Peter Merlo

Pierino (Peter) Joseph Merlo "Pete" The "Greatest Generation" has said goodbye to one of its best. Pierino Joseph Merlo, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017, in the home that he built not once, but twice! He was born in, Capriata D' Orba, a small village in northern Italy to Pietro and Clotilde Merlo on June 24, 1915. After the death of his father he immigrated across the Atlantic with his mother, Clotilde, landing at Ellis Island on October 14, 1921. They traveled by train to Sacramento where his mother was met by Joseph Merlo, his fathers brother, who later became his dad. The family first arrived in Forest Hill, CA living there for a short time, and ultimately settled in Stirling City, CA, also known as Dago Town. Pete graduated from Chico High School in 1934, where he met and married his childhood sweetheart Leone Pentico. They were married October 30, 1937 in Reno, Nevada. He served his country proudly as a World War II veteran in the United States Army from March, 1943 until July, 1946. Pete was a member of the 398th Engineers Regiment, and was stationed in Verdun, France when the Battle of the Bulge occurred. He finished his tour of duty and returned to Stirling City where he worked at the Diamond Match Company. Later he and Leone moved to Chico where their two sons Roger and Ralph were born. Pete left the lumber business to purchase almond orchards, and started a pheasant and duck hunting club in 1949. Merlo's Duck Club was in operation until 1986. Pete was a true "Champion". Pete and Leone traveled extensively and enjoyed each others company for almost 60 years. Leone passed away May 17, 1997. Anyone that knew Pete Merlo admired his extremely hard work ethic that resulted in a lifetime of successes. He led by example passing his skills on to his sons and others. He was the backbone of the Merlo Family. Pete was an avid outdoorsman, and each year looked forward to big game hunting in Eastern Oregon, enjoyed fly fishing, traveling, a good glass of wine, and his never ending love of landscaping and planting flowers in his beautiful garden. In his later years you could find Pete enjoying a HOT cup of coffee and conversation at his favorite coffee shop Starbucks! Pete said "family" has, and was the most important part of his life. Along with his two sons and their wives, Marlene and Vicki, he got extreme pleasure watching his grandchildren grow into very successful citizens. He has 3 granddaughters; Melinda Parducci, (Rich); Krystal Erickson, (Brian); & Melanie Merlo. Pete leaves one grandson, Russell Merlo. He was a very proud great grandfather of Julia, Madeleine, Joseph Parducci, and Rocco Erickson. Pete is also survived by one brother Frank Merlo of Lincoln, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers, Harry, John, & Amiel, and sister Caroline. He was an active member of Chico Elks Lodge #423 for 57 years, Sons of Italy, California Water Fowl Association, and Ducks Unlimited. The family would also like to acknowledge Pete's constant companion and caregiver for the past 20 years Claudeen Redman. In addition, they want to thank Carol Lee, Janet, Margo, and Maria for their dedication and love while caring for Pete this past year. We also acknowledge Ron and Marilyn Cervantez for their friendship, and Dr. Stephen D. Peterson, M.D., and Dr. Tadd L. Selby, M.D. for their years of professional care and friendship. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Clotilde Merlo Park, Enloe Hospice, or Chico High School Foundation, c/o Brusie Funeral Home. A graveside memorial service will be held April 14, 2017, at 10:00 A.M., Glen Oaks Memorial Park, followed by a Celebration of Pete's life at 11:30, Chico Elks Lodge. Online condolences can be sent to the family @www.brusiefh.com "A tutti voi ve auguro Cent'anni di salute e felicita" "To all of you I wish you 100 Years of Health & Happiness"