Joe Merino

He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Ashworth), children John (Deborah), Theresa Stofan (Perry), Mark (Kelly), sisters Anna and Sara Maiorano, grandchildren (Anna, Naomi, Alexander, Bella, Jackson and Parker), and many nieces and nephews in Italy and the US.

Joe lived an impressive life that embodied the American dream. Traveling alone from his birthplace in Italy at age 15, he went to live with relatives he had never met in Hudson, Ohio to secure his US citizenship. He learned English operating a movie projector at the local theatre. On a blind date in 1959, he met the love of his life, Becky Ashworth. They were rarely apart over the next 62 years.

Many who knew Joe said he was the hardest working man they had ever met. Indeed, he worked two full time jobs, owned and operated a successful flooring business while working second shift for the City of Akron’s water department. However, after many years his body could not keep pace with his industrious spirit, and he was forced into retirement. He dealt fearlessly with health challenges for the rest of his life, but you would never know it from looking at him. Joe loved to work in his beautifully landscaped yard and maintained a pristine home.

Joe’s passion was to ensure a better life for his children, and he was a tireless provider for his family. He was particularly proud that all his children graduated college and enjoyed successful careers. After living in Stow, Ohio for most of their lives, Joe and Becky moved to Fresno, California to be close to their daughter, where they lived happily for the last 19 years.

Memorial services and burial will be held on May 18, 2022, commencing with visitation at 10:00AM PST at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home 836 East Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720. The memorial services will commence at 11:00 PST and will be webcast live at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for those unable to travel.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Merino family.