Ivan E. Merlo Obituary

Rest In Peace our Brother ... you sacrifice for our freedom I have a grateful to you and my condolences to the family

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Allman Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Ivan E. Merlo US Army Private 1st Class. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

It's crazy how no matter how long it's been I still remember you like it was yesterday.... I miss you little brother and I'll never forget everything we went through, thanks for looking over us, I know your by my side and I know it's you that keeps me focused.... Love you greatly!
-Your older bro!

Merlo man I miss you dearly. You are what a true friend is all about. You are alwas in my thoughts my friend.

To the family and friends of Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo:
It has truly been my honor to sign Ivan's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Ivan will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Happy birthday cousin... WE love and we miss you so much...We will never forget you

damn brother you dont even know how much i miss you, growing up together wathcing each other backs and fighting with each other like brothers ill never forget the day we joined the military man how i miss you brother your birthday is coming up next week, man ill celebrate for you.

I won't forget heros & patriots like Ivan. The Lord knows! From a San Marcos HS graduate & Desert Storm veteran.

Ivan not a day goes by I don't think of you. Yesterday my sister lost a friend close to her like me an you. I miss you soo much and love you I know your in a better place. God does everything for a reason and he definitely takes the good ones young. Take care on Anthony an keep looking out for us. Love you always HERO <3

ivan even if i dont know yhu i heard lots of things about yhu that yhur a nice man and that everybody can trust yhu well im doing a project about yhu and im glad i pick yhu

REST IN PEACE
-ivan merlo

Yesterday came and i couldn't help but thinking of you Merlo. To the friends and family always remember that Ivan will never be forgotten. R.I.P Merlo
Harrison

To the family and friends of Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo:
Always remembering Ivan. "Some gave all."

I miss you brotherr! I do and i think about u and how crazy that ur not around, Love you lots and thanks still for what you've done! your a true hero forever!! Say hi to God for me! :)

IVAN MERLO YOU ARE TRULY MISSED .YOU ARE A GREAT FRIEND GOOD WARRIOR AND A OUTSTANDING SOLDIER.I AM LUCKY AS WELL HAPPY TO HAVE MET YOU.THIS MEMORIAL WEEKEND IS BECUASE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU WITH OURSTANDING COURAGE AND SELFLESS SERVICE.
I MISS YOU MAN
BROTHERS THROUGH WAR HARRISON

TO THE FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF IVAN MERLO JUST KNOW THAT MERLO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. AS WE REMEMBER THE DATE OF JAN 08, MAY WE REMEMBER THAT SCARIFIC THIS MAN GAVE TO THIS COUNTRY AND TO THE SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT BESIDE HIM
MERLO YOU ARE TRULY MISSED MY FRIEND
A CO ROBERT HARRISON

To the family and friends of Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo:
Please accept my remembrance of Ivan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

IVAN I LOVE YOU AND I TRUELY MISS U. I ALWAYS THINK OF YOU AND I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU IN MY THOUGHTS REGARLESS. I LOVE YOU.

MERLO MAN AS I TYPE I SEEM TO REMEMBER THAT YOU ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON YOUR FACE MAKING IT EASIER FOR OTHERS TO HAVE A BETTER DAY AT WORK. YOU ARE A GREAT FRIEND AND WARRIOR. YOU ALWAYS GAVE 110% AND DID MORE THEN YOUR SHARE OF THE WORK. I WILL ALWAYS MISS YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR BUT HOW YOU EASILY SWITCHED THAT OFF WHEN IT CAME DOWN TO WORK. BROTHER IN ARMS. I MISS YOU DEARLY AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. KEEP SMILING FROM THE HEAVENS DOWN ON US.
YOUR BROTHER IN ARMS HARRISON
A CO 2-327

To the family and friends of Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo:
Remembering Ivan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

merlo,
i miss you man i wish i was there for you on jan 8th. my prayers are with your family and we will see each other on the other side. doc thompson

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Ivan, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

To the family of Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo:
Ivan gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
We love our Soldiers! This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, God Bless You and we hope that your portrait is bringing you some peace!
Sincerely,
Kenna

We will always love u primo and u now we cant do anything about it but i know were you went.you will be always in our hearts. A soldier that will never be forgotten

What a gorgeous face with such expressive eyes in that photo. How saddened I am to learn of his passing. I pray he rest in peace, and I pray that his family be assured that he will not be forgotten.

R.I.P. pfc.Ivan E.Merlo
you will always be remembered!
now and forever!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Merlo!

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Merlo and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

To family, friends, and fellow Soldiers:
my most sincere sympathy on PFC Merlo's loss. Memories will keep his flame burning brightly, forever.

