US ARMY VETERAN
The family of Mr. Robert Ray Merlo, a US Army Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders at the LEO escorted procession and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Robert Ray Merlo, 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 17, 2024, at his home in San Antonio, Texas. Born on November 29, 1955, in San Antonio, Robert was the son of Julio and Dora Merlo. He served in the U.S. Army as a Specialist Four from 1975 – 1979. He married Nelda Rodriguez in 1982 and they had three daughters together. He worked as an electronics technician at Southwest Sound & Electronics and was promoted to Installation Manager for over 36 years. He eventually left to begin his own successful business called R&N Audio LLC.
Robert was known for his smile, his humor, and his love of life. He made friends with everyone he came across. He would regularly volunteer his services as a soundman to local churches and schools. His pastimes included hanging out with family and friends, fishing at the coast, and listening to music. He was a jokester, pitmaster, and had a wide variety of talents. He was a true “MacGyver” who enjoyed fixing and creating projects. Robert was a loving and dedicated husband and an amazing dad.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Julio and Dora Merlo; brothers, George Merlo and Gary Merlo; sisters, Dora J. Merlo and Linda Merlo, and brother-in-law Barry Rogers. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Nelda Merlo; children, Sara Merlo-Burnham and husband Levi, Melissa Merlo, and Julia Merlo; siblings, Rose Rogers, Daniel Merlo and wife Luz, Sylvia Montemayor and husband Jesse, Leticia Ponce and husband Antonio Jr. as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be held at 9:30 AM on June 20th at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Robert’s warmth, humor, and dedication to family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We would like to thank family, friends, and the nurses and doctors at Audie Murphy Hospital for all their love and support.
WEATHER: Hi 83 / Lo 78, 63% Chance of Rain, 88% Humidity, Wind: 14 mph ENE
REQUESTOR: Melissa Merlo, Daughter
STAGING: 8:30 am, Thursday, June 20, 2024
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
1710 Clower
San Antonio, TX 78201
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X93F8gNDx5z9Bjaj6
BRIEFING: 8:45 am
SERVICE: 9:30 am
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
1710 Clower
San Antonio, TX 78201
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X93F8gNDx5z9Bjaj6
KSU: 10:45 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 11:15 am – Shelter #3
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92
RC: Lisa “Fancy Pants” Menard
pgr.lisamenard@gmail.com
FC: Richard “Bean” Sandoval
Richardsandoval196@hotmail.com
