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Lennie Merullo
1917 - 2015
Lennie Merullo
1917 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1917
DIED
2015
Lennie Merullo Obituary
Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said in a statement that Merullo died earlier in the day. The team didn't include details of Merullo's death.
Merullo was a major league shortstop from 1941-47, all with the Cubs. He hit .240 with six home runs and 152 RBIs.
Merullo played three games in the 1945 World Series and went 0 for 2. The Cubs lost in seven games to Detroit, and haven't made it back to the Series since then.
Last June, Merullo traveled from his home in Massachusetts and returned to Wrigley Field as part of the ballpark's 100th celebration.
Wearing a Cubs jersey, he used a walker to go from his wheelchair toward the mound and threw out the first ball before the Cubs played the Marlins, getting a big cheer from the fans.
During the seventh-inning stretch, he took part in Wrigley Field tradition and sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" over the stadium's sound system and drew another big ovation.
Merullo recalled that after the 1945 Series, the Cubs imagined they'd make it back soon enough.
"Yeah, sure," he said. "We never gave up hope."
Merullo later scouted for the Cubs. His grandson, Matt Merullo, played six years in the majors, mostly with the Chicago White Sox.
"While I have experienced many joys as owner of this great franchise, one of the most memorable was meeting Lennie last season," Ricketts said.
"When the Cubs last appeared in a World Series in 1945, Lennie was a 28-year-old shortstop. Nearly 70 years later, he brought the same youthful spirit and excitement," he said. "To his family, friends and loved ones, our organization will never forget him."
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
50 Entries
Tom Thurberg
January 10, 2018
One of the finest men I had ever met.
Dick Thursby
May 30, 2017
We really miss those annual lunches with this wonderful man.
How you can show support
Donna Franklin
August 30, 2015
To the loved ones of Lennie Merullo, May the God of all comfort, comfort you at this time of your loss.
July 29, 2015
Sorry about the loss of your loved one. My sincere condolences to the Merullo family.
For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power. (Php. 4:13)
July 9, 2015
Please take comfort in knowing that the giver of life is capable of restoring life to those that have fallen asleep in death. Acts 17:24,25."
Sincerely, Corey Wilson Jacksonville, FL
July 8, 2015
May Lennie long legacy be reminder for a life time.Psalms90:10.
Orlando
July 8, 2015
What a young, courageous heart he had! A loyal, supportive member until the end. My sincere condolences for the Merullo Family and those close friends who lost a great person. Our thoughts are with them. May our Loving God strengthen them while they endure in their journey of moving forward - for God is the Source of all Comfort.
July 6, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the Meruillo family and many, many friends. May you be comforted by your years of fond memories and the words of the greatest man who ever lived - .....Lazarus,[Leonard], come out! The man who had been dead came out with his feet and hands bound with wrappings, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them: Free him and let him go.
John 11:43,44.
Corey Wilson Jacksonville, FL
June 30, 2015
I am so sorry for your lost.Your family is in our prayers.
June 29, 2015
So very sorry for your loss.
Richard Herrick
June 27, 2015
RIP
June 24, 2015
May your family find comfort in God word at act:24:15 sorry for your lost.
June 24, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Merullo family. At times like these God can give you power beyond what is normal.
2 Corinthians 4:7
The Carter Family
June 11, 2015
Our condolences to the Merullo Family! Lennie Merullo was one of my father's favorite baseball players. Still at 100, he is glued to the TV set anxiously viewing every game during the season. Please recall that death and old age were not part of God's original purpose for mankind. Surely we will see Lennie again in perfect health and full of youthful vigor.
June 8, 2015
My sincere condolences are with the family for your loss. May your treasured memories and the drawing close to God in prayer help comfort you in your time of sorrow. Jeremiah 29:12,13
June 5, 2015
To Rick & the entire Merullo family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my father when he was 93; a lot of great years and memories. They really were from a special generation. They did everything in life well. Enjoy the memories, they never leave.
Al & Marianne DiDonato
anita
June 5, 2015
My condolences to the Family. He is in God's memory. John 5:25
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
June 5, 2015
In God's care rest in peace
Richard DeVellis
June 5, 2015
Back in 1969 Mr. Merullo the father of a close friend of mine, his youngest son Dave, sold me my first car, a Ford Falcon. At the time Mr. Merullo worked part time for Gray's Ford in Reading. You never forget your first car and that one was a beauty. The car I envied though was an old classic Ford Woodie which he owned. A classy guy owning a classic car. Guess which car Dave drove to the Senior Prom? So sorry for your loss. May you take comfort in knowing that he is with the Father of us all in Heaven.
Bill Tufts
June 4, 2015
Simply put, a wonderful man.
June 3, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the Merullo Family. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) help you during this difficult time.
Christy & Christopher Merullo
June 3, 2015
Our deepest condolences to Uncle Lennie's family. We were fans of Uncle Lennie especially our son, Jack (who's life is baseball). I remember walking him to school one day and he was talking about the game when I said, you know you have relatives who play pro ball in fact, you have a great-grand uncle who played in the World Series. He stopped and looked at me, "you're kidding" he said to me. Needless to say we had to stop on the sidewalk to talk about Uncle Lennie. After school, "we'll google him" I said. Jack was so thrilled when he got to go to Lennie & Jean's house to meet him and talk baseball. When Lennie came to Jack's First Communion while celebrating his 95th birthday was a very special day for all of us. I'm so glad that that my kids got to know him and that Lennie got to return to Chigago last year - that was so great. Jack and Gabriella talk about their Uncle Lennie often. He inspired all of us and left a beautiful legacy.
