Joseph J Merlo

Joseph "Joe" James Merlo, 83, of Lopatcong Township, NJ, died May 7, 2026.

Born February 6, 1943 in Easton, he was a son of the late George B. and Mary A. (Olah) Merlo.

Joe was a Civil engineer for the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

He was a graduate of both Phillipsburg High School and Lafayette College where he earned his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. 

He was a life member of the Italian American Social Club in Phillipsburg and the now defunct Fleas' Gentlemen's Club in Easton, places where he was known to enjoy a "drink or two."  He was also an avid Eagles and Phillies fan.

He worked nearly his entire life, beginning as a teen along with his brothers, contributing to his father's contracting/home construction business G.B. Merlo and Sons. He briefly worked for General Aniline in Easton. Professionally, he worked for the New Jersey Department of Transportation where he was employed for over 30 years as an inspector and Civil engineer.  After retirement from NJDOT, he worked several more years as a consulting engineer.

When he was younger, as a hobby, he enjoyed working with wood. He was a skilled craftsman and carpenter.  Some of his projects included constructing a grandfather clock, a sea captain's desk, furniture, and various other wooden items. He was a lifelong learner and problem solver who enjoyed reading, mathematics, and discussions about various building structures and construction techniques related to civil engineering. He had a seemingly effortless talent for providing simple solutions to complex problems.  Variations on some of his prescient ideas would later become reality, notably alternate forms of ride-sharing and community transportation. He also liked playing chess, pool, and card games. His outdoor activities included deep sea fishing, archery, and clay shooting.  He  especially enjoyed the beach and the Jersey shore. For physical activity, he enjoyed walking the Lehigh River footpath and going to the "Y". Ultimately, he was a man with reserved brilliance and humility—a man of integrity who lived life not only by his words, but through his deeds.  This unyielding facet of his character along with his quiet resolve to overcome life's later challenges remained with him until the end.  He will be remembered for his steadfast and unwavering devotion to his family.

Joe is survived by his son, Joseph J. Merlo, Jr. of Danville, PA; two brothers, William and his wife Phyllis of Pohatcong Township, NJ and George A. and his wife, Charleen, of Castle Pines, CO; his sister, Judith "Judy" Ann Merlo of Pohatcong Township; two grandchildren, Nicholas A. Merlo and Lindsay Hanley and two great-grandsons, Leonardo and Landon. A son, Michael A. Merlo, passed earlier.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday, May 14th, in the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 S. Main St, Phillipsburg, NJ. (www.noto-wynkoop.com). Services will be held at 10:00 am Friday in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Philip and St. James Cemetery, Greenwich Township, NJ.