Obituary of William Merico

William Merico Sr., 91 of New Haven, passed away June 24, 2014. He was born March 18, 1923 in West Haven to Luigi and Rosa (Piccioli) Merico. He is preceded in death by parents, wife, June (Daley) Merico, sister, Viola (Merico) DeMusis and infant brother, Augusto Merico. William is survived by two children; William Merico Jr. (Lori) of New Haven, Dianne (Merico) Flynn (widow of Robert Flynn Sr.) of Clinton, grandchildren; Robert Flynn Jr., Kristy Manning (William), Devan Merico (Michael Lavorgna) and three great grandchildren; Marcellus, Perseus and Iris Manning. William (Bill) served during World War II as a Corporal in the Army Air Corps as a radio-operator/gunner on a B-24 Liberator. He received his radio schooling at Sioux Falls S.D. and gunnery training at Yuma, Az. He was a member of the 449th Bombardment Group stationed at Grottaglie Field in Italy, flying 50 missions into Germany. Upon his return, Bill was active in the Ground Observer Corps receiving an award for 2500 volunteer hours as the night supervisor. Bill was also an active member of the Philip J Brady Post 107 of the American Legion serving as both Commander and Finance Officer. Bill was employed as an Industrial Engineer for Geometric Tool in New Haven for 33 years, retiring in 1983. He was also active in local politics and with his wife started the “Saturday Night Canteen” for high school boys and girls as well as sports teams and activities for children. Family will receive friends from 3 to 7 PM on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Funeral procession will leave Clancy Funeral Home on Monday, June 30 at 9:40 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Francis Church, 397 Ferry Ave., New Haven. Committal to follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery with military honors. Contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 in memory of Mr. William Merico Sr.