Frederick T. Merola, 77, of North Branford, passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Katherine Badiali Merola. Born in New Haven on August 27, 1934; son of the late Anthony and Pasqualina Morro Merola. Fred had worked for Formatron of Middletown for over thirty years and later as a State Marshall for the State of Connecticut for many years until his retirement. In the 1950’s and 1960’s Fred sang in a group called “The Bachelors†later renamed “The Music Menâ€. He won the Arthur Godfrey Talent Show and appeared on American Bandstand many times. Fred was a former member of the Annex Y.M.A.; a New York Yankees baseball fan and was an avid tennis player in is earlier years. Fred had a great sense of humor, was a real jokester and was truly devoted to his family. Father of Nadine M. (Erich) Zukunft of North Branford, Katherine M. (William) Galdenzi of Northford and Anthony Jay Merola of North Branford. Grandfather of Nastassia & Spencer Zukunft, Zelda & Ava Galdenzi. Brother of Frances Gambardella of Branford. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 10:30. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice Homecare, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Katherine, I was so sorry to read in the Register of Fred’s passing. I remember him as such a gentle and happy presence in the courthouse during our days there.
Please accept my sincere sympathy at your loss.
Uncle Fred,
As kids we welcomed your every visit while we waiting for your witty humor to light up the room. Rest in peace. I have no doubt there is a special place for you in heaven.
May aunt Katherine, Nadine, Kathy and “J” find comfort and and warm memories that keep the spirit alive.
Dear Katherine, we are very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was a great guy. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are sorry that we are unable to attend the services.
Kathy and Bill: We were very saddened by the news of the passing of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly, Paula and Tori Palmer
Kathy,
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father; my thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Love,
Michele
Our prayers and thoughts are with the entire Merola, Galdenzi and Zukunft Family
Our deepest sympathy to Katherine and children, Nadine, Katherine, Anthony and all of his family and friends. He was a good man. If he believed in heaven, I am sure his soul is there.