Joseph F. Merlo, 83, of Lopatcong Twp., died Friday, July 12, 1996 in Warren Hospital.

He worked in the processing department of the R&J Tanning Co., Easton for many years and retired from the Ferguson Container Corp in Alpha in 1975.

Born April 11, 1913 in Santo Stefano, Sicily, Italy, he was the son the late Liborio and Maria Re Merlo.

He was a Private First Class in the Army during World War Two and received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the good conduct medal and the WWII victory medal.

He was of the Catholic faith.

He was a life member of the Young Men Italian American Club, Phillipsburg.

His wife, the former Florence Springer died in December 1988.

He is survived by two brothers, Samuel of Forks Twp. And George of Bethlehem Twp; four sisters, Josephine, wife of Nicholas Franco of Alpha, Mary M. Merlo of Lopatcong Twp., Edith, wife of Charles Pruner of and Sara Schuler, both of Palmer Twp. Three sisters, Millie Petrignani, Lucy Ramunni and Susan Scerbo all died earlier.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday in the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 South Main St., Phillipsburg. Burial will be in the Northampton Memorial Shrine, Palmer Twp. Calling hours will be Monday, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the funeral home.