On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, Christopher Joseph Merlo, loving father of two daughters, passed away at the age of 58 after a long battle with cancer. Chris was born February 10, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan to Marlene and James Merlo who predeceased him.
Chris graduated with an undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in 1982 and a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in 1986. Chris was admitted to the Texas State Bar in 1987.
In 1985, Chris began his professional career in Dallas in the field of Employee Benefits and ERISA law at William M. Mercer Co. In 1994, he began to demonstrate his entrepreneurial skills by co-founding the employee benefit consulting firm of PartnerSource, Inc. with several friends. In 1997, Chris established Benefit Partners, Inc. and several affiliated companies to provide full-service human resource and employee benefit consulting services. Within a short time, under his able leadership, Benefit Partners grew to be a well-known and highly respected consulting firm that served the employee benefit and human resource needs of many national and regional corporations and that employed more than 125 people.
Throughout his career, Chris was a titan in the insurance industry. One of the many companies Chris formed was BP Life and Health, an insurance agency that was licensed in all 50 states. In addition to his many hours running Benefit Partners and consulting with his employee benefit clients, Chris also ran a law practice, was active in the Dallas Bar Association and worked in an ERISA study group in its early years.
Without question, Chris was a successful business entrepreneur and started numerous businesses, but he was also a rare combination of someone who loved life, work and play, who had a passionate love for his family, especially his daughters, and was a well-loved and loyal friend to many. Chris also enjoyed his cars -- a 1970 Nova in his early years and numerous cars, including his Porsche Carrera, orange Shelby Mustang and black Lamborghini in more recent years.
Chris was known for his infectious smile, his kind, generous spirit and his capacity to balance his love of work and love of life and he will be deeply missed by his family and many dear friends.
Chris is survived by his daughters, Kendall and Milan; brothers Jim and Mark; his Aunt Val, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Family, friends, and others whose lives he touched are invited to the Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home on Saturday, November 17, from 5-7 P.M. for the visitation. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, November 18, at 3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chris Merlo Charitable Foundation. Information: P.O. Box 803347, Dallas, Texas 75380-3347.
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