| Graduation Year | Class of 1977 |
| Date of Birth | Oct 15, 1959 |
| Date of Passing | Dec 27, 2024 |
| About | In Memoriam: Merel Stockett Chaney, Jr. (1959–2024) The Arundel Senior High School community remembers the life and legacy of Merel Stockett Chaney, Jr., a dedicated local craftsman, outdoorsman, and a fixture of the Gambrills-Crofton area. Merel passed away on December 27, 2024, leaving behind a profound impact on his family and the community he served with such pride. A lifelong resident, Merel grew up on his family’s farm on Davidsonville Road in Gambrills—a place that remained the anchor of his life. After spending several years in Crofton, he returned to the family farm to steward the property following the passing of his mother, ensuring the land remained as well-cared-for as his own craftsmanship. As a professional carpenter, Merel was known throughout the local area as a true perfectionist. Whether working on a major project or a minor repair, he approached his trade with an unwavering dedication and a standard of excellence that set him apart. This same work ethic defined his personal life. Whether he was teaching the next generation how to maintain the farm equipment, manage the land, or service a dirt bike down to the smallest detail, Merel instilled a sense of patience, care, and pride in his family. Beyond his professional life, Merel was a man who deeply appreciated the quiet beauty of the world around him. He found joy in kayaking the Outer Banks, hiking, fishing, and simply sitting on the porch to watch the sunset over the fields or tracking a bald eagle through his binoculars. He was a man of simple, profound pleasures—a lover of books, a telescope enthusiast, and a devoted uncle who was always ready with a treat or a game of football for his nieces and nephews. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is the love and wisdom he shared with his family. He was a constant support to his nephew Logan, who remembers Merel not just as an uncle, but as a best friend and mentor. Merel’s guidance on how to love one's family and cherish life’s "small things" continues to shape the lives of those he mentored. To honor his memory, a memorial garden is being established at Sunset Gardens (at the corner of Davidsonville Road and Defense Highway), where Merel spent his final years tending to the flowers. The garden features a hand-crafted sign made from a cherry tree milled on the family farm, bearing a poem dedicated to his life. Merel Stockett Chaney, Jr. will be remembered for his integrity, his skillful hands, and the enduring love he held for his family. He remains a proud part of our local history and the Arundel spirit. |
