Nestor Mercado Obituary

Néstor Mercado, a man of courage, dedication, and resilience, was born on November 8, 1940 in Vijes, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. He was a beacon of light and love, generously illuminating the lives of those around him. On July 16, 2025, Néstor completed his life's journey, leaving an indelible legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His life was a testament to the words of Maya Angelou, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
Néstor was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his family was evident in every facet of his life. He was a steadfast supporter of his wife Nancy, a proud father to Nestor and Anaisabel, a loving father-in-law to Janine and Thibault, and a doting grandfather to Andres. His dedication was not limited to his family alone. As an accountant in a textile company, he was recognized for his excellence in work. His dedication and generosity were also evident in his successful second career as a college counselor, where he touched the lives of many students and was appreciated by his colleagues. Néstor's love for life vibrated through his hobbies; whether he was playing soccer, strumming the guitar, singing, or dancing, he was always full of joy and vitality.
Néstor lived life to its fullest, embracing each chapter with enthusiasm and curiosity. From his birthplace in Colombia to his final residence in Morgantown, West Virginia, with stops in Salem, Albuquerque, and Ft. Lauderdale along the way, Néstor left an imprint of his generous spirit everywhere he went. His honesty and perseverance, coupled with his sense of humor and zest for life, made Néstor a cherished figure in every community he was part of. Whether it was through his work, his hobbies, or his unwavering dedication to his family's well-being, Néstor's life was a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and love.
Please join us in celebrating Néstor's life on Friday, July 18, 2025, from 2:00pm until 3:30 pm at Smith Funeral & Cremation Care, 108 Holland Avenue, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26501. Following the visitation, a procession will leave the funeral home for St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1 Guthrie Lane, Morgantown, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 4:00pm with Colombian priest, Sergio Serrano, as celebrant.
Néstor was preceded in death by his parents, Lubin Mercado and Josefina Mosquera.
We invite you to leave memories and upload photos on Néstor's memorial page, keeping his generous spirit and inspiring legacy alive. As we bid farewell to our beloved Néstor, let us remember the words of Albert Einstein: "Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us; our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life."