Jakob "Niccolo" Niccolo Merrill

Jakob “Niccolo” Merrill, age 26, was born on April 8th, 1999 in Sierra Vista, AZ and passed away June 27th, 2025 in Pullman, WA. Niccolo is preceded in death by grandparents Noah Mack Merrill, Jr. & Kenneth & Sandra Wendt. He is survived by his parents, Justin & Tammy Merrill of Reardan, WA & Kathryn Merrill of Phoenix, AZ, siblings Dominic McGee (OR), Noah Merrill (AZ), Caitlyn (Tarnell) Houlihan-Brown (NY), Katriona Merrill (AZ), Conner Houlihan (AZ), Tegan Houlihan (ID), Greyson Merrill (WA), and Tyler Graham (TX), grandparents Gene & Susan Harper (AZ), and Geneva Wright (AZ), Aunt Christine Merrill (AZ), plus several uncles, many cousins, friends and extended family members who adored him.

The centermost of 9 siblings, Niccolo’s spent the majority of his childhood in eastern WA as a student in the Reardan Edwall School District from 2005 until his graduation in 2018. While frequently involved in various sports and academic activities in his youth it was during the high school years that Niccolo found his stride with Cross Country and Knowledge Bowl. Always a voracious reader and stellar academic, Niccolo earned a full ride scholarship to Carroll College (2018-2019) in Helena, MT with hopes of one day earning his Phd in medicine. Beyond reading Niccolo deeply enjoyed music, forging lyrical connections with nearly all loved ones and friends. His musical net spread over countless genre but his love of Beyonce was unparalleled. Long, nimble fingers orchestrated beautiful crochet & craft projects. A sharp mind & vivid imagination provided the upper hand in rounds of Magic the Gathering or any other game of skill anyone dared to challenge him. His quick wit and sharp tongue would swiftly teach an opponent they had, in fact, brought a knife to a gun fight.

Raised alongside his siblings to believe they could change the world, Niccolo loved to deep dive history and religion. His commentaries on social injustices were profound. In Pullman Niccolo was able to create a life he felt free enough to enjoy. He had jobs he truly loved, a couple he really didn’t, and an incredible friend circle that buoyed him on the darkest of days. If love alone could’ve made it happen, friends and family would’ve kept Niccolo earth-side forever.

Niccolo’s Celebration of Life is scheduled for 4PM on August 29th, 2025 at Ball & Dodd Funeral Home (North) and he will be laid to rest in Lincoln City, OR. All are welcome to attend. Please wear your happiest, pinkest, & sparkliest in his honor. The family would like to thank Annie Pillar of Whitman County for holding our son so tenderly in her care when we could not, and the friends who have stepped in to hold us close while we navigate the unimaginable. In lieu of flowers the family requests charitable donations be made to The Trevor Project in Niccolo’s honor.