John Merito

John Alexander Merito, cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2024. Born November 5, 1949 at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas, John was baptized soon after in Wichita Falls, where he graduated high school.

John is survived by his wife, Patti Merito; sister Gloria Rosales; grandchildren Mikayla Rodriguez, Madison Pfeifle, Julia Rodriguez, and Ryan Minton; nieces Kelly Davila Moorer and husband, Moe, and Kristina Davila; nephews Mario Rosales, Jr. and wife, Gwen, Marcos Rosales and wife, Cynthia, Matthew Rosales and wife, Michelle, and David Davila; and numerous cousins and great nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Emily Merito and son Jason Merito; parents Ralph Merito and Rebecca Uribe; sister Delores Davila and husband Pedro “Pete” Davila, brother Ralph Merito, Jr., and brother-in-law Mario Rosales.

John's logical and technical nature led him to a career in data processing systems and computer hardware. He began his career at General Portland Cement Company, later transitioning to positions with EDS, First National Bank of Fort Worth, Zale Corporation, Computer Task Group, and Technology Integration Group. His broad and in-depth knowledge often drew him to positions of teaching and instructional training.

John possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of firearms and history and this was his lifelong passion and hobby. After his retirement from the technology field, John managed and instructed at DFW Gun Range and you could frequently find him behind the sales counter at Bachman Pawn & Guns.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, John enjoyed spending time at the hunting lease in East Texas (affectionately dubbed The 44) with his nephews, Marcos and Matthew, and great-nephew, DJ.

When he needed a break from the female energy at home, John would regularly hang out with Jeff Lee and the gang at Lee's Gun Parts in Irving. 

Although he had a difficult childhood in many respects, he was blessed with loving grandparents whom he respected deeply, and who helped guide and shape the man he became. 

To know John was to love him because under the gruff exterior and icy-blue stare was an intensely tender heart and a loving, generous soul with an immeasurable soft spot for babies, kittens and puppies. There are countless memories of John coming to the rescue of friends, strangers, and animals alike, one time stopping traffic to help a duckling onto a curb. He is profoundly missed by his own fur-babies, Sonia, Opie, Baby Goose, Freddy, and Simone.

John was so looking forward to meeting his twin great-grandsons, Nolan and Hudson, who are due to arrive in November. Already calling them “his boys,” he and daddy-to-be Justin McCloskey had plans for Texas Rangers games and outdoor adventures.

John was a hard-working family man, our family's anchor, rock, and compass all in one package. He worked his whole life to provide for and protect us. He was always our biggest supporter.

The void is indescribable, but we will take what he gave us and showed us during his lifetime and do our best to make him proud.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, July 25 at 3:00 pm at Grace Pointe Church, 208 S. Story Road, Irving, TX 75060.