Fortunato P. Merullo

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fortunato (Fort) Patrick Merullo, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Fort, 69, passed away on December 2, 2024. Born to Philomena and Pasquale Merullo (deceased) on April 22, 1955, a native of Upper Arlington.

From the mouth of his youngest 11 year old grandson, describing his “PopPop”: “He was smart, funny, hardworking, handsome, helpful, and handy. He was the greatest grandpa, too. He fought cancer for 15 years and was very strong and brave. We will miss him so much.”

Fort attended The Ohio State University and of course was an avid Buckeye Fan. He was the Vice President of his Upper Arlington class of 1973. He co-owned S.A.T. Landscape Services with his wife Renee, for 42 years before selling in 2019.

He was the oldest of nine children. Fort enjoyed gardening, landscaping, golfing with his friends, gambling (so he could help pay the salaries at the Atlantis resort and Casino), and a warm sunny beach.

Fort’s family and friends meant the world to him. Anywhere he went he was always collecting new friends like most people collect pennies. He had the greatest gift for gab like no other!!

He led an honorable life and here are a few pointers we learned from him. Be full of integrity and seek out the truth. He always wanted to dig deep to find out the facts and be informed on issues that matter most. He was the ultimate big brother who would always find a resolution to any dispute. He would tell us not to let your emotions or misinformation jade your ability to make a smart decision in life. Then, he would say, “GO VOTE!”. Fort was passionate about so many things, his family, his friends, the Buckeyes, politics and how our country was governed. He expected nothing, appreciated everything and was the most positive person ever.

He leaves behind his wife, Renee of 48 years, son Fortunato (Katherine), grandsons: Fortunato & Tristano, sister Regina Merullo, brother Tony Merullo (Letitzia), sisters Sandy Dibello (Michael), Cathy Rinehardt (David), Mary Eppert (Mark), sister in laws: Kelly Merullo and Karen Conley.

He joins his deceased dogs, Jericho, Mariah, Bruno, Dakota, Zoey, Dino and last but not least his baby girl, Rosie. He also joins his nephew that he raised like a son, Todd Osborne and other family members: Cindy Barksdale (sister), Felix Merullo (brother), Michael Merullo (brother), in laws Angelo and Josephine Ripellino and brother-in-law James Ripellino.

He leaves his group of childhood friends that meant the world to him: Dewey, Dan M., Tom K. Big T., Jack R., just to name a few, then there are the “nucliasses”: Big Bob L., Gary K., Holly L., Dirk and LeAnne, and all of his golfing buddies.

Also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, all too numerous to mention but loved dearly.

The Merullo family would like to share a heartfelt thank you to the medical teams at the James and at the Kobacker House.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Agatha on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 am. On Saturday December 7, 2024, at 11:00 am, a celebration of life remembrance service will be held, followed by a reception lasting until 2 pm at Schoedinger Northwest at 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221.

If you would like to make a donation in Fort’s memory, please go to the Speak for the Unspoken dog rescue website to support dogs that have been abused or have special needs.