Mr. Thomas D. "Tom" Merlino

UTICA - Mr. Thomas D. “Tom” Merlino, age 67, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2017. Born in Utica on July 31, 1949, Thomas was the son of the late Dominick and Mary (Clemente) Merlino. At one time Tom was employed at Chanatry’s Market for over 15 years, a job that he loved and enjoyed. He retired from the workforce due to his diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, an affliction he battled with courage and fortitude. Family was important to Tom. After his parents’ passing, he found comfort in residing with his sister Edie, and later in life with his sister Christine. Tom later found “home” with his “ARC family” where he knew the love of his friends and caregivers, especially Michelle. He also looked up to his nephew Michael who had a special place in his heart. Tom was kind, loving, and always smiling. He was content in the company of a few friends, and he looked forward to his coffee in the morning and a glass of cold beer in the evening. He enjoyed watching the Andy Griffith Show and listening to the music of the Four Tops, the Beach Boys, and Oldie Goldie tunes. His favorite baseball team was the New York Mets, and he often watched Syracuse University games. He enjoyed painting as a pastime and was particularly creative with bird houses. Tom was of the Catholic faith. Thomas is survived by his nieces and nephews, Philip and Natalie Beratta, Christopher Beratta, Lisa Beratta, Paul J. Greco, and Christopher and Joanne Rogden; his great-nieces, Nicole Beratta, Stefanie Heistand, Cassandra Rogden, Krysta Rogden, and Danielle Southworth; and his brother-in-law, Joseph Beratta of New Hartford. He was predeceased by his sisters, Christine Beratta, and Edythe “Edie” Greco; his infant brother, Dominick Merlino; and his nephew, Michael Beratta. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00-6:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation online at http://www.parkinson.org or The Arc at http://www.thearcolc.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Thomas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Abe Esper officiating the ceremony. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Thomas D. "Tom" Merlino

July 31, 1949 - March 31, 2017