Desiree "Desi" Elizabeth Merola's Obituary
Desiree “Desi” Elizabeth Merola, 34, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Born in Syracuse NY, she attended Christian Brothers Academy, The American School in Switzerland (TASIS), CUNY Hunter College, NYU Sterns Business School, and Syracuse University Whitman School of Management EEE Program. Desiree was a freelance computer coder and an artist. She designed and fabricated various award-winning jewelry pieces and collections. Desiree also ran multiple support groups to assist with mental health conditions. She had a passion for traveling the world including trips to Italy, Switzerland, England, Ireland, France, Germany and more. Desiree was a beautiful pianist beginning at 10 years old. She also enjoyed group yoga on the beach, diving, hula hooping, playing with her dog, Aidee, and attending her UFO watch group.
Desiree is predeceased by her father, Alfonso John Merola III DMD; grandfather, Thomas Collins; Uncles, Edward “Teddy” Collins and John Collins; and her two great-grandmothers, Genevieve Speach and Genevieve Collins.
She is survived by her mother, Monica Anne Merola (Collins); her twin brothers, Alfonso John Merola IV DDS (Kaleigh Merola) and Austin Joseph Merola; grandparents, Beverly Merola,
A. John Merola MD, and Mary Triggs; nephews, Giovanni, Luca, and Dominick Merola; as well as several cousins, aunts and uncles; and her beloved dog Aidee.
Special thank you to Delray Medical Center, including the Neurology Unit. Another special thank you to the team at Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency. A special thank you to all the family, friends, and medical teams for all your love and support through Desi's journey.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Desiree’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10 A.M., in Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genessee St. DeWitt, NY. Family and friends may call on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd., (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Desi’s life to Christian Brothers Academy, 6245 Randall Rd, Syracuse, NY 13214 and Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency, 1951 NW 7th Ave, Miami, FL 33136.
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