"Coach" Albert Joseph Merola Sr.'s Obituary
“Coach” Albert Joseph Merola, Sr. , 73, of Solvay, New York, played to the last whistle on Saturday, November 19, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Coach Merola was born in Syracuse, New York on September 12, 1938 to Dr. Alfonso and Josephine Merola. Al was a standout athlete at North High School. He entered the Air Force and was honorably discharged after serving as a medical corpsman in Alaska. After his return to Central New York, he received degrees from Syracuse University in physical education and health. Eventually, Al Merola made his way to Solvay High School in the fall of 1970 as a health teacher and head varsity football coach. During his career at Solvay he compiled impressive statistics that helped get him into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame as a 2007 inductee. However, the statistics only tell half the story. It was the lasting and deep connections that he made with his players -- whom he affectionately referred to as his “boys” -- that really got him Hall of Fame honors via the Bearcat Pride Organization. Al was a man who was devoted to his family, friends, fair play and football. He loved his adopted Solvay community. His presence, grace, words of wisdom, sense of humor and good nature will be missed. Al Merola was predeceased by his parents and by his beloved granddaughter, Miranda Merola. He is survived by his wife and teammate, Doreen Miori-Merola; his children, Albert J. Merola, Jr. (Sharon), Roselle Merola-Bartolo (Matthew) and Nila M. Merola. He leaves behind his cherished brothers and sister, Dr. A. John Merola, Arnold Merola, Susan Collins, Joseph Merola and Andrew Merola who along with his children and wife embraced him with their love in his final days. He also leaves behind so many other Merola/Miori family members and friends. The Merola family would like to thank the angels of mercy who staff 1-8 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. We are forever indebted to all of you. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9:00 AM in St. Cecilia's Church. Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd., (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY on Tuesday from 4 to 7 PM. Contributions can be made to “Dollars For Scholars/Bearcat Pride” Scholarship and sent to Doreen Miori-Merola, c/o Solvay High School, 600 Gertrude Ave. Solvay, NY. 13209.
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