John J Merlino, age 85, of Williamsville, October 26, 2023. Loving husband of 61 years of Carolyn Cuccia Merlino; dear father of John (Lisa) Merlino and Lisa (Chris) Utz; grandfather of Madeleine Utz, Elias (Madelyn) Utz and Giovanni Merlino; brother of Richard (Elizabeth) Merlino and the late Angelo (Judy) Merlino, Anthony Merlino and Joanne Ramos. Family and friends may call Friday, November 3, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at PERNA DENGLER ROBERTS Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Rd, Williamsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will offered Saturday, November 4, 9:30 AM at Christ the King Church, 30 Lamarck Dr, Amherst. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org; and Tunnels to Tower Foundation, www.t2t.org. John was a retired Colonel from the United States Army Reserves with 30 years of service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DenglerRobertsPernaWilliamsville.com for the Merlino family.
