Steven Edward Merhige March 22, 1956 November 7, 2021

Daytona Beach, Florida - Steven Edward Merhige, born March 13, 1956, in Miami, Florida, died on November 7, 2021, in Daytona Beach.

Steve was raised in Coral Gables and on Biscayne Bay. He was a man of great passion. Steve was a rock and roll bassist who for many years played venues from the Keys to Jacksonville, and a licensed pilot, whose love of aviation was his father’s legacy. His boating antics on Biscayne Bay are of legend. He was a lifetime Miami Dolphins fan who, back in the day, would be found at every game at the Orange Bowl on the 50-yard line, sitting next to his father. A graduate of Coral Gables High School, he attended the University of Miami and Oglethorpe University. He along with his father, Alfred Edward Merhige, founded Premier Cruise Line, pioneering passenger service from Port Canaveral, Florida and theme park tie-in cruising.

Steve was of uncommon intelligence and quick wit, among many other things. But of all his attributes, the one for which he will best be remembered was his loving heart, accepting of any and all, ready with a consoling word or an uplifting smile or a hand held out to help. No one came away without feeling somehow better or happier or lighter. Everyone loved him, and for this he will be remembered the most.

He of kind heart and warm disposition is survived by his mother Berta Lara Merhige, sister Suzanne, niece Eva Spahn, her family Benjamin and Edward, and many, many who loved him. He is at peace with his father and his dog Rivet.

Graveside memorial service at noon on Thursday, November 18, at Woodlawn Park Cemetery, 3280 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida.