Paul James Merlo Sr.

Paul 'Sonny' Merlo was born on January 10, 1941 in Akron, OH, where he passed on March 20, 2026 at age 85. He graduated from Garfield High School in 1959. He served in the US Army Reserves, where he was company clerk. He attended the University of Akron and Kent State University. Needing less than two semester to get his degree in teaching, he took a temporary job at the Post Office. After about four months, he found that he loved that job, and with his wife's agreement, chose being a letter carrier as his career, a choice he never regretted!
He was proud to have participated in the letter carrier strike of 1975, and of the results of that strike, which changed the post office department to the United States Postal Service that it is today. He was a letter carrier for over 42 years, at the Main Post Office, Firestone, S. Arlington, Downtown Stations, and last at Five-Points, where among his deliveries was City Hall. When he retired on December 31, 2007, that day was designated Paul Merlo Day in Akron, by proclamation of the Mayor. During his career, he gave up many of his vacation hours to volunteer at Akron's Children's Hospital. Besides working the desk every Monday afternoon, he served as one of the captains at the Annual Tree Festival. He was a regular blood donor, starting at age eighteen, and throughout his life until health prevented.
Paul was a dedicated union member, and was to have been awarded his sixty year membership pin next month. He served for 37 years as the Financial Secretary of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 148 in Akron. He volunteered for many years on the annual Labor Day MDA Telethon and Drive, on the annual NALC sponsored food drive, and represented his branch on the Postal Service Akron District Joint Steering Committee. Throughout his career, and for some years after retiring, he attended all state and national conventions.
He was also active in PTA's at Firestone Park, Roswell Kent, and Garfield Schools. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church. He was an avid fan of old-time radio programs, most of the 40's and 50's, along with old TV programs. He was a fan of the Browns and the Indians/Guardians. He loved playing slots in Las Vegas, and later NE Ohio - and he won more often than he lost.
Paul was preceded in death by his mother Sue Pastoria Merlo; father Paul Merlo; brother Danny Merlo; an infant sister and infant son; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty & Ray Thomas; many dear aunts, uncles, cousins; dogs Mitzi, Flower, & Penny and his beloved rescue cat, Black Betty.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 62 years, Karen; son Paul Jr. 'Chip'; daughter and daughter-in-law Merri & Amanda Merlo; granddaughters Jo (Lauren Files), Merlo & Madelyn (Alec Knezevic) Merlo; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Barb & Bill Warrick, Dennis Snader, Bob & Delores Snader, Dick & Co Snader; dear friends since high school, Ted & Linda Oravecz, along with many loved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Paul's family and friends would like to thank the nurses and staff at Summa 2nd floor ICU, and at Summa Hospice Center. All were loving and caring and helped the granddaughters' beloved Poppy make a gentle transition.
A Celebration of Paul's life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 28, 11 am, with the family receiving friends for one hour prior to the service at the Anthony Funeral Home - Akron Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. in Akron. A Private burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who prefer to make a donation, Paul's charities of choice were the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, MDA, or one of a kind Pet Sanctuary.