Leon Merrick died on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at his home in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Nina Merrick and daughter, Mira Merrick. He is survived by his daughter Marsha Aaron (Bob) and 2 grandchildren, Josh and Melissa Aaron.
Leon was born Lajb Kusmirek on January, 8, 1926 in Zgierg Poland. Leon was in the Lodz ghetto for 4 years. He survived the Kielce labor camp of Kielce and the concentration camps of Buchenwald and Flossenburg. He was liberated by the U.S Army April 23, 1945 while on a death march.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean war. He was a successful businessman in Washington D.C. Upon retirement he became involved with the U.S Holocaust Museum as a volunteer and a speaker in the First Person Program. He also spoke to school groups teaching about the Holocaust. Leon led a full and long life and will be missed by all those who loved him.