Friends and loved ones are remembering John “DJ Apache” Mercado, a lifelong Lower East Side resident who died April 30. Services for him will take place at the R G Ortiz Funeral Home, 22 First Avenue, Saturday and Sunday from 4-9 p.m.
Mercado was a big presence at the Vladeck Houses and the La Guardia Houses. He raised five children in the neighborhood, and leaves behind his wife, Kathy, his own kids and more than a dozen grandchildren. He was one of the main forces, along with Eddie Garcia, in cleaning up Sol Lain Playground in the 1980s, making it safe for kids. Mercado would bring his portable DJ setup to locations throughout the neighborhood, providing impromptu entertainment.
A fund has been set up to support Mercado’s family. If you’re interested in helping out, check it out here.
