Merle Dale Hollinger 82 of Leonardtown died May 3, 2009 at his home surrounded by family members.

Born May 30, 1926 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania he was the son of the late Martin M. Hollinger and Anna Elizabeth Brendle Hollinger.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 and served as an Aviation Cadet during WWII. He then served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He was stationed in Okinawa where he maintained airborne communications equipment. Following the war he was a member of Civil Air Patrol, 31st Wing Division.

For thirteen years he owned and operated a TV and radio repair shop, Hillside Service Co. in Lancaster, PA. He began his career with Bendix and their subsidiaries in 1959 at the York, PA division, and he arrived in southern Maryland to work as a contractor at Webster Field Navy Base in 1972. He was one of the first contractors to arrive in St. Mary's Co. with Bendix, and had the privilege of watching the contract and the area grow with amazing speed. He retired from Bendix / Allied Signal following 33 years of service with the company. During his career he worked for the Aerospace, Frieze, and Field Engineering Divisions.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barbara E. (Singley) Hollinger of Leonardtown; his daughter, Rebecca L. (Ken) Case of Shady Side; his son Dale M. (Brenda) Hollinger of Tampa, FL; his sister E. Marie Snyder of Hainesport, NJ; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia M. (Smith) Hollinger; his daughter, Cheryl L. Flasher, and two brothers, Arthur E. and Ralph M. Hollinger.

His interests included reading, camping, and spending time with his Italian Greyhounds. He was a good storyteller and loved recounting stories of his road trips in his motor home.

The family will receive friends Saturday, May 9, 2009 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD where a memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., with Pastor Mark Garrett officiating. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Wrightsville, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625
Leonardtown, MD 20650; Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 299
Leonardtown, MD 20650; or Lexington Park Baptist Church, 46855 S. Shangri- La Dr.
Lexington Park, MD 20653.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.