Nunzio Merlo 1941-2021

He was born Sept. 14, 1941, in Gioiosa Marea, Sicily, Italy, the son of Giuseppe and Tindara Stancampiano-Pizzo Merlo.

He grew up in the mountains of Sicily with his three sisters and three brothers, his father, a sheep farmer and cheese maker, and his mother, a homemaker. Nunzio’s time as a young man in Sicily was spent working as a tree trimmer and a taxi driver; and he enjoyed singing and playing guitar. He met the love of his life, Maria, in Gioiosa Marea, when he was 19 and she was 17. They married on Aug. 12, 1962.

On Nov. 13, 1965, Nunzio immigrated to America with his wife and 2-year-old son to build a new life. He was always a hard worker and often worked two jobs. Nunzio was employed at National Gypsum, General Motors Lordstown, Tauro Brother’s Trucking and the U.S Postal Service. He was also a self-employed truck driver. He retired after 17 years working for the city of Niles Water Department in 2015.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, where he could always be found volunteering at the church festivals and Lenten fish dinners. He was a member of the Sons of Italy, Niles Democratic Club, Niles Knights of Columbus Council 1681 and he played in several bocce leagues.

Nunzio’s dedication to family was at the heart of everything he did. He especially enjoyed cooking Sunday dinners for his family. Nunzio enjoyed gardening, playing Italian cards with family and friends and attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and events. His kind heart, willingness to help others and his infectious smile will live in the memories of family and friends forever.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 59 years, Maria Calabrese Merlo; his father-in-law, Tindaro Calabrese of Niles; four sons, Joseph Merlo and his wife, Louise of Niles, Robert Merlo and his wife, Jamie of Niles, Tino Merlo and his wife, Michelle of Howland and Giovanne Merlo and his wife, Monica of Niles; two sisters, Maria Merlo of Gioiosa Marea, Sicily, Italy and Rosa Merlo of Cefalu, Sicily; 10 grandchildren, Giuseppe Merlo (Sarah Marlinski), Nicolette Merlo, Alenna Merlo, Nunzio Merlo, Roberto Merlo, Isabella Merlo, Gianna Merlo, Tino Merlo, Emma Merlo and Giovanne Merlo. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins in the U.S. and Sicily.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Maria Tindara Calabrese; three brothers, Salvatore Merlo, Vincenzo Merlo and Domenico Merlo; and a sister, Giovanna Merlo.

Friends may call Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Due to the current health situation, social-distancing measures are expected to be observed and friends coming to pay their respects to the family are kindly asked to promptly depart the funeral home after doing so. Facial coverings are mandatory also.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held noon Friday, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where social distancing and facial covering are mandatory.

Burial will be in Pineview Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Family and friends can visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Nunzio’s family.

(special notice)