The publication is reproduced in full below:
REMEMBERING NUNZIO MERLO
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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.
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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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(1), Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 201(2)
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