Bernard L. “Bernie” Merlo, age 78, of Staffordsville, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, in Barboursville, WV.

He was born on August 27, 1948, in Johnstown, PA, to the late Anthony and Lola Polizani Merlo.

On May 6, 1972, he married Shirley Walters Merlo in Gary, WV, who survives. Additional survivors include two sons: Christopher (Amanda) Merlo of Zanesville, OH, and Jason (Beth) Merlo of Pikeville, KY; one brother: Dennis (Lori) Merlo of Shelton, CT; along with four grandchildren: Aubree, Ashtyn, Sophie, Cooper.

Bernie retired as a mining engineer for Chisholm Coal Company and was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11 A.M. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, with Father David Wheeler officiating. Interment will follow at the Highland Memorial Park Cemetery in Staffordsville. Friends may visit at the church on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 6 P.M. until 8 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Kidney Fund by mail at 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852. 

Jones-Preston Funeral Home is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with all final arrangements for Mr. Bernard “Bernie” Merlo.