Ralph "Bucky" Merlo, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and dear friend on January 4, 2024, at the age of 85.

Born on May 16, 1938 in the Bronx, New York to Pasquale and Helen Merlo.

Ralph attended New York Aviation High School, a trade school for the mechanically minded, specializing in aviation mechanics and electrical wiring.  He then enlisted in the United States Army where he was stationed in Fort Dix, New Jersey and then deployed to Wurzburg, Germany.  He honorably and proudly served in the 123rd Signal Battalion.  He traveled extensively through Europe and often spoke of his love for Bavaria.

Ralph was involved in many businesses that required his electrical expertise, but he will always be lovingly remembered, by so many, when he owned and managed Sportsman's Café  - "Sportys" in New Milford, Connecticut.

Raising his children in Danbury Connecticut, Ralph enjoyed his boat, bowling, and travels to Las Vegas and Puerto Rico. As a quasi-pyrotechnician, Ralph will be fondly remembered by many in Danbury for his extravagant July 4th Firework Displays.  After 25 years, Ralph retired to Palm Beach Gardens to enjoy his 'Golden Years.'

Ralph is survived by his, wife Judy of 60 years, his children; Donna DeMato and Ralph Jr. (Marina), his doting grandchildren; Ian  (Courtney), Jamie (Amanda), Alex and Sophia, his 3 beautiful great-grandchildren.  Ralph was predeceased by his loving grandson Nicholas DeMato.

A Resurrection Mass will be held on Monday, January 15, 10:30 a.m. at: St. Nicholas Church, 5715 Lake Ida Road, Delray Beach, Florida  33484.

A Military Burial will follow at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449

Should friends desire, donations in his memory may be made to: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580

Should friends desire, donations in his memory may be made to: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate