Robert C. "Bob" Merlano

Robert C. "Bob" Merlano, age 59, of Kissimmee, Fl. formerly West Frankfort, Il. passed away at 12:15 a.m. Sunday, April 26, 2009 at his residence. He was born December 20, 1949 in Chicago, Il. to Walter Merlano and Emma (Antolini) Merlano. He married Janice ÔJan" (Williams) Merlano on June 5, 1972 and she survives as well as a son, Mario and wife, Marcie Merlano of Saint Cloud, Fl.; a daughter, Mia and husband, Cliff Kramer of Aurora, Il.; grandchildren, Leo Merlano, Alyson and Kendall Kramer; sister, Tina and husband, Brad Hedstrom of South Holland, Il. and aunt Edith Massey of West Frankfort. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bob was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church in West Frankfort. He worked as an auto parts manager for many years and was a Chicago Cubs fan and coin collector. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War receiving the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Funeral services will be Friday, May 1, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Parker - Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday to the Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion's of Orient and Zeigler and by the VFW of West Frankfort. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's Catholic School and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the guest register visit www.parkerreedyfuneralhome.com.