Mercer Biddle Barrows

Mercer Biddle Barrows, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2026, at the age of 96.

Born on August 13, 1929, Mercer lived a life distinguished by devotion to family, enthusiasm for sport, intellectual curiosity, and an enduring optimism that inspired all who knew him.

Mercer graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1947 and went on to earn his degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1953. During his time at Penn, he excelled in athletics and was selected to the 1953 Collegiate North-South All-Star Lacrosse Team. He was also a proud member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, maintaining a lifelong appreciation for its traditions and history.

Mercer’s professional career took him around the world through his travel company Raymond & Whitcomb, where he spent years planning journeys and guiding travelers to destinations across the globe. His work reflected his love of people, adventure, and discovery.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Joy Price Barrows; his children, Mercer Biddle Barrows Jr., Frank Newlin, Leslie Kupkowski, Nicky Barrows, William Barrows, Edward Connolly, and Joe Connolly; his grandchildren, Samantha Barrows, Mercer B. Barrows III, Jake Barrows, Hailey Barrows, Ethan Barrows, Cooper Newlin, Tallulah Newlin, Charles Connolly, Jack Connolly, and Lucy Connolly; and his great-grandchildren, Mercer B. Barrows IV, Banks Barrows, Benjamin Martinez, and Luca Martinez.

Mercer embraced life with remarkable energy and good humor. His sense of optimism was perhaps best embodied by his unwavering loyalty to the Philadelphia Eagles. Through decades of triumphs, disappointments, and near misses, he remained a faithful supporter from 1960 onward, ultimately savoring the championships that finally rewarded his steadfast devotion in 2018 and 2025.

Known for his congenial personality, quick wit, and gift for making others feel welcome, Mercer was loved by generations of family and friends. He excelled in racquet sports throughout much of his life, playing court tennis at Philadelphia’s Racquet Club and lawn tennis at the Merion Cricket Club. Later, he discovered what would become his greatest sporting passion: golf. At Gulph Mills Golf Club, he found not only competition and camaraderie but a lifelong source of joy.

Following retirement, Mercer and Joy made their home in Mountain Lake, Lake Wales, Florida, where he continued to pursue the game he loved. At age 90, a pickleball accident resulted in injuries that curtailed his time on the golf course. Yet even that setback could not diminish his passion for the game. He played daily well into his 90’s and remained an enthusiastic student, fan, teacher, and mentor of the sport thereafter.

Mercer’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he cultivated, and the countless lives brightened by his humor, kindness, and encouragement. He met life with grace, resilience, and a smile, leaving behind memories that will be treasured for generations.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

There will be a service at 2 p.m. at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 221 4th St. S., Lake Wales, Florida on Saturday, November 7.

This will be followed by a reception (Celebration of Life) at the Colony House at Mountain Lake.

If you would like to make a contribution in Mercer’s memory, it can be sent to:

Mountain Lake Community Service

PO Box 832, Lake Wales, Florida, 33859