Zinovy Merkin, an honorary citizen of St. Petersburg, died at the age of 102.

The honorary citizen of St. Petersburg passed away at the age of 102.‑St. Petersburg, Great Patriotic War veteran Zinovy Merkin. This was announced on July 20 by the governor of the city, Alexander Beglov, on the official website of the city administration.

"Our city has suffered a great loss. I express my deep condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. The life of Zinovy Leonidovich is an example of selfless love for the Motherland and our city. Zinovy Leonidovich is a true Leningrad-Petersburger, a man of the generation of winners — courageous, with great strength of spirit and responsibility for the fate of the country. This is how he will remain in our memory," the governor emphasized.

In the early days of the war, 17-year-old Merkin went to the front, where he participated in the liberation of Ukraine, Poland, and battles in Romania and Germany. He served as a sapper, then joined the combined arms intelligence service.

After the Victory, Zinovy Merkin returned to his native Leningrad, where he worked in industrial enterprises for almost half a century. In the 1990s, the veteran began public work in the Council of the Leningrad People's Militia Army, actively engaged in patriotic education of young people.

His exploits and work were marked by state awards, including the Order of the Patriotic War, the Red Star, the medal "For the Defense of Leningrad", and the Order of Honor. In the year of the 80th anniversary of the Victory, Merkin was awarded the title of "Honorary Citizen of St. Petersburg."‑St. Petersburg".

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