Frank Merlo

Dr. Frank P. Merlo

Montclair State University Professor, 82

Dr. Frank Merlo, 82, of Upper Montclair, N.J. passed away after a brief illness on November 27, 2013.

A native of Elizabeth, Dr. Merlo attended Thomas Jefferson High School, the city's all-boy institution. He continued his education, earning bachelors and masters degrees at what is now Montclair State University. In addition, he met his wife-to-be, Pat, there. He was looking for a parking spot and asked if she were moving. Her answer was no, and that was the beginning of a relationship that lasted 60 years.

Frank's first position was teaching general science in Chatham, N.J. He left Chatham and in 1962 enrolled in a graduate education program at Rutgers University. The community college movement had not yet come to N.J. and he understood its potential. His dissertation on community college facilities was based on research into community colleges in Florida, Michigan, and California. He was awarded a doctoral degree from Rutgers. A handbook and checklist he developed were widely used to guide the first N.J. community colleges. In 1964, he returned to Montclair State and taught graduate courses there until his retirement in 2002. He loved teaching and believed he had the best job in higher education, "full professor in charge of nothing".

A unique and loveable character, Frank enjoyed good conversation, good food, and World War II history.

Dr. Merlo is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia S. Merlo; his daughter, Katherine Merlo Leber, and granddaughters, Helly Leber and Pilar Leber. He was predeceased in death by his son, Frank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Cassian Parish.