Robert J. Merlano

Robert J. Merlano, age 74, Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, and uncle. Bob was born July 28, 1950 in Amityville, New York, to Louis and Jane Merlano. When he was seven, his family moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania where he lived until he enlisted in the military in 1969. Bob served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a B-52 Bomber mechanic. He loved his country and was proud of his service. After he was discharged, he moved to Stuart, Florida and worked at Grumman Aerospace. A few years later, he decided to continue his education at the University of West Florida where he earned a B.S. Degree in Marine Biology. After graduation, he taught high school marine biology and coached baseball and football. In 1990, he changed careers and began working in the pharmaceutical industry where he remained until retirement. Bob's love for coaching was a part of him. After retirement, he volunteered his time and talents coaching Little League in Belleview, Florida. He loved all sports, but his passion was baseball. In his later years, he also became an avid golfer. He and his son, Robert, loved to fish and went on several fishing adventures with friends in different parts of the country. Bob is survived and was dearly loved by his wife Debra, of 49 years, son, Robert, siblings Teresa Longar, Louis Merlano, James Merlano, Kathryn and David (spouse) Wheeler, Anthony Merlano, Raymond and Janelle (spouse) Merlano, Maria and Patrick (spouse) West and Philip Merlano. He is also survived by brother-in-law Dennis Dill, sister-in-law, Danielle Dill and brother and sister-in-law Dan and Andra Dill and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Ocala, Florida and was active in Lutheran Men in Mission at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that a donation be made to the Disabled American Veterans organization in Bob's name.