James "J.J." Merlo

Merlo, James "J.J."

Baptized into the hope of Christ's Resurrection, passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at the age of 84.

J.J. was the beloved husband of Janet (nee Berra) Merlo; devoted father of Debbie Merlo, Tim (Cara) Merlo, Bob Merlo, Maggie (Phil) Nikolai, and Shelly Merlo; cherished grandfather of Jack Nikolai, Anna Merlo, Mark Merlo, Sam Nikolai, and the late Joseph Merlo, John Merlo, and Matthew Nikolai; dear brother of Pat Merlo and Kay (John) Grein and brother-in-law of Norman (Toni) Berra and Jim (Mary) Berra; dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and a friend to all. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph "Timmie" and Ann (nee Ceriotti) Merlo.

J.J. was a lifelong resident of The Hill and devoted lifelong parishioner of Saint Ambrose Catholic Church on The Hill. He was a member of countless neighborhood organizations. He was a proud alumnus of St. Ambrose Grade School, Class of 1952. He graduated from CBC in 1956 and immediately began his 43 year long career at McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing. He retired in 2000 and since then enjoyed his retirement with Janet, his wife of 62 years.

J.J. loved fishing, hunting, woodworking, and sharing Hill history with anyone who asked. He was a lifelong friend to many and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Services: Visitation will be Tuesday, May 30 from 4-8 p.m. at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa Street, St. Louis 63109. The recitation of the Rosary will commence on Wednesday, May 31 at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, 5130 Wilson at Marconi, 63110 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Interment Resurrection Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in J.J.'s memory to Saint Ambrose Forever or the CBC Matthew Merlo Nikolai Memorial Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated by his family.