Dr. Henry P. Merletti, 88, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at O.L.P Nursing Care Residence. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Teodoro and Maria (Mastorgio) Merletti.

Henry graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1948 and received his Bachelor's degree from Niagara University in 1952. He obtained his Doctorate from Long Island University College of Podiatry in 1956. On October 4, 1958, he married his beloved wife, Pasqualine "Lee or Lena" (DiPietro) Merletti at the former Sacred Heart Church.

Dr. Merletti practiced Podiatry in Niagara Falls, New York for 55 years until his retirement in 2012. In addition to his practice on Pine Avenue in Niagara Falls, he also practiced in Niagara Falls Ontario for 10 years. He served as a Podiatric consultant for several local hospitals and nursing homes. At various times he served as the president of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association, the NYSPMA's Western District, and the Ontario Podiatry Association, as well as being a 25-year member of the NYSPMA Board of Directors. In recognition of his dedicated service, the NYSPMA named him the Podiatrist of the Year in 1971 and presented him with the Excellence in Action Award in 1993. He also received the Pine Avenue Business Association's 1995 Person of the Year award as well as Niagara University's College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Distinguished Alumnus award. Dr. Merletti was also a volunteer for multiple local organizations throughout the community.

Dr. Merletti has been a longtime member and past president of the Rotary Club of Niagara Falls. He was the recipient of the Paul Harris award and was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus member.  He loved his old Ashland Avenue neighborhood and served on the Reunion Committee as well as the Pine Avenue Business Association. In his leisure time, he enjoyed family activities and dining with his friends. He was an avid photographer and also enjoyed traveling and boating. Dr. