John R. Merlino

1914 - 05

John R. Merlino, 97, of Greensburg, died Thursday, March 22, 2012, in Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. Born May 29, 1914, in Greensburg, he was a son of the late Joseph and Maria Manchini Merlino. He was a decorated World War II Army veteran, having served most of his time in the Pacific Theater. He worked his last job before retirement as a supervisor for PennDOT. However, his all-encompassing love and life's work was as a musician. Starting early with his five brothers, they formed a big band called the Jack Merlin Orchestra, which was quite popular throughout the 1940s, '50s and '60s. After many years, they disbanded and John went on to play in numerous orchestra and concert bands; then eventually helped form a senior citizen band called the Moonlighters along with his brother, Paul. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine, in October 2004; two brothers, Louis Merlino and Nick Merlino; and three sisters, Elsie Merlino, Camille Tabita and Elizabeth Merlino. He is survived by four children, Anne Marie Sonnet (husband, Thomas), of Greensburg, Patricia Merlino, of Greensburg, Thomas Merlino (wife, Pam), of Greensburg, and Timothy Merlino (wife, Merci), of Ann Arbor, Mich.; grandchildren, Benjamin Sonnet (wife, Karen), of Falls Church, Va., Evan Sonnet, of Greensburg, Josiane Merlino, of Pittsburgh, Brendon Noll, Trevor and Devon Koontz, of Greensburg, and Madeline and Sean Merlino, of Ann Arbor, Mich.; and two great-granddaughters, Elinor and Franny Jo. Also surviving are three brothers, Paul Merlino, of New Hampshire, Joseph Merlino, of Arizona, and Ben Merlino, of New Jersey. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all staff members of Redstone Highlands skilled nursing for their attentive care. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of John from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020. Prayers will be held at 9 a.m. Monday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Greensburg. Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery. To sign online guestbook, view memorial video, order flowers/condolence gifts, or for directions, please visit us at www.pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.