Obituaries

Felix A. Mercado, born on November 19, 1935, in Isabella, Puerto Rico, passed away on May 31, 2026, in Niles, Michigan, at the age of 90.

Felix was a loving, funny, and selfless man whose life was marked by faith, devotion to family, and a steady commitment to hard work. He was born in Isabella, Puerto Rico, to the late Florencio and Gregoria (Velez) Mercado, and he carried the values of humility, kindness, and perseverance throughout his life. As a Christian, he lived with a quiet strength and a sincere trust in God that guided him through the joys and challenges of his years. Those who knew him will remember his warm spirit, his sense of humor, and the way he made others feel welcome and cared for.

Felix made his home in Niles, Michigan, where he built a life centered on family, service, and dedication. He married Wanita Baldwin in a ceremony in Buchanan, Michigan, and together they shared a life that was rooted in love and companionship. Their marriage was a meaningful part of his journey, and he remained devoted to her memory after her passing. Felix was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Wanita, his sister, Noverta “Tita” Mercado, and his granddaughter, Nicole Mercado. Though he experienced loss, he continued to carry his loved ones in his heart with grace and faith.

He is survived by his children, Gerald (Dee) Mercado, Michael (Karon) Mercado, Mark (Melody) Mercado, Renee Mercado, Kevin Mercado and Daniel Mercado (Edward Leslie); eleven grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

For many years, Felix owned and operated Mercados Cleaning Service in Niles. Through his work, he became known as a dependable and hardworking man who took pride in doing his job well. He also served the Niles Public Schools in that same capacity, offering his labor faithfully and contributing to the community through years of honest service. His work reflected the character of a man who understood the value of responsibility and the dignity of helping others. He was respected not only for what he did, but also for the way he did it, with integrity and consistency.

Felix found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and spending time with family, and he especially appreciated the fellowship that came from playing games such as dominoes. He was also an enthusiastic New York Yankees baseball fan, and his love for the game brought him many moments of excitement and conversation. These interests were more than pastimes, because they were part of the way he connected with others and shared laughter, companionship, and lasting memories. His family and friends will always remember the good times spent in his company and the joy he brought into everyday moments. He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made in Felix’s memory to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 219 S. State Street, Niles, Michigan 49120 or to Corewell Hospice at 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Recitation of The Rosary will be conducted at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Niles on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11:00 a.m. An interment will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

May Felix A. Mercado be remembered with gratitude for a life well lived, for the love he shared, and for the example he set through faith, family, and service.