With sadness, we remember Mervin M. Afflerbach, Jr.—a longtime friend and dedicated supporter of America’s Transportation Experience/AACA Museum, Inc.—who passed away peacefully at his Quakertown, PA home on March 24, 2026.
Merv’s journey in the automotive world began as a teenager working for his father at M.M. Afflerbach Sons Garage in Quakertown. In 1972, he and his brother David became co-owners, and for over five decades, Mervin guided the family business with dedication and integrity until his retirement in 2020.
Over the years, Merv was an enthusiastic collector of classic and antique cars and model trains. His personal collection featured vintage Chrysler products and other marques, which he graciously shared with the Museum for exhibits. His 1974 Imperial LeBaron Coupe will be highlighted in the Museum’s 100 Years of Chrysler’s Imperial Exhibit, opening on May 9th.
Beyond his commitment to the AACA Museum, Inc. since its founding, Merv was a member of the Packard Club, the National Chrysler Products Club, and the Antique Automobile Club of America. He was also a member of the Anthracite Railroad Historical Society and was a familiar, friendly face at classic-car shows in Carlisle and Hershey, always eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Merv is survived by his wife, Mary; a son, John Afflerbach, and his wife, Mary Jo; and a daughter, Audrey L. Waddell, and her husband, Wendell. Merv is also survived by grandchildren Tyler Afflerbach and his wife, Sara; Rebecca Fields and her husband, W. Hunter; Jessica Afflerbach; Stephanie Waddell; and Emily Afflerbach, and great-grandchildren W. Marshall Fields and Ronnie Jo Afflerbach. Merv is also survived by his brothers, David Afflerbach and his wife Jane of Quakertown, and Michael Afflerbach.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in the First United Church of Christ (151 S. 4th Street, Quakertown, PA. 18951). Family will receive friends at the church from 10:00-11:30 AM. A viewing will also be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Sadler Suess Funeral Home & Crematory (33 N. Main St., Telford, PA 18969). Interment will follow the Funeral Services in Quakertown, Union Cemetery, Cemetery Road, Quakertown, PA. 18951.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Merv’s memory to: Blood Cancer United, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087; America’s Transportation Experience, AACA Museum, Inc., 161 Museum Drive, Hershey, PA. 17033; or St. Luke’s Hospital Grandview Campus, 700 Lawn Ave, Sellersville, PA. 18960.
