Obituary of Toni Merlo

MERLO - Antonia “Toni’, 66 of Jackson Twp., passed away unexpectedly, December 10, 2010 at West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh. Born December 29, 1943 in Johnstown, daughter of the late Charles J. Sr. and Hilda J. Merlo. Survived by son, Christopher, Hollidaysburg; brother: Charles J. and wife, Ellen L. Merlo, Ebensburg; nephew, Charles J. Merlo III, Nanty Glo; niece, LIsa Marie Merlo, Ebensburg, and her beloved pets, Theo & Holly. Toni was a member of Holy Name Roman Catholic Church, where she was very active on numerous committees, including the Parish Festival & Basket Committees. She assisted with the weekly church bulletin and served as a CCD teacher for many years. A graduate of Carlow College Nursing Program and began her career as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital. She served as Department Head for Mercy’s Myasthenia Gravis Unit, President of the former Cresson Motors, Director of Laurel Crest Manor’s Infection Control Department, Director of Occupational Health at Best Form, taught at Penn Highlands for Boston Reed Hospital, and most recently was an instructor at the YTI Career Institute and Penn Highlands Community College. A longtime volunteer at the Cambria County Republican Headquarters, she was active as a voting poll worker, and was most recently appointed as voting auditor for Jackson Twp. Toni was proud of her conservative roots and enjoyed membership in the local Tea Party Movement. Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 pm, Sunday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg, where a vigil prayer service will be held Sunday evening. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday at Holy Name Church, the Rev. Msgr. Arnold L. Gaus, celebrant. Entombment at Holy Name Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Holy Name School Angel Fund.