Mario Joseph Merlino of Moscow passed away on July 29, 2021 at Geisinger Community Medical Center.  He lived for 97 beautiful years.

Born June 16, 1924, Mario was the son of Angelo and Philamena (Giordano) Merlino.  He grew up in Pottsville.  He served in WWII, stationed in Italy.  When he returned home from service he married his love, Ann Pilo, and they remained in Pottsville raising their family for many years.  Mario was an executive vice president of clothing factories in NC in the late 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, where he was an accomplished tailor.  When he retired, he settled his family in Roaring Brook Township.  In his late 60’s, Mario graciously took on the task of being the soul caretaker to Ann, who suffered from ALS.  He was with her every minute, until she passed in 1993.  It gives the family such comfort to know they have been reunited, after so many years apart.  

Mario was preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Merlino, grandson, Bryan Bierman, and sister, Angeline Angelisanti.

He leaves behind his son, Angelo, Moscow, who took the best care of him for the past nine years, granddaughters Marietta Black (Kurt) FL, Adina Setzer (Jason) Vestal, NY, and Janna Rowlands (Chris), Jefferson Township. He has four great grandchildren, Mackenzie Black (partner Joseph Ferrante), FL, Nicholas and Asher Setzer, Vestal, NY, and Meadow Rowlands, Jefferson Township.  His brother is Anthony Merlino, Minersville.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  

Mario was a kind, generous, and gentle loving man with an infectious smile. He dressed in three piece suits till his last days. He loved boating and playing golf. Throughout his last few years, one of his greatest joys was spending time with his great granddaughter, Meadow.  He loved their visits and in our “Poppy’s” regular fashion, would always make sure to slip her a $20 bill and tell her not to tell anyone.

The family would like to thank the Geisinger CMC 4th floor nurses and staff; they were beyond wonderful!

Services will be private per Mario’s wishes.  His final resting place will be at Fairview Memorial Park where he will be interred with his wife in the family mausoleum.  

 

“It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

-St. Francis of Assisi, “Make Me An Instrument of Your Peace”