Dr. Michael Preston Merilan Scholarship. Please make checks payable to the College of Oneonta Foundation, 308 Netzer Administration Building, SUNY, Oneonta, NY 13820.
