Nicholas Merola Jr.
East Lyme — Nicholas Merola Jr., 80, formerly of North Haven, died unexpectedly June 11, 2022, at the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London.
He was born in New Haven Feb. 3, 1942, the son of the late Nicholas and Catherine (Czepiga) Merola. He was the husband of Therese (McGrath) Merola, who survives him. In addition to his wife, Terry, he is survived by a daughter, Debra Merola-Boutin (Paul) of East Lyme; two sons, Nicholas Merola (Carol) of Cranberry Township, Pa., David Merola (Jennifer) of Summit, N.J., daughter-in-law Lisa Merola-Grimm (Edward) of Berlin; a sister, Mary Jane Mulligan of North Haven; eight grandchildren, Dr. Casey Merola, Christopher Merola, Nicholas Merola, Mackenzie Merola, Joshua Grimm, Emily Merola, Sabrina Boutin and Luca Merola. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Nick served the Town of North Haven serving first as a volunteer Fireman, working through the ranks finally retiring as Fire Chief of the town.
After retiring Nick and Terry moved to Niantic, where they had summered for years. He was a communicant of St. Agnes Church in Niantic.
Nick Merola was comfort, joy, devoted, dependable and respected. He was king of the screen porch, Nick McMuffins and happy host to every single person. Everyone was a friend. Most adoring grandfather “Poppy,” his laugh, his glasses and a twinkle in his eye that made everything feel safe. . . just actually everything a Dad and a Poppy should be. He was Poppy to all. Poppy, The Man, The Myth, The Legend!!
Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 17, 2022, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic. The funeral procession will assemble at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated in St. Agnes Church, Haigh Ave., Niantic. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org). Please visit Nicholas’ memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence message or to view his memorial slide show.