Monsignor Raymond F. Merman, 82, pastor emeritus of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Hellertown, died March 24, 2017, at Holy Family Manor, Bethlehem. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Raymond F. and Anne M. (Duffy) Merman.

He attended St. John the Baptist grade and high schools in Philadelphia,. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1960, by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

He was named parochial vicar, first at Saint Patrick Parish, Pottsville; and then of Sacred Heart Parish, Allentown and later of Saint Bernard Parish, Easton; Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Allentown; and of the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

He was a Catholic student advisor of the Newman Club, Lafayette College; and a Defender of the Bond for the Diocese of Allentown. He was a vice officialis for two terms with a residence at Saint Mary Rectory, Catasauqua.

He was named administrator of Holy Trinity Parish, Whitehall, where he received his first pastoral assignment at Holy Trinity Parish. He was then pastor of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Hellertown, where he remained until his retirement, when he was named pastor emeritus in 2008.

He was a member of both the budget and advisory boards of Bethlehem Catholic HS. He was named an honorary prelate by His Holiness, Pope Paul VI, on Dec. 21, 1974.

He is survived by a brother, Richard J. Merman; and two sisters, Patricia Lemanowicz and Nancy Brown. He was predeceased by a brother, John Merman; and a sister, Maryann McGee.

Arrangements were made by Fitzpatrick Funeral Home Inc., Philadelphia,