Bernard A. Merli

Bernard A. "Bernie" Merli, 79, of Granby, beloved husband of Christine (Methot) Merli, passed away peacefully at home on April 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hartford on October 2, 1943, 'Bernie' was the son of the late Andrew M. and Ernestine (Ryan) Merli. Bernie and Chris met in Springfield and were married on September 2, 1968. Bernie attended Windsor Schools and was a 1962 graduate of Windsor High School. His love of baseball began in Little League, continued on the Windsor High baseball team, where he excelled and even appeared in a Hartford Courant article regarding his ability to play the game he loved with only one good arm. He loved to share his memories of the family farm on Pigeon Hill Road in Windsor, where he spent so many of his younger years and met his lifelong friends. He had cherished memories as well of Airport Service, Ponyland, Elvis, and his 1965 GTO. Bernie was a member of the Poquonock Volunteer Fire Department until his move to Granby in 1969, when he joined the Lost Acres Fire Department until 2014.

Bernie was employed by the Kaman Corporation for many years before retirement. He was a communicant of St. Therese Parish in Granby. He was an avid collector and restorer of tractors and at one point had a collection of 30 Farmalls that were proudly displayed on Memorial Day weekend. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family, especially the love his life, Chris, his sons and grandchildren. Football, baseball, basketball and cheerleading took on a new meaning for 'Pepere'! Bernie is survived by his wife of 54 years, Christine; his sons, Patrick (Rebecca) of South Carolina, Mark (Kathy Lester) of Windsor Locks, Dennis (Lindsey) of Cromwell, his grandchildren, Drew, Joshua, Benjamin, and Giovanna; his sister, Judith Argazzi and her husband Paul of Old Saybrook, his brothers, Kevin Merli and his wife Karen of Georgetown, MA and Peter Merli and his wife Mary Lou of Granby. Bernie also had a special place in his heart for his favorite aunt Dorothy and his beloved nieces and nephews. A special thank you to some of his 'angels': Mary Ann, Lisa, Rachel, Anitra, Charlina and Kate. To those we didn't have an opportunity to meet, your support surrounded us. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, from 4-7PM at Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook Street, Granby, CT 06035. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 10AM at St. Mary's Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. Burial will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery, Maple Street, Tariffville, CT 06081. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bernard's memory may be made to The Hospice Program of FVVNA, 8 Old Mill Lane, Simsbury, CT 06070. For condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com.