Leonarda Merlo

Leonarda P. (Caravano) Merlo, 94, of Linden, passed away peacefully on May 26th. Leonarda was born and raised in the Peterstown section of Elizabeth and lived there for over 80 years. “Mama Lee” was a loving, caring, and strong woman. She loved to entertain, always treated strangers like they were her own, and put everyone first before herself.

Leonarda was predeceased by her parents Giuseppe & Fillippa, husband, Joseph Merlo Sr., son, Joseph Merlo Jr, daughter Phyllis A. Patti, and grandson Luciano Merlo. She is survived by her daughter, Carmella Merlo, son, Michael Merlo, his wife Lois, son Anthony Merlo, son Philip Merlo, his wife Donna, son-in-law Carmelo Patti, and daughter-in-law Catherine Merlo. Also survived by her grandchildren, Giuseppe, Joseph III, Alexia, her husband Jon, Luciana, her fiance Joe, Nicole, her husband Chris, Salvatore, his wife Sandra, Anthony Jr., Paola, her husband Kevin, Michael, Danielle, Joseph, Michael, Gina, Gabrielle, and great- grandchildren Giovanni, Giancarlo, & Naomi. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A visitation for Leonarda will be held Thursday, May 29th from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Krowicki McCracken Funeral Home, 2124 East Saint George Ave, Linden, NJ 07036. A funeral mass will take place on Friday, May 30th at 10am at St. John the Apostle Parish, 1805 Penbrook Terrace, Linden, NJ 07036. A committal service is to follow at Saint Gertrude's Cemetery, 53 Inman Ave, Colonia, NJ 07067.