John M. Merlino

Following a lengthy illness of four years, John Merlino passed away on July 30, 2023, one week after his 90th birthday.  John was born and raised in Buffalo, New York on July 21, 1933, where he resided until entering the Air Force on August 20, 1951.  He served a tour in Greenland and several other places before his final station in Moriarty, New Mexico, and thereafter remaining in the state with his wife and family.  After his military service, his career consisted of owner/hairdresser at his salon, Tres Chic, for which he and his wife operated for 10 years before becoming employed with the State of New Mexico as a state employee for well over twenty years when he finally retired. 

John loved sports; he was an avid golfer, and he took great pride in his accomplishments of making thirteen “hole-in-one” shots, showing of his many trophies while participating in the sport.  He also participated in other various sports, such as bowling and baseball.  The Santa Fe Country Club honored John several days ago by flying the flag at half-mast.  

John was known as a music lover with a great voice, and he sang at many places of business in the Santa Fe Area.  He began his singing career at age 4 with his first song “Pennies from Heaven”, sung at the local establishment in Buffalo, NY where his dad would visit.  John continued that path for the rest of his life. 

John is survived by former wife Alida, daughters Kathryn and Giovanna, sons Sam and Nick, and Nick’s fiancé Sylvia, and Giovanna’s fiancé Tom.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ken and Bryan Rivera, Ken’s wife Emily, and two great-grandchildren, Max and Eliana Alida. 

Funeral arrangements are made by Rivera Family Funeral and Cremations.  Services will begin at 10:30 am  at St John's Catholic Church located on Osage Avenue in Santa Fe followed by Mass at 11:00 am on Wednesday August 16, at St. John’s Catholic Church located on Osage Avenue in Santa Fe.  Thereafter military burial services will follow the Mass at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at 12:30pm.  Reception to follow to be announced.