Joseph John Merola

Joseph John Merola, 76, of Mooresville, North Carolina, passed away Monday, August 28, 2023 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

He was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on October 23, 1946 to the late Louis J. Merola and Elina Viotto Merola. He is also preceded in death by two grandsons, Bradley Martin and Brandon Sanders.

Joe was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He served during the Vietnam War and received four medals during his time of honorable service. More than anything, he loved his family. He was a fantastic husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Joe was a talented guitarist and a lifelong music artist. He loved to play and sing with his brother Louie. He looked forward to Thanksgiving each year as he was responsible for preparing the turkey for everyone to share. His family will forever remember his delicious Italian meals he often cooked. In his spare time, Joe collected guns and participated in skeet shooting. He also loved to hunt.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Goforth Merola; four children, Allison Pawloski (Marty), Heather Fuenzaliada (Rob), Amy Martin Spencer (Brandon), and Roger Ferguson, Jr. (Missy); eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Louie Merola; one sister, Angela Wilson (Richard); and a special niece, Meagan Wilson (Bill).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.