Paresh Merchant

“My lifetime may be cut short, but my life could never be.” Paresh D. Merchant 1/21/2024.

Paresh D. Merchant passed away on August 16, 2024 at the age of 55, at home with family by his side. He was born on September 24, 1968 in Paducah, KY to Lee D. Merchant (Daniels) and the late Dhirendra Ranchoddas Merchant. Survivors include his loving wife, Carol Semmler and their children, D. Malyn Merchant and Chayce Paresh Merchant, mother, Lee D. Merchant, brother, Dr. Ketan Merchant and wife (Dr. Amanda) and their children Deven and Nathaniel. He was preceded in death by his father Dhirendra Ranchoddas Merchant.

Captured in a photo at 18 months old, Paresh is pointing into the sky saying, "plane, plane!”. Flying is all he ever wanted to do and his dream was to fly a UPS 747. Paresh acquired his private pilots license at 16 years of age when he was a student at Reidland High School, Paducah KY.  After high school he attended college pursuing a career in Chemical Engineering and received an Associate of Arts Degree from Paducah Community College.

Because his love and desire to fly airplanes was undeniable, he left college and whole-heartedly pursued his dream to become an airline pilot. His hard work and dedication paid off and in1990 he joined Comair Airlines (Delta) as a pilot. His dream to fly the 747 became a reality when he joined United Parcel Service (UPS) in 1998. Throughout his illustrious and distinguished career, Paresh has flown and holds type ratings in many aircraft including: the Metroliner SA226, Brasilia EMB120, and Canadair Regional Jet CRJ700 (Comair Airlines); McDonald Douglas DC-8 and MD11, Boeing 747, and AirBus A300 (UPS) and too many general aviation aircraft to name.

On October 6, 2023, just like he had done so many times before, Captain Paresh Merchant set the parking brake, packed up his flight bag and exited his A300 aircraft. Unbeknownst to him, this was his last flight. With no signs or symptoms other than a headache, Paresh was diagnosed with two Glioblastoma brain tumors (GBM) on October 11, less than one week later. After being diagnosed, Paresh spent a week in the hospital. Upon leaving, his Doctor asked him if he had any questions. Paresh replied, “Yes, Can I play pickleball?”. For those who knew him best, Paresh loved tennis. Like flying, this was a love that started at a very young age when his father introduced him to the sport. Paresh was seldom seen without his tennis racquet. Pickleball is the “new tennis”. Paresh and his buddies, of over 40+ years, transitioned to pickleball over the last few years.

Paresh faced cancer head on. He refused to let cancer be in control. He enjoyed life and lived it to its fullest. If there was a court and people to play, he was there. Paresh shared this love with his family. He enjoyed his last pickleball match with family on July 24, 2024 at home on his court.

A Funeral service will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Owenton, KY beginning at 11:00 am. A luncheon and Celebration of Life will follow the service. Paresh will be deeply missed but his memory will live on. Paresh’s heart for giving was bigger than life.  Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Paresh’s name to the organization of your choice. Organizations near to Paresh - GBM and Prostate Cancer; Local community youth programs to support youth sports; Local FBO to support youth introduction to flying; Local Animal Shelters; ASPCA, Food Banks, Plant a tree.