Philip Merlo, 88, of Niles, died at 9:30AM Thursday, June 17, 2010, at St. Joseph Health Center Eastland in Warren, Ohio.

He was born March 30, 1922 in Gioiosa Marea Sicily Italy the son of Nunzio and Antonina Artale Merlo and came to America in 1930.

He was a 1941 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and a 1956 graduate of ATES Technical College with a electronics degree.

Phil was hired June 23 1941 at National Gypsum Company in Niles, where he served as union president. He retired after 30 years of service. He was also employed at General Motors Lordstown from 1971 to 1985, and an insurance salesman for American General Insurance.

Phil was also a highly successful Residential and Commerial Real Estate Developer. He was instrumental in building The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Niles with Father Oreste Cerbara and in 1985 built and later operated Applewood Center and Gardens in Niles. Phil also forseen the building of Golden Park Estates, Vienna Woods,and Sunny Estates developments, and several apartment buildings in Niles.

He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, its Church Usher and Parish Council for several Years,and The Madonna del Tindero Society.Phil was a member of The Niles Knights of Columbus Council 1681, served as its Grand Knight from 1969 to 1971, served as president of The Tri-County Chapter of The Knights of Columbus and was a member of The Monsignor Francis J. Lavery 4'th Degree.

He was President of The USWA Local Union 1405 for 20 years, member of The United Auto Workers Local 1714, Musicians Union Local 118, and The Builders Association.

Phil was an avid gardener, project builder, and a member of The Phil Merlo Orchestra for 25 years.

His first wife, Antonette Papa Merlo whom he married April 15, 1950 died May 3, 1961.

His 2'nd wife Lucille Mastromatteo Merlo whom he married September 1965, died June 20, 1981.

Phil, who loved to be surrounded by family and entertain friends will be deeply missed by his wife Sylvia Mancuso Donatelli whom he married July 28, 1982, two daughters, Mary Dull and her husband Attorney Terry of Niles, and Nancy Rubino and her husband David of Niles, four grandchildren, Anne Marie Setting and her husband Nick, Christine Dull, Alexander Rubino, and Elizabeth Rubino.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 7PM Sunday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry and The Niles Knights of Columbus will conduct prayers at 6:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30AM Monday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Niles preceded by a 9AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Pineview Cemetery

Condolences can be e-mailed at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.