Born and raised in Brooklyn, he graduated from Fort Hamilton High School in his native borough.
Mr. Merola moved to Dongan Hills in 1976, and later settled in Sunnyside.
He had been working as a real estate developer since 1985.
Mr. Merola was a very loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed watching games with his son, and was especially thrilled to travel to Dallas with his family to see his favorite team play.
He cherished his family and loved being with them, and enjoyed socializing with his friends.
Mr. Merola was a parishioner of St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners.
Surviving are his wife of 44 years, the former Ann Gulbransen, and his son John.
The funeral will be Saturday from the Casey Funeral Home, Castleton Corners, with a Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Teresa's Church. Arrangements include cremation.
