Francis A. Merlino

Francis “Frank” A. Merlino, of Warwick, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the age of 94. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth A. (Conca) Merlino for sixty-nine years. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Anthony F. and the late C. Mildred (Campagna) Merlino.

He grew up in Providence helping out with the family business, Merlino Brothers Market, from the time he was old enough to lend a hand. It was there, at Merlino Brothers Market, where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Conca. He remained there at Merlino Brothers, even after getting married in 1956. After they were married, Frank and Elizabeth built a beautiful life together filled with love, laughter and family. They settled in Providence, where they raised their children and created a home that was always filled with warmth, good food and the sound of laughter. Frank worked hard to provide for his family, but he always made time for what mattered most to him, spending time with his family.

Frank graduated from Providence College, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1953 and was elected to the office of Class Secretary during his Senior year. After graduation, he continued to work in and manage the Merlino Brothers Market, until he joined the Johnston School Department as a teacher in 1961. While teaching in Johnston, he continued to work alongside his father and uncles at the Market as much as his teaching schedule would allow, but by this time Frank was father of 4 (to Mark, Susan, Liz and Regina), and that was also another very important draw on his time. Every day, he tackled all commitments with good humor, great energy and a true love for life.

In 1965 Frank became Personnel Director for the Great Scott Markets, where he was responsible for all of the store employees. During his time with Great Scott, he put into place a management training module, reduced payroll expenses, negotiated labor agreements with Unions, instituted procedures for performance appraisals, as well as streamlined operations and efficiencies for the company.

In 1977 Frank began his career with the City of Providence, holding various administrative positions for the municipality, including a period of time when he was the Director of Personnel for the City of Providence. After that he was Program Director for the Providence Multi-Skills Program and then an Independent Monitoring Unit Manager for the Providence Employment and Training Administration for many years before retiring.

It is worth noting that he was an avid, talented photographer. His favorite subjects were, his wife, his children (totaling nine; 5 sons and 4 daughters), sunsets, sunrises, wildlife and architecture. Frank was often seen with a camera slung over his shoulder and a light meter in his hand. Early on in his life, he even developed many of his own photographs. Later on, he pretty much kept Avery in business, as he always had much more film to be developed. By this time, he had another dependent, Stanley; the huge Labrador Retriever who ate everything in sight and when fruit was in season, Stanley would even jump up to eat all of the low hanging apples in Frank's precious fruit trees.

Frank LOVED his Yankees and was riveted to the games, always wearing one of his collection of Yankee ball caps while watching games. He enjoyed discussing the plays of the day with anyone who cared to participate in the conversation.

There came a time during Frank's retirement when he and Betty purchased a condo in Naples, Florida. They spent their winters there for many years, but always kept a residence in Rhode Island, because this is where his sons, daughters and grandchildren lived. Frank's greatest joy was being surrounded by all of his family. There were many family gatherings at their place (first in Providence; followed by Warwick), where everything was a celebration, from birthdays to graduations, anniversaries or just simply any Sunday. All of his life, Frank was devoted to his wife Betty and was always happiest when she was nearby.

Frank was the loving father of Mark F. Merlino and his wife Linda, Susan M. Calise and her husband Robert, Elizabeth A. Molloy and her husband John, Regina A. Merlino, Anthony F. Merlino, Frank A. Merlino, Jr. and his wife Donna, Claudia A. Lambert and her husband Rick, Paul C. Merlino and his wife Tracy, and Jeffrey V. Merlino; he was grandfather to fourteen grandchildren and the great-grandfather of two. He was also the brother of Helen Toro and the late Dr. Anthony F. Merlino.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025, starting at 10:30 AM, in Saint Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 PM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the Rhode Island Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) at 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886 or at web.charityengine.net/donateRISPCA

For online tributes and condolences, please visit www.pontarellimarinofunerals.com