Anthony J Merola

Born in Manhattan, he spent most of his life there, before moving to Atlantic Beach, Long Island, in 2005, and to Great Kills last August.

Mr. Merola had worked as a Teamster truck driver and an auto salesman, before retiring in the late 1980s.

In his leisure time, Mr. Merola loved to dance like Fred Astaire, his family said, and continued to go out dancing until about a year ago. He also enjoyed watching boxing matches and horse races, and listening to music, especially Frank Sinatra.

"Everybody loved him. He a unique personality, he made everybody laugh," his daughter, Patricia Palagonia said. "He had a heart of gold. He helped everyone."

In Manhattan, he was a parishioner of St. Joseph's R.C. Church.

A son, Artie Merola, died in 1965.

In addition to his daughter Patricia, also surviving are his sisters, Theresa Maschi and Phyllis Castellano; two granddaughters and one great-grandson.

The funeral will Wednesday from the Casey, McCallum and Rice South Shore Funeral Home, Great Kills with a 9:45 a.m. mass at St. Clare's R.C. Church, Great Kills. Arrangements include cremation.