W. Edward Mercer; studied genetic mutation in cancer

W. Edward Mercer, 61, of West Chester, an internationally recognized researcher at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, died of cancer Thursday at Neighborhood Hospice Inpatient Unit in West Chester.

Dr. Mercer's research involved the p53 tumor suppressor gene, which is the most frequently observed mutation in many forms of cancer. Dr. Mercer's laboratory at the Kimmel Cancer Center was recently named one of the top p53 research labs by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. He was honored for his research and for teaching molecular genetics in the postdoctoral program at Jefferson. Dr. Mercer was director of the program from 1990 until 2005.

"Ed Mercer was a tireless advocate of postdoctoral education," said James H. Keen, dean of the College of Graduate Studies at Jefferson. "He shared his experience and enthusiasm with students. I watched him teach a postdoc student how to inject a needle into a single cell. This was a difficult and elegant procedure that can't be taught by reading a book."

Dr. Mercer graduated from Henderson High School in West Chester while the Vietnam War was raging. "Ed did not take the regular route in education," said his sister-in-law, Joann Mercer. "He joined the Army and served Stateside as a paratrooper. Then he went to Penn State and never stopped learning."

Dr. Mercer earned a bachelor's degree in microbiology in 1977, a master's in genetics in 1978, and a doctorate in genetics and biochemistry in 1980, all from Pennsylvania State University.

"Ed was brilliant," his sister-in-law said. "He was into genetics when he was a child and began to breed pigeons. Ed raced homing pigeons with a club in West Chester. He kept several hundred pigeons in lofts at his home, packed them into his SUV, and drove them a long distance out of town."

Dr. Mercer studied the philosophy of Native Americans and Taoism. He was most comfortable camping in the rugged outdoors and had a deep reverence for nature.

In addition to his sister-in-law, Dr. Mercer is survived by a brother, Gary, a niece, and a nephew.

Friends may visit at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow at Founds Funeral Home, High and Union Streets, West Chester. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. Burial will be private.

Donations may be made to the Kimmel Cancer Center, Jefferson Foundation, Thomas Jefferson University, 925 Chestnut St., Suite 110, Philadelphia, 19107.