Anthony Mercer was born on September 25, 1940 in Harlem, NY to the late Harry and Daisy Mercer. He was the oldest of five children. His sisters, Antionette Evans, Lenora Perry, and Catherine Nimmons predeceased him. His surviving sister, Harriet Mercer-Roberson lives in Greensboro, NC.
Anthony's parents moved to Brooklyn, NY where he was raised and attended school. He then married Juliet and moved to Long Island, NY where they raised their three children. Anthony's home church, Faith Baptist Church, is in Coram, NY where he was the president of the men's chorus and a member of the sign language ministry.
Anthony is survived by his wife Juliet Mercer and his children, Sharon, Anthony, and Erick; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.