Albert Joseph Merlino
Marriages
Marion Bertram - 1948
Burial Details
Obituaries
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel page 5 B Obituary - October 20, 2016
Albert Joseph Merlino
July 24, 1921 - October 13, 2016
Al Merlino, beloved brother, uncle and friend, passed away quietly at his favorite place on earth, atop Grand Mesa, on October 13, 2016. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his commitment to community service, and his enduring love of family, friends and the great outdoors.
Al, the fourth of seven children, was born to Joseph and Carmella Merlino on July 24,
1921, in Canon City, Colorado. The family moved to Palisade in
1932 where Al attended school excelling in baseball, basketball
and football. After graduating in 1939, Al served as a gunnery
mate aboard a minesweeper, the USS Caravan, which received
citations for assisting in securing atolls in the Marshall Islands.
Al was awarded the Good Conduct, American Theatre, Asiatic-
Pacific and Victory ribbons. He also served aboard the USS
Garard which brought troops home from the Philippines.
In 1948, Al married the great love of his life, Marion Bertram,
who preceded him in death in 2009. The two were soulmates
often seen around Palisade holding hands like newlyweds,
which in their hearts, they always were. Al and Marion doted on
their many nieces, nephews and neighbor children who each
cherish memories of their support and encouragement.
Al began his career in 1946 with the Colorado Department of
Agriculture at the Palisade Insectary. He served in various
capacities becoming an entomologist and retiring from there as
supervisor in 1984. During Al’s tenure, the insectary became
internationally known for its work with beneficial insects which
greatly impacted farming in Colorado and beyond.
Al served as Palisade’s mayor for ten years. In addition, he was
a member of the Fire Department for over 30 years, and of
Palisade’s American Legion Post #50. Al’s many offices and
awards included: Executive Officer and President of the
Colorado Firemen’s Association and the Western Valley’s
Firemen’s Association, Palisade Chamber of Commerce
Community Service Award, Governor’s Employee of the
month, Denver Federal Executive Board’s Distinguished
Service Award, Life Member of Grand Junction Elks’ Lodge
#575, Denver Post’s “Gallery of Fame,” and Colorado General
Assembly’s recognition for accomplishments and dedication to
State service.
Al loved sports. In 1947, he played with L. Cook’s Grand
Junction Western Slope Championship Team and was
recognized as an All District Semi-Pro Baseball Selection by the
National Baseball Congress. An avid outdoorsman, Al was an
excellent fly fisherman who enjoyed sharing his knowledge
with others. In the 1950’s Al realized his boyhood dream of
having a cabin on Grand Mesa where he and Marion spent many glorious days.
Preceding Al in death were his beloved wife, Marion; his
parents; brothers, John, Edward, and Jerry Merlino; sister,
Helene Longfellow, and many dear fishing buddies and great
friends. He is survived by his sisters, Ann Mendicelli and
Margaret Coe of Grand Junction; numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends who will miss him greatly.
