Ralston Wentworth Merchant Jr.

With great sadness and heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of Ralston Wentworth Merchant, Jr., who left us on August 2, 2025, at the age of 76. Ralston, or Ral, as he was known to so many, was born on January 15, 1949, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Ralston’s zest for life, living big, and fondness for games of chance were evident from the beginning of his childhood. A reputation for partaking in mischievous adventures and keeping his parents on their toes was well earned by the teenage years. His younger brother, Dudley, was in awe of his seemingly fearless older sibling — who, while under the age of 16 at a parents social gathering, convinced a group of girls to sneak out and let him drive them to get ice cream in the family car, thus creating a Freeport Road manhunt by his father, Ral Sr. His mother, Jane, was also known to be heard hollering “Ralston… Ralston…” through the woods of Fox Chapel in search of her spirited son in the midst of hijinx. The library of Ralston stories started at a youthful age and would last for decades to follow.

Ralston was a prolific athlete from early on, excelling on the basketball court, but showing a particular talent on the golf course. Following graduation from Shady Side Academy in 1967, he continued his pursuit of excellence on the links at Lehigh University, serving as captain of the golf team. After graduating from Lehigh, Ralston spent two years at sea serving his country in the U.S. Navy, where he still managed to participate and win many of the golf competition opportunities afforded to him, eventually being named to the All Navy team. Back home in Pittsburgh, he was also well on his way to completing a magnificent run of club championships at Longue Vue Club, winning five in an eleven-year stretch. Ralston liked to give his children a hard time about the technology they had access to in today’s golf clubs and reminded them often about the 1-iron he dominated with through the 70s and 80s.

Ralston was also a member of Pine Valley Golf Club, which ended once it became apparent that perhaps his big personality and way of life were not mutually accepted with the venerable club! Although, not before Ralston was able to participate in a rather memorable Crump Cup, from which his caddie would certainly tell stories for years to come. Starting in the early 90s, Ralston joined The Club at Nevillewood for many years, and perhaps most memorable from his time there would be a rather humorous encounter with Michael Jordan. Golf trips with his oldest friends to the Cascades Golf Course in Virginia remained some of his fondest memories.

As a Pittsburgh native entering the business world in the early 70s, Ralston naturally started off in the steel industry, as a sales rep for Mechanical Maintenance Parts Corporation, successfully calling on the mills from his hometown all the way back to the Lehigh Valley and points in between. Transitioning from this life on the road, Ralston eventually settled in to enjoy a long career in commercial real estate. A classic, old-school broker who leveraged relationships and connections to work a transaction, he continued to enjoy the hunt of another deal all the way until the end of his life. He had a brilliant mind and a memory like no one else. Whether reciting verbatim a conversation from decades ago, recounting a difficult golf shot from 40 years prior, or the weather conditions at an away Steelers playoff game in the 70s with his father, Ralston could remember the most oddly trivial and interesting facts like it was yesterday.

If not for golfing, cooking may have been Ralston’s most mastered skill, and he loved nothing more than gathering for a homemade meal with his family. His five children, and subsequently, his five grandchildren, were the source of his most tremendous joy. Watching all of them on the court, the field, the course, or even around the poker table (where he could wield his expert influence) were moments he always cherished more than anything. Ralston’s passion late in life was watching his youngest son, Hayden, play basketball, cheering from the sidelines and channeling wonderful memories of his youth. The golden years with his wife, Marta, and their various yellow labs, on Valleyview Road were the happiest of his life.

Ralston was unapologetic about living life to the fullest in the way he enjoyed. He was comfortable bucking the trend and forging his own path. His stories of a life well lived filled the dinner table with laughter and were always followed by pleas to hear more.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralston (Sr.) and Jane Merchant, and his son, Robert (“Bobby”) Merchant. He is survived by his beloved wife Marta Merchant; brother Dudley Merchant (Susan); his children Ralston (“Tripp”) Merchant (Mandy), McCall Cravens (Stephen), Michael Merchant, and their mother Virginia Merchant, and Hayden Merchant. His grandchildren, of whom he was so very proud, Ben, Hannah, Hugh, Whitley, and Cam will grow up hearing the great stories of their Grandpa Ral for decades to come.

A service and celebration to honor his life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church (44 Highland Rd, Bethel Park, PA 15102) at 11:00am on Saturday, August 30, 2025. A reception will follow at The Club at Nevillewood (1000 Nevillewood Dr, Presto, PA 15142). Memorials may be sent to The First Tee - Pittsburgh; 5370 Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15217. Arrangements entrusted to WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, Scott Twp., 412-563-2800. 

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