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Parker-Reedy Funeral Home

604 East Main Street

West Frankfort, Illinois

Robert Merlano Obituary

WEST FRANKFORT - Robert C. "Bob" Merlano, 59, of Kissimmee, Fla., formerly of West Frankfort, passed away at 12:15 a.m. Sunday, April 26, 2009, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 20, 1949, in Chicago to Walter and Emma (Antolini) Merlano. He married Janice "Jan" (Williams) Merlano June 5, 1972, and she survives, as well as a son, Mario and wife, Marcie Merlano, of Saint Cloud, Fla.; a daughter, Mia and husband, Cliff Kramer, of Aurora; grandchildren, Leo Merlano, Alyson and Kendall Kramer; sister, Tina and husband, Brad Hedstrom, of South Holland; and aunt, Edith Massey of West Frankfort.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob was a member of 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 Good Conduct Medal.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2009, in Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort, with Father Trevor Murry officiating. Burial will be in Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Military rites will be conducted by members of American Legion posts of Orient and Zeigler and VFW post of West Frankfort.

Memorial contributions may be made to 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Southern Illinoisan from Apr. 27 to Apr. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Merlano

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David Berner

May 20, 2009

I was sorry to hear of Bob's passing.I am glad to say he was my friend,and I will always remember the great times we had back in Roseland and playing in the band.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gene Sferruzza

May 19, 2009

Jan and family:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I'll always remember Bob as the great energetic guy he was during his rock 'n' roll band days with the Del-Rays. His lead singer voice added a lot to our old band.
May God bless and guide you and your entire family.

Martha (Wheeler) Mandrell

May 6, 2009

Jan and children, I'm so sorry to hear of Bob's death. You have my deepest sympathies. My dad used to speak of him often because of his work at the parts store.

Christopher McPhail

May 1, 2009

Jan,Mario,and Mia. I was pleased to see you this evening. Although we haven't seen each other in several years the memories of growig up are still there. I had the pleasure of working with Bob at the local parts store years ago, and one thing I remember most is that he always had a smile and a smart remark for anyone that graced his presence. Even though I've been a Cardinal fan my whole life, Bob is one devoted CUBS fan that will truely be missed by all that knew him. Best wishes to all of you.

Bob Dial

April 30, 2009

I’m so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was an extremely nice person. Often, I needed help for non-conventional parts and supplies. Bob was always helpful and offered suggestions to resolve problems. My sympathy goes out to all of his family.

Jerry & Linda Rodighiero

April 29, 2009

Edith and Family ~
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Robert. May God bless you with his peace.
Love, Jerry & Linda Rodighiero

sally holland

April 29, 2009

edith, i am so sorry to hear of the passing of your nephew. i know he ment the world to you. my prayers are with you and your family at this time. love, sally holland

Kimberly Watkins

April 29, 2009

Mario & Mia- I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. May God give you strength and courage during this time.

Kathy (Veteto) Massey

April 28, 2009

Jan and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of Bob always be with you.
May God Bless you and your family.

Toni Sinks-Roberts

April 28, 2009

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. You always opened your heart and your home to me and for that I will be forever grateful. Please know that I will be praying for peace for each of you.

the Stilleys

April 28, 2009

Jan and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We hope the good memories can carry you through this sad time.

Sherry (Burzynski) Hall

April 28, 2009

Jan, I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought of you through the years and wondered how you were doing. God Bless you and your family.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Parker-Reedy Funeral Home

604 East Main Street, West Frankfort, IL 62896

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