[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 201 (Thursday, November 18, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1256-E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING NUNZIO MERLO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2021

  Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, 
Nunzio Merlo, who passed away on Friday, October 17, 2021 at the age of 
80.
  He was born September 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 
nineteen and she was seventeen. They married on August 12, 1962.
  On November 13, 1965 Nunzio immigrated to America with his wife and 
two-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, the same 
company my grandfather Rizzi worked for, 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. It wasn't an event at Mt. Carmel unless Nunzio was 
working. 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 and 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. I can truly 
say, Madam Speaker, I would not be in Congress today if it wasn't for 
Nunzio Merlo and his family. They launched my career and I will forever 
be grateful.
  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, ten 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.

[[Page E1257]]

  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.

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