Louise Mercurio's Obituary
Louise (nee Viscel) Mercurio, 75, left this world on May 15, 2025 after a two-year battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Philip Maniatty. She also leaves behind two sons, Michael Dante Mercurio, (wife Beth, grandson Luke, granddaughter Isabelle), and Christopher James Mercurio.
Louise was born in Newark, New Jersey the eldest child of the late James and Angelina Viscel. Her first husband, Michael Dante Mercurio, died in 1977 leaving Louise a widow at 28-years-old with two young sons to raise on her own. She went back to school and moved to South Florida in 1980 to rebuild her life.
She pursued a career in Journalism and became a feature writer for the now defunct “South Florida Miami Magazine.” She met Philip while working on a story for that publication and they married in 1996. That feature writing position led to a job with Knight Ridder, at the time the parent company of The Miami Herald. She joined the Corporate Communications staff as editor of the employee publication, “Knight Ridder News.” She also worked on annual and quarterly reports, press releases and other duties. She held that position for 21 years, until Knight Ridder was sold to McClatchy. She then took on clients, including Resources Global Professionals and Driscoll’s before retiring in 2017.
Forever a “Jersey Girl,” Louise and Philip bought a summer home at the Jersey Shore fifteen years ago. She loved hosting big holiday celebrations and enjoyed time up north with relatives and old friends. Louise loved her family and friends above all things. She loved to read and was never without a book. She also loved to cook and bake, keeping the family recipes of her Italian heritage alive.
Louise also leaves behind sisters Marianne Smith (Michael) and Janice Borek. She was predeceased by her brother James. She leaves her beloved dogs, Samantha and Riley, who she loved with all her heart.
Per Louise’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. To honor her memory, please make a donation to your favorite animal charity.
What’s your fondest memory of Louise?
What’s a lesson you learned from Louise?
Share a story where Louise's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Louise you’ll never forget.
How did Louise make you smile?