Mike and Donna Hickey
June 2, 2015
Our grandchildren, Gabriella and Jack Merullo, were so proud of their great, great Uncle Lennie and spoke of him often. He served as an inspiration to them. My sympathies to the family at this sad time.
Dr. Bud Rohwedder
June 2, 2015
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I remember your Dad from high school days.
Mark & Jeanmarie Williams
June 2, 2015
Uncle Lennie, you will be missed more than I think you ever realized. I remember, when I was younger, and at Nana's, you and I got into a "debate" about how girls can't and shouldn't play baseball! (I was playing softball at the time) I got so defensive before I realized you were completely teasing me! That became "our thing" whenever we saw each other. You always made peole laugh and feel so comfortable around you, even if they just met you! You had such a wonderful way about you. When you & Mark first met, the very first thing you asked him was "Are you a baseball player?" And when Mark said no, you told him "well you have the hands of a baseball player!" I have always been so proud to say you're my Uncle and show off your baseball card to anyone and everyone! I will always be that proud! The Baseball World as well as everyone else has lost a truly wonderful, kind,classy man. Rest in Peace Uncle Lenny! I love you
June 2, 2015
I will always remember the fun full conversations and laughter with uncle Lennie.
When on the family picnics he would bring a bag full of baseballs and throw them out on the field. He would tell me "get on first base" while he played shortstop. He then proceeded to punish my right hand for the day.
I was a privileged young man to have played with such a loveable man.
I'll miss you uncle Lennie give them hell at the FIELD OF DREAMS.
Your favorite nephew
Artie Merullo
Len Merullo
Scott Preston Hardy
June 2, 2015
Boston, Fenway Park; 1988 or 1989. I scored a Lower Field Box seat, just between the visitor's dugout & on-deck circle. The White Sox are in town. I spot baseball scouts Eddie Brinkman & Len Merullo sitting less than ten feet to my left. After striking out to end the Pale Hose top half of the 9th inning, Ozzie Guillen, a "spirited" young shortstop for the ChiSox, decides to put on a show. Ozzie stops just short of the dugout, and pretends he's enraged at striking out. He brought his feigned fury to a boil by frothing at the fans, while taking off his batting gloves...and hurling each of them straight into the laps of Eddie Brinkman & Lennie Merullo; bang, bang. Ed & Len slowly turn to look at each other as if to say; "Why did he have to include us in his little skit?". I felt bad for Ed & Len, but it was such great theater.
Rest In Peace, Lennie.
Lisa Vouras DMD
June 2, 2015
Jean, David and Family
We all are saddened to hear of Len's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Dr Vouras & Staff
Al Yellon
June 2, 2015
It was my great honor and privilege to meet Lennie last year on his visit to Wrigley Field. I know how much that visit meant to him and his family. My sincere condolences to the Merullo family and his many friends.
A. H.
June 2, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gail Nicholson Peacock
June 1, 2015
Remembering a wonderful person, always with a smile and a kind word, a true gentleman! Remembering many a Sunday or holiday in East Boston with the wonderful Merullo family. A great loss for all, wonderful memories for all. The James Nicholson Family and The Gail Nicholson Peacock Family
R
June 1, 2015
To the lennie family
I am really sorry to hear of the death of Merullo.
May you find comfort in knowing that God's word promises a real future where death will be be more.
Joseph LoRusso
June 1, 2015
Lenny was a true gentelman and one of the classiest men for the game of Baseball. My condolances go out to the entire Merullo Faimily.
Joe LoRusso and Family
Ed & Carole DiRamio
June 1, 2015
Our sincerest condolences to all the Merullo family. Lennie will be very much missed, he was "one of a kind" in baseball. We enjoyed being with him & Jean for many years of scouting ....especially down the Cape where all the scouts would hang out together. He was certainly a role model to many young scouts...a true gentleman. Ed & Carole DiRamio
Bill&Mary Twomey
June 1, 2015
Condolences to the Merullo family......All Baseball and especially New England Baseball has lost a strong but humble teacher of the old game.
manny lorenzana
June 1, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
CP
June 1, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 1, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
June 1, 2015
My sympathy to the family,
Comfort to your thoughts and heart in time,
"Do not worry over anything, but in everything let the things you have to ask for be made known to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving."
Elizabeth
Peter J. Chilos
June 1, 2015
R.I.P. Lennie
DS
May 31, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Gail Nicholson Peacock
May 31, 2015
Remembering Lenny spent many a Sunday in Uncle Til and Auntie Mitzi's kitchen in East Boston where Lenny and all the Merullo family would gather for food and laughter. Wonderful memories better times. So sorry for the loss of a wonderful person. Gail Nicholson Peacock
Katherine Leann Ladd
May 31, 2015
RIP to a great ballplayer!!!!
Scott Chamberland
May 31, 2015
Rest in Peace
May 31, 2015
I love you Uncle Lennie ❤
Bob Duggan
May 31, 2015
a wonderful man
Marion Pantos Sullivan
May 31, 2015
Growing up next door to the Merullo family,I remember our Hero Lennie who married Jeanie, the were a loving couple..Sorry Merullo Family.
May 31, 2015
A true Ball player.
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