Dr. James Merlo

DR. JAMES MERLO CALUMET CITY, IL

Dr. James Merlo, of Calumet City, IL, passed away suddenly on May 6, 2017, at the age of 87. Dr. Merlo was the beloved husband of the late Barbara (nee Kokajka); loving and devoted father of four daughters: Dr. Barbara (Dr. Anthony) Hirschenberger, Dr. Mary (Larry) Murison, Jamie (Michael) McCluskey, and Julie (Angelo) Vitiritti; cherished grandfather of Tony and Mark Hirschenberger, Megan, Larry, and Natalie Murison, and Louis, Michael, and Nicolas Vitiritti; caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents Santo and Elvira Merlo, his sister Jo Merlo, and his brother Jerry Merlo. Dr. Merlo graduated from Thornton Fractional High School and completed his undergraduate degrees at the University of Illinois and Loyola University. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Loyola University Dental School, followed by an internship at Forsyth Infirmary for Children. Dr. Merlo then served as Captain in the United State Air Force at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona. He opened his first dental practice in Hammond, Indiana and later relocated that office to Munster, Indiana, where he practiced with his son-in-law, Dr. Anthony Hirschenberger. Dr. Merlo also had an office in Chicago, Illinois where he practiced with his daughter, Dr. Mary Murison. Dr. Merlo was a distinguished dentist for nearly six decades before retiring in 2015. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, Northwest Indiana Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Merlo was proud of his Italian heritage and his Calumet City roots. He was a kind, compassionate, and generous friend to many and served as an inspiration to everyone who met him. He adored his daughters and their families, especially his grandchildren. Dr. Merlo was an avid golfer and longtime member of Olympia Fields Country Club. He helped to recruit a number of young men for the University of Illinois football program and was an honorary member of the Varsity "I" Association. He was a member of several charitable organizations, including the Old Neighborhood Italian American Club and the Pirates, Inc., which benefits Tradewinds and other services for children with special needs. Dr. Merlo enjoyed fine dining, particularly Italian cuisine, his golf excursions to Palm Springs, and his family vacations to Jamaica. Dr. Merlo lived a long, rich life, and he will be missed by all those that knew him. Visitation Wednesday, May 10, 2017 from 2:00-8:00 P.M. at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN. 219-924-3333. Funeral services Thursday, May 11, 2017 with 9:15 A.M. prayers from Kish Funeral Home to Our Lady of Knock Church, 501 163rd Street, Calumet City, IL. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Calumet City, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Merlo's name may be made to the Evans Scholar Foundation, One Briar Road, Golf, IL 60029, or online at www.wgaesf.org. www.kishfuneralhome.net