Merle Judd

Merle Judd, 97, of White Oak, passed away on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. He was born August 15, 1921 in McKeesport and was the son of the late David and Sally (Spitz) Judd. He was proprietor of Judd Refrigeration and was a US Army Veteran serving in WWII as a Corporal in the  27th Calvary. In 1945, he was seriously wounded in Okinawa, Japan and spent 7 months recovering in an Army Hospital. For his service, he received 2 Purple Hearts and the Medal of Honor. Merle was a member of White Oak American Post  701, and was a life member of the former Swinging Swedish Society. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shirley A. (Walker) Judd,  son, David (Neva) Judd of Rogers, Arkansas, daughter, Jody Vavrek of Versailles, stepsons, Guy (Judy) Criado of White Oak, and Gregg (Mary) Criado of Elizabeth Township, 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Judd, brother, Eugene Judd, son-in-law, Bob Vavrek. A Blessing Service took place Saturday, December 1, in the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, director.  Interment with Military Honors took place at the Jefferson Memorial Park, Pleasant Hills. Memorial Contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project- Pittsburgh, 301 Grant St Suite 900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (412) 471-0935 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 600 Waterfront Dr #210, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (412) 535-6115.  Condolences may be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com