Merlino

Frederick James Merlino Jr., 88, of Zelienople, entered Heaven on Friday, May 19, 2023, after a brief illness.

Born June 16, 1934, in Pottsville, Pa., he was the son of the late Fred Merlino and Lillian Rouse Merlino.

Fred was a pipeline welder from the age of 17. He joined the Pipeliners Local 798 Union, Tulsa, Okla., through Pace Pipeline Company in 1953, and just received his 70-year member certificate. He also worked for Colosimo & Sons and was a member of Union 66. In addition, Fred was in the U.S. Army, stationed at the North Park Nike Missile site from 1955 to 1958.

Fred enjoyed music and taught himself to play the organ and piano; he even rebuilt a piano for his use. He also enjoyed crossword puzzles and more recently Sudoku puzzles. He enjoyed watching boxing, golf and funny movies and sitcoms. He would laugh until he had tears. We will certainly miss that laugh.

He loved to be outside, on his tractor mowing the yard and trimming bushes. He and Cora had a huge garden until a few years ago, even growing potatoes in their field. As animal lovers, they had many varieties of dogs, but particularly loved Chihuahuas. His last domestic animal was a calico cat named Patches that was, according to him, the smartest animal he had owned.

Fred is survived by his wife of 64 years, Cora Mae (Kitts) Merlino; his daughters, Debbie Pullen of Culpeper, Va., Sue (Ken) Brennan of Freedom, Jennifer (Bill) Reddy of Etna and Kelli Martin of Sarver; his 14 grandchildren; his 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Rose Marie (Joe) Nebistensky of Schuylkill Haven, Pa.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa (Steve) Nardi; his son-in-law, Ken Brennan; his brothers, Willie, Pete and Edward; his sister, Helen (Jim) Donetti; as well as many friends.

MERLINO — Friends of Frederick James Merlino Jr., who died Friday, May 19, 2023, were received from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the funeral home with Pastor Peter J. Everett officiating.

Fred will be laid to rest at Evans City Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Fred’s honor and in honor of his daughter, Melissa, to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave. #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.