Joseph (Joe) Merda, age 78 of Green, Ohio left this earth suddenly the morning of November 22, 2017. Joe was proceeded in death by his parents Joseph Sr and Elizabeth K. Merda (Chieda) and leaves his loving wife of 48 years, Fran (Mary Frances Neidert) and five wonderful children Paul, Beth Abbott (Mike), Mike (Julie), Amy, and Julianne eight fantastic grandchildren Rossi, Megan, Adam, Mitchell, Gabriella, Alexander, Tanya, Sammy and a new great granddaughter born on the day Joe passed. The family was blest to have eight additional children through the foreign exchange program from the Mexico and South America, Jose, Enrique, Andres, Carlos, Fredrico, Marcello, Fiorella, and Gabriela. He also leaves a loving sister, Maggie Nemec (John) of Michigan, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joe was an Army veteran serving as a Private in the 150th Armored Cavalry Regiment during the 60’s. In 1978, Joe joined the Army National Guard becoming a Sargent in Company B 112th Engineer Battalion and was honorably discharged in 1983.

In his lifetime, Joe wore many hats. Joe worked in food service as a cook at restaurants and in long-term care facilities. After he married, he worked for over 30 years at Lockheed Martin in production control, became a Boy Scout leader (Troop 303 Annunciation parish), member of the Annunciation Holy Name Society, coached baseball in Goodyear Heights , soccer for CYO, a very supportive parent for football, soccer, softball, volleyball, band, and Eucharistic Minister at both Annunciation and Queen of Heaven parishes.

Joe loved working in his yard, growing vegetables and learning about flowers whether or not they were annuals or perennials. His new motto became “If it’s brown, cut it down”.

Joe will be sorely missed by his family and many friends that had become part of his life.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, Nov.30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Dunn-Quigley Funeral Home (811 Grant St.).
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery will follow will military honors rendered by the Firestone VFW, Post 3383.