Lila Merlino

Born March 5, 1930 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania of John and Mary Altemus. She also had an older sister, Marjorie, (deceased 2014). During WW II Lila married Leonard Kehl (deceased) of Johnstown and had three sons, Ronald, Larry and Jeffery. In 1969 she met and married Joseph Merlino (deceased). Joseph had two children from a previous marriage, Mary Teresa Davies, and Robert. In 1980 Joseph and Lila moved to Peoria, AZ where they built a new home and lived until Joseph’s death in 2013. At that time she moved to The Heritage Traditions in Sun City West where she enjoyed the rest of her life before passing away July, 21, 2018 from lung and breathing problems. Lila enjoyed music all her life, singing in the Sweet Adeline’s, Church Choirs and with the orchestra that Joseph had, Jack Merlin’s Orchestra and his Dance Band. She was a member of The Church of the Palms, UCC, in Sun City, AZ where she enjoyed singing with the choir. She is survived by her sons Ronald, married to Linda, Sun City West, AZ, Larry, married to Li Hua, Albuquerque, NM, Mary Teresa, married to William, Surprise, AZ and Robert Merlino, Concord, CA. Her youngest son Jeffery passed away with cancer in 2015. His wife, Pamela survives in Johnstown. A service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at the Church of the Palms, 14808 N. Boswell Blvd., Sun City, AZ (across from Sun Dial Rec Center). Any donations or gifts please send to the Disabled American Veterans in Cincinnati, Ohio in her name.