William Merino

William M. “Bill” Merino, 98, of Highland Heights, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2015 at his home after a short illness.  Born November 17, 1916 in Hudson, OH to the late Gaetano and Grace (nee Carano) Merino. Bill lived in Cleveland Heights before moving to Highland Heights 15 years ago.  Bill was a WW II U.S. Navy Veteran. He was a dental technician and co-owner of the East Dental Labs. He also worked for Dr. Ted Messerman, D.D.S. and American Dental Labs.  Bill was an active member of St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church in Mayfield Village. In addition, he also attended Vineyard Community Church in Wickliffe.  Bill was an avid golfer and enjoyed gardening. He took great pride in the way his gardens looked at his home.  His loving companion of 20 years, Karen Donnett, described him as a “perfect man.”  She will remember him as a wonderful, humble, caring, sweet man who was generous, and compassionate.

Bill is survived by his sons Dr. William M., Jr. (wife Nanci) and Dr. David A. (wife Claudia); grandchildren Michael, Ashley, and Kristen Friedrich (husband Jay); great-grandfather of Olivia, Gregory, Drew, and William; sister Minnie Wagner, brother Richard Merino; step-grandchildren Brian Shirk (wife Linda), Scott Spencer (wife Molly), and Kim Abramczyk (husband David); step-great-grandchildren Jonathan, Emily, Ryan, Madison, Brittany and Brandon.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Needa E. (nee DeStasio) Merino; grandsons Chris and Greg Merino; and siblings Celia Dzuroff, Albert, Arthur, and Fred Merino.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet for the Funeral Service Saturday, August 22, 2015 at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church at 10 am. Burial following at Lake View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH   44110 or St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church Building Fund 435 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield Village 44143.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Bill at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY 4-8 PM.