Frank Merlino, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend entered fully into the presence of Our Lord on May 6, 2022.
Frank, the son of Anthony and Jeanne Merlino was born on February 11, 1959, in New York. He grew up in Pleasantville, New York with his parents and sibling.
Frank married Mindy Dedmon, his best friend and the love of his life, on April 17, 1999 in Murphy, Texas. The two were opposites, in a lot of respects, but God brought them together in the most perfect way to complement each other. He was a proud and loving father to two children, Maxwell Anthony and Kimber Jeanne. He always strived to be the best Godly example for them.
His childhood was full of forever lasting friendships. He played football and graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1976. He grew up making treasured memories with his family and cousins on Long Island, New York. Family and friends meant everything to him as his love for them knew no bounds.
Frank and his family loved popcorn and movie nights. Scooby Doo and Batman were two of the favorites. He was always using movie quotes. He loved the family pets, Griffon, Garth, VeVe and Katie. He was forever sneaking them bites of his food. His favorite Broadway Show was Music Man. He never missed an opportunity to attend a showing.
Frank received a Bachelor of Business Administration-BBA in Accounting from Siena College in 1981. He loved to tell stories and share about all his school friends.
He was called by God and surrendered his life to shepherd, equip, and encourage others with the ability to live and defend the faith and fulfill the Great Commission. His life’s purpose and heart was serving the Lord. He was all about sharing the gospel message. Frank was so secure in his salvation and wanted everyone to have that same assurance. Having someone open their life to Jesus and join the Family of God brought him joy like no other.
Frank was a Deacon at Westchester Baptist Church in Chappaqua, New York in 2002. He received a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX in December 2005. After that, he was led to pastoring and missionary work. He began his pastorate as a City Missions Intern at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas in 2003 where he was involved with an apartment church startup, leading senior citizens bible studies and a bus ministry. He pastored at Christ Baptist Church in Worcester, Massachusetts from October 2005 to June 2006. He then pastored at Hope Baptist Church in Redding, California from September 2006 to January 2010 with the honor of baptizing 28 people in 2009 including his son, Max. He was a Public Safety Chaplain in Shasta County. He provided counsel to public safety personnel and their families, made death notifications, and was frequently asked to offer prayer at community functions. God then called him and his family to Wisconsin for ministry.
Frank had such a fervor for learning. While attending Southwestern Seminary he was part of the Oxford Study Tour of Oxford, England. Traveling to England was a unique opportunity for him to learn about Baptist and church history as he visited sights where these events occurred. He also got to interact with the work of the current churches in Great Britain. In addition, he went on a mission trip to Hungary in 2001. While there, he worked with local believers and cross-cultural workers to share the gospel and make disciples in Budapest.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you Philippians 4:9
Immediately prior to his death, he was retired but had his own Primerica business. He was a financial planner devoted to helping people save money and focus on Godly stewardship.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Peter 4:10
To convey the full picture of Frank, you must include his sense of humor which was second to none. He had a special way of being “Franky” and cracking jokes. He had a distinctive knack for adding levity to situations and gained so much personal pleasure in bringing others joy.
A celebration of his life will begin on Friday, May 13, 2022 at Scoggins Funeral Chapel in Van Alstyne, Texas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by Services at 11:00am. Pastor Gary Digby will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Van Alstyne Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Paul Dedmon, David Schindler, Jason Kahanic, Gabriel Holzapfel, Maxwell Merlino and Ronny Bradshaw.
Frank is survived by his wife Mindy and his children Maxwell and Kimber Merlino, His sister Maria Sullivan and husband John Sullivan. His surviving family members include numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and family pets.
Frank is preceded in death by his father, Anthony Merlino and mother, Jeanne Merlino. Also, his Uncle Carmello (Benny) Merlino, father-in-law, Jimmy Dedmon and sister-in-law, Brittney McGough.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all the kindness shown during this time.
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:23