Hillsborough officials and community members gathered at the trails along 29 East Mountain Road on Dec. 1 where a ceremony was held to name the area in honor of long-time Flagtown resident Michael Merdinger.
Newly named the “Mike Merdinger Memorial Trails,” Merdinger, who died on Jan. 18, 2016 at the age of 67, had a career in engineering that was highlighted by working around the world on environmental projects in locations including Kuwait and South Africa.
Merdinger served on the Township Committee in 1979 and from 1981-84, and served as mayor in 1984. He also held the jobs of township administrator and acting township clerk.
Merdinger’s family was in attendance for the event, as his wife Barbara was joined by their daughters Kristin, her husband John, and Megan, her husband Patrick and their children Minna and Theo.
Mayor Gloria McCauley welcomed guests including state Sen. Kip Bateman, Deputy Mayor Doug Tomson and Committeeman Carl Suraci. The Flagtown Fire Company was on hand with a ladder truck to honor Merdinger, who was a long-time member of the fire company.
An active resident in the community throughout his life, Merdinger began serving on the Hillsborough Municipal Utilities Authority in 1987 and was the authority’s chairman for a decade. He sat on the Planning Board for 17 years and served as the secretary, vice chairman and chairman at various times.
Merdinger was a member of the Hillsborough Rotary Club for 31 years.
“It is with pleasure that we honor Mike’s memory with this dedication,” McCauley said.
