Fred Merante, 78, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on Wednesday September 19, 2012 surrounded by his family at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY. Born in Pentone Catanzaro, Italy , he was the son of the late Vincenzo and Benardina (Tarantino) Merante, and immigrated to Niagara Falls, Ontario in 1952.

On September 11, 1954 he married Concetta (Perricelli) in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Niagara Falls, NY, and recently celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Fred joined the U. S. Navy and served aboard the U.S. Yellowstone. Aboard ship, he toured the Mediterranean and as a barber cut the hair of former President Jimmy Carter and actor Errol Flynn. He was proud to have served in the U. S. Armed Forces and was honorably discharged in 1956. Upon return he operated his own Barber Shop on Buffalo Avenue for over 20 years until going into home remodeling as M. F. Home Improvement which he continued until his recent retirement.

Fred served as past President of the Madonna Di Termine Society, a group of immigrants who gathered together and had a statue of their patron Saint brought to the Lady of Fatima Shrine. He was a member of the Local 780 Journeymen Barbers & Proprietor's Intl. Union of America, a member of Niagara Senior Travel & Social Club and a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church.
Fred's favorite pastimes were making and sharing his homemade wine, gardening, watching WWE and helping his family. He took delight in telling the stories of his mischievous childhood, and was a frequent visitor to Dunkin Donuts where he enjoyed meeting with his friends. His greatest joy was when his family was all together around his table.

In addition to his loving wife, Connie, he is survived by his children Thomas Merante, Lynda & Mark Grozio and proud Papa to Gabrielle, Vincent & Anthony Merante and Jaimie Lynn, Joseph, & Mark Groizo, all of Niagara Falls. He is also survived by brother Antonio (Eugenia) Merante & sister Rosarina Merante of Italy, brother in-law Vito (Rosanne) Perricelli of AZ, and several nieces, nephews & cousins.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2PM to 4PM and 7PM to 9PM at M. J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY RD. NIAGARA FALLS, NY where prayers will be held Monday September 24th at 9:15AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 at St. Vincent DePaul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Rd. Niagara Falls, NY. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Memorial offerings may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.