Hey Ivan,
can't believe your really gone i still don't want to belive it but i know it's true. Can't belive i never got to see you again after i moved to Arizona but even though we were miles away i remembered you. Know that even though your gone to me you will always with me. Hope to see you in Heven cousin later.

To the Merlo family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Ivans' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 Iraq

Mis sinceras condolencias. Me senti bien triste al conocer el fallecimiento de este gran soldado. Desde Puerto Rico con todo mi afecto para su familia y mi admiración por este heroe caido que nos dejo.

My heartfelt sympathy to the Merlo family in the loss of Ivan. I did not know Ivan, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Ivan you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Ivan,

I just wanted to tell you, Thank You. From the deepest part of my heart, Thank You. I'm so blessed to have seen your smile. You were an honoring soldier... My husband was proud of you and the soldier you'd become. I promise you, my dear friend, I will stay by Nicole's side. Your wife and I are forever connected by our husband's
selflessness. You are engraved in my heart....

johana y Duvi villegas sentimos mucho lo ke a pasado por la tragedia de nuestro sobrino ivan.
ke dios lo tenga en la gloria y ke nos resignemos por estaperdida ke nadie esperaba...
nuestro mas sentido pesame para
DUVI,JOHANA,LUIS,DIEGO Y ALEXIS

ATTE: MOTOLINIA VILLEGAS

Primo tony me acabo de enterar de la tragedia sabes que tu y tu familia cuenta con nosotros no obstante estemos lejos estamos cerca de corazon se fuerte se te quiere tu primo joaquin tu tia mary tu tio joaquin y hermanos dios ayuda cuidate

I send you The Merlo Family my deepest and most sincere sympathies, now God has blessed us all with a guardian angel named Ivan E. Merlo.

LOS ACOMPAÑO EN ESTOS MOMENTOS DE DOLOR. SABIENDO QUE IVAN ESTA AL LADO DE NUESTRO SEÑOR JESUS. ES UN BUEN SOLDADO QUE HA PELEADO LA BUENA BATALLA Y AHORA ESTA EN LOS CIELOS CUIDANDO A SUS SERES QUERIDOS. SINCERAMENTE DESDE PUERTO RICO, SPC DIAZ {RETIRADO]

We are very sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Ivan was a true hero.

OMG IVAN I MISS YOU SO MUCH YOU REALLY DID CHANGE MY LIFE.NOW THAT YOUR GONE I SEE LIFE DIFFERENT BECAUSE I HAVE TO LIVE LIFE TIL THE END.TRIED TO DO THINGS THAT I WANT IN LIFE ON MY OWN IF YOU COULD DO, I COULD TO. THAT S WHAT I HAVE LEARN FROM THIS MISS YOU SEE YOU WHEN WE GET UP THERE.WATCH US FROM UP ABOVE THERE.

It is not often you get to meet a true hero, let alone serve next to one in combat.

Ivan, I am honored to have carried you that day and to have known you, even if only for a short wile. My deepest sympathies to the family.

if tears could build a stairway,and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

well ivan you trully lived up to ur nickname...HERO, because to me you ARE a hero and i thank god for giving me the chance to know you and it was trully a great honor to have met you back in middle school and to have known you thru all hight school...hey remember the time that you picked me up during lunch that i was upset at something but you came right over and made ma all happy well you have that special gift that everything and anything that you did just cheerd up the room... god bless you ivan merlo and i will see you some day...but not just yet because i have to inform the world of the great person that you were....

I LOVE AND MISS YOU!!!!

LOVE,
SANDRA

mi mas sentido pesame a mi querido hermano y a toda la familia y demas sobrinos que los amamos que siempre tendremos en nuestro corazon a Ivan y que Dios los bendiga
de tia jana

hey primo,
i can't belive i willl never get to see you again and tell u how much i love u. but just know im happy cuz you change my world and im happy for all the good times i spend with u back in cali. just now the i will always have you in my heart and memorize and i will always love you.

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPor
traits/homepage,
where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett (Queens, NY)

Merlo you were an awesome friend and there are so many memories of you, Phill, and Alan that I will never ever forget. So many people love you Merlo, I cant believe you are gone...
Nicole- Sweetie if you ever need anything, like I told you before, I am here for you always! I am just a phone call away.
-PFC Alan Rumrill's Fiancee

My son was Sgt. David Hart. Our sons served together and died together. I can only rejoice that we had the opportunity to know our sons and are better people for that.

