Joseph P. Merlone, 86, peacefully entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2015, in the comfort of his home, with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Irene D’Onofrio Merlone.
Mr. Merlone was born in Ansonia on March 2, 1929, son of the late Dino and Rose Calini Merlone.
A lifelong resident of Ansonia, he began his career as a milkman for Borden Dairy in Stratford and earned his way to Area Supervisor until the dairy closed.
He then became employed as a custodian and maintenance man for Ansonia Board of Education and worked part time for the former Blake Bus Co. where he enjoyed driving the Ansonia Chargers to football games.
Joe was a communicant of Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia and a member of its Catholic Men’s Club and Bocce League.
He enjoyed chess, reading, collecting model milk trucks, reminiscing with old friends and telling stories of his days as a milk man.
His favorite pastime was being with his grandchildren and watching them grow and sharing his wisdom. Michael and Amy will dearly miss their Pa. We will all miss his gentle and kind heart. He also enjoyed singing and whistling a tune. He always had a song in his heart, a positive attitude and a contagious smile. He seemed to know someone everywhere he went, from Ansonia to Hawaii. He made friends easily and was respectful to everyone he met.
In addition to his wife Irene, he is survived by sons, Gary Merlone (Carol) and Joseph P. Merlone of Ansonia, daughters, Donna Doucette (David) of Hollywood, FL and Angela Juda (Robert) of Stratford, cherished grandchildren, Tara Huzi (Jeff), Ryan Merlone, Desiree Doucette, Miranda Michajlyszyn, Michael Juda and Amy Juda, great granddaughter, Alaijah Doucette, dear friends, Gus Borgesano and Andy Bednarik, and feline friend, Spooky. He was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Michajlyszyn and a grandson, Dustin Diglio.
Visiting hours will take place on Tuesday June 9, 2015, from 5 – 7 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.
On Wednesday, his funeral will be held at 9:15 am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia.
Interment will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101 or at http://www.stjude.org., or through the funeral home.
To send an act of sympathy, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
