Obituary of Nicholas J. Merola

Nicholas “Nick” J. Merola, age 95, from Bridgeport, beloved husband of the late Frances Garrick Merola, passed away at his daughter’s home on Monday, July 30, 2018. Born on July 21, 1923 in Bridgeport, he was a son of the late Michael and Angelina (Rauso) Merola.   He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him. 

Survivors include seven children, Lanett Henthorn of Milford, Walter Peffers  of Florida, Mary Buzzell and her husband Fred of Stratford, Angelina Besse of Bridgeport, Lt. Col. Michael Merola and his wife Pam of New York, Georgia A. Merola of Bridgeport and Laurie Bellocchio of Clinton, four sisters, Margaret “Marge” Sullivan of Fairfield, Carmela “Lee” Ovens and her husband Bob of Stratford, Ann Maniscalco and Gloria Centopani, both of Trumbull, 16 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Frances, he was predeceased by a daughter, Dorothy Frode, a grandson, Larry Henthorn, a brother, Louis Merola and a sister, Mary Merola Ovens.

Nicholas was known for his playful demeanor and quick wit.  He and his wife Frances had a very large family, but their door was always open and welcoming to friends and strangers alike. Nicholas enjoyed traveling.  He and Frances traveled all over the US and throughout Europe.  The family enjoyed their frequent vacations to Mississippi to visit their mom’s family.  The trip took over 3 days and included 10 passengers (2 parents + 8 children) with Nick at the wheel of his station wagon, windows down and his beloved cigar in his mouth. Nick work for First National Stores as the Produce Manger.  He was a General Vice President of United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 371 Union. He served in the U.S. Army and was a WWII war veteran.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Atria Stratford for the excellent care that they provided during the last 2 ½ years. In addition, they wanted to acknowledge the loving, compassionate care that was given to their father during his last days by Vitas Hospice.  They are truly Angels.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield.  Friends may call on Friday from 4-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.