FORT LAUDERDALE — The city is grieving the loss of Dr. Gordon Merritt, D.D.S., a man whose life and work left an indelible mark on this community. Dr. Merritt, who practiced dentistry for more than 53 years on Sistrunk Boulevard, passed away this week. He will be remembered not only for his professional excellence but also for his humility, generosity, and love for people.
For decades, his office was more than a dental practice—it was a place of trust, healing, and compassion. Patients described him as family, someone who remembered not only their health but also their stories, struggles, and celebrations. “Dr. Merritt made every visit feel personal. He cared about us beyond our teeth—he cared about our lives, our families, and our well-being,” one patient recalled…