My prayers are with you as you grieve now and as God brings healing and comfort to you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

God bless you,
Cherie Hart

For the year that I knew you, you were a really sweet person, and I am very shocked that this happened to you. I wish your family they best and everyone knows that you are now watching over us happy in heaven.
Its funny too 'cause I was just thinking about you before I knew what happened.

I did not personally know Ivan, but as a fellow soldier, he is family to me.
My deepest condolences to his family and close friends.

Please accept our deepest condolences. We too lost someone very special to us in 2006 in Iraq, so we do know your pain. Just know Ivan died a hero. All of those brave individuals make it possible for us to live as we do in this country. Again, please accept our condolences for your loss. Our prayers to you and your family.

Thank you for your sacrifice.
Sorry for your loss. A soldier who was there told me about it.

Utter shock and sadness when we at the office here in Penasquitos got the news.
Our hearts reach out to the Merlo family and we are so very sorry for your loss. May God give the family peace.

My Papabear,

I love and miss you.All i can say that NOTHING will ever be the same without you. I will do my best to be strong,but just know that i will always love you.You are the best thing that could happen to me,you still are. You are MY hero,and my soulmate. I will see you again honeybunches remember :i promise".

We are the parents of Phillip Pannier it has taken me a little while to be able to attempt this but I want to let you know that we are praying for your family at this time when I say I know what you are going through you know that is true we know how hard it is hurting and how your are hoping it is not true I keep thinking I am in a nightmare and wish I would wake up but I know that is not true just wanted you to know we are thinking about your family maybe some day we can meet and share pictures of our sons

hey bro!! omg im still shocked... i cant believe ur not on earth... here with everyone that loves u!!! u were such a good friend!!! omg remember 5th period when we would make ms. mccarthy mad??!! ha ha good times!!! u always put a smile on my face!! i will always remember you!!! love u bro!!!

TO THE MERLO FAMILIY, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST, MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.

As the mother of a fellow soldier, please accept my deepest sympathies. My son was serving in Iraq with Ivan and considered him not only a fellow soldier but a friend. Ivan is a hero to us all.

My husband and I would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your soldier.
"All gave some, but some gave all."

I still cant believe you are gone it has been 1 week and one day and we are trying so hard to be strong & this is the most difficult thing I have ever done. But just remember I will take of your wife, my sister and you will always be in out prayers. I miss everything about you and I cant wait to meet with you again. Love you always your sister in Law.

wow...its hard to swallow i didnt believe it at first were going to miss you bro, you always were the ones to bring up the smart comments when someone was having a bad day, but it always seemed to make them smile...R.I.P Ivan we will take it from here

i miss you bro, we made good friends since day 1 in the Army for the both of us and were able to deploy with the same unit, i enjoyed seein you around when i was down in your area, i remember just seein you man! i can't believe you're gone now, i know you're still watchin over us man, i feel so bad for your wife nicole who you always talked so fond of...and your family, everytime i think of you i always see u with a smile on your face. you're my boy man! even though we're the same MOS 11B and in the same area, you're still my Hero, i love you bro, it's not goodbye, i'll see you later bro...miss you

We care and share your sarrow and pride.

With the deepest regret, I have just learned of the death of Private First Class Merlo. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Society, Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, Charlie A. Newcomer, III and the more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. This precious life, lived and lost in love of America, epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe ..!! Nor the debt we owe you… the family of one of America's best ...!!!

REST IN PEACE PFC. MERLO, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

A true American hero.God bless Ivan and his family.

As a mother of a Soldier, I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are many, many people who grieve with you.

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo, the Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Ivan rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may God's Grace and Comfort be with the Merlo family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam, in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

May the Peace of God and your precious memories of Ivan, remain in your heart always, may this give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo. I know all to well that there are just no words at this time to ease your pain. May the love and memories you have of Ivan along with the love and prayers of so many bring just a small ray of light into this dark time.
Pfc. Ivan Merlo you are a true American hero who will not be forgotten. The world is a better place because of you. Thank you. May you now rest in peace.
Barb Nurnberg - proud mother of Cpl Keith A Nurnberg D-CO 2/69 AR 3rd Combat Brigade, 3RD ID KIA 9/5/2007 Baghdad

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Pfc Ivan E Merlo. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)

To the Family:

I am touched by your loss, and I am trusting God to comfort you during this time. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal. I thank God because He has "...wiped away all tears from Ivan's eyes..." and the Ivan will "never know pain or sorrow again..."

I will FOREVER "Salute" Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo!

Yours in Christ,

florence

Please see:
www.roseofsharonministriesltd.org
and know that our soldiers will never be forgotten. No donations requested!