Adrian "Les" Merton - Obituary

drian Leslie Merton, 88, of Estero, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers. Known to all who loved him simply as Les, he was first and always a family man. Les was born in the Bronx, New York, on November 5, 1937, to Harry Bernard Merton and Eileen (Powers) Merton. He carried the Bronx with him his whole life—its work ethic, its humor, and above all, its fierce loyalty to family. He was extremely proud that he paid for and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The City College of New York while working full-time for the US Post Office. He started his career as a NASA satellite engineer, traveling the world setting up satellites, but realized early on that he wanted to be his own boss. Pursuing that vision, Les founded Adrian L. Merton, Inc. in Capitol Heights, Maryland, in 1966. Over five decades, he grew it into a regional mechanical contractor employing more than 150 people. He additionally operated Bowie Golf and Country Club for 44 years and loved playing golf with his friends from the course. Ask anyone who worked for him, and they will tell you Les’s pride in his businesses was less about their size than about the people in them—many of whom became extended family. While he was an accomplished businessman, Les's family was the true center of his world. He married Olvina Teresa Cornell, his beloved wife and the mother of his four children. Birthdays, Sunday dinners, holidays, the small everyday moments—Les showed up for all of it, and his children and grandchildren grew up knowing without question that they were loved. In his later years, Les made his home in Estero, Florida, where he shared his days with Cindy Brady, his cherished companion. Cindy brought love, laughter, and stability into his life, and the Merton family is forever grateful for the joy and devotion she gave him. A devoted golfer and a proud racehorse owner, Les loved the track almost as much as the golf course. He was also a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus Les is survived by his beloved companion, Cindy Brady of Estero, Florida, His son Michael Merton and his wife, Anne, of Annapolis, Maryland, with their children Adam and his wife Bri, Tommy, Will, and Maggie; Joseph Merton and his wife, Ashley, of Centreville, Maryland, with their children Ellie, Devin, and Josie; and Timothy Merton and his wife, Marsha, of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, with their children Kevin, Nick, and Amanda. He is also survived by his daughter, Jeannine Neuman, and her husband, Geoff, of Edgewater, Maryland, with their children Natalie and Chase; his great-grandchildren, Beau and Macey; his twin sister, Ellen; his stepsister, Joan; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Olvina Teresa (Cornell) Merton; his parents, Harry and Eileen Merton; his brothers, Bernie and David; and his sisters, Mary Pat and Susan. Arrangements are entrusted to Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. All services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Cancer Society Les built much, gave much, and loved deeply. He will be missed every day by all who knew him. Online condolences may be offered using the Memories tab on this page.