Raeann Rose Merlino, 10, of West Pittston, departed from this world on December 4th, 2022, after a brief battle with illness. Her untimely passing has left her loved ones with unimaginable sorrow in their hearts, for she was a beacon of love that effortlessly filled one with joy.
Raeann, born to Jamie Merlino and Dawn Gazda on June 25th, 2012, is remembered for her energetic, caring, and strong-willed personality.
She was a fifth-grade student in the Wyoming Area School District. Twirling and giggling, Rae was constantly dancing with exceptional rhythm. Her love of dance led her to cheerleading, which became a passion and outlet for her creativity and energy. Empathetic to her core, compassion for animals, especially her canine companion, Gus, was abundant in Rae.
Raeann was always eager to help, whether at the Hughestown Fire Department, the Pittston Memorial Library, or her grandparents’ house. She had many friends,
all of whom can agree that she made life brighter for anyone lucky enough to meet her. Water was certainly her element, and most of her summers were spent swimming with family and friends. Her freckled smiling face was an embodiment of summer, and her shining spirit a drop of sunshine on earth.
She will be missed beyond what language can express.
Raeann was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, John Merlino.
Surviving in addition to her parents, Jamie and Dawn, are her brother, Adelio (AJ) Merlino; maternal grandparents, Rosemarie and Edward DeLucca, West Pittston; paternal grandmother, Ann Merlino, Hughestown; aunt, Jacqueline DeLucca, Old Forge; uncles, Edward DeLucca, Jr., Old Forge; John Merlino, Hughestown; and Jeff Merlino (Rosemary), Springfield, PA; great uncles, Louis Taroli (Maureen), Duryea; William D’Elia (Ellen), Hughestown; and Joseph Milazzo (Christine), CT as well as numerous great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.
The family will receive friends and relatives Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 1-5pm in Corpus Christi Parish, 605 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, December 12, 2022, at 10am in Corpus Christi Parish. Those attending are asked to go directly to the church Monday morning. Private interment, Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, Pittston.
May the angels of god place you in the arms of the lord
May the God of heaven and earth keep you all in good and strong mind to bear such loss. Our heart-filled prayers are with you all.
Deepest sympathy to you all. No understanding of why this happened, but please know that so many people share her loss and your pain. Prayers will continue for your sorrow. Hugs, prayers and love to you all. Trust in God to see you through
I am praying for you all and sending so much love. Raeann’s bright light, her sweetness, her spunkiness, her love, will be with you forever. I keep thinking of this memory I’d like to share with you to read for later. In my classroom, a little boy was having a hard time. He was frustrated and crying a little bit. Raeann grabbed a tote of markers, sat down next to him, and just started coloring. She knew exactly what to do. After a little bit, he joined her. She got him to laugh. ❤️ That child was a gift to everyone she met. Thank you for sharing her with us. She will always be a beautiful part of our hearts.…
Jamie, Dawn and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
J. SHIMONIS