William Edward Merlini, 74, passed away at home after a courageous battle with lung cancer on September 9, 2015 surrounded by family, friends and his longtime companion, Donna Marcellus. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Tjede Merlini McVey of Landenberg, Pennsylvania and Heidi L. Merlini of Harwich Port, Massachusetts, as well as grandchildren Andrew and Kiran McVey. He is also survived by his former wife Bobbi Cleaveland, sister-in-law Leigh Merlini and nephew, Richard Merlini, and niece, Kate Merlini-Fraser. He was predeceased in 2009 by his brother and dear friend Charles A. Merlini.
Bill was born to Angelo and Charlotte Merlini in Great Neck, New York on August 30, 1941. He graduated from Great Neck North High School in 1959 and Princeton University in 1963. While at Princeton, he acted as a waiter in the undergraduate dining halls (a scholarship job) and by his senior year he was one of two Head Waiters, the highest level of management for a student. He was a two way starter on the football team, inside linebacker on defense and fullback on offense. According to Don Fudge, roommate and teammate: “Bill was a fearsome blocker, especially on end sweeps where he cut down opposing players like a scythe.” He was also a member of Princeton’s Tiger Inn, an upper-classman eating club.
After graduation, he joined General Electric Company which brought him to Syracuse. In 1974, he and his family moved to Cazenovia where he remained for the remainder of his life. He joined Pelco Electronic Technologies in 1986 and became its President in 2005. He was instrumental in the Company’s successes during his long tenure. He retired June 30, 2015.
Bill brought light and joy to everything he touched. If he was your friend, he was your friend for life; he shared your burdens but rarely added his to yours. It can be truly said of Bill that he gave more care than he took. He was all about giving; taking was not in his DNA. He will be remembered long and fondly by all who knew him, especially at the Cazenovia Golf Club where he served in many capacities, including its President.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Cazenovia Golf Club, 4519 Route 92 in Cazenovia, New York on Saturday, October 3rd at 1pm. All are welcome. Bring a happy memory to share.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the William E. Merlini Practice Facility, Cazenovia Golf Club, PO Box 314, Cazenovia, NY 13035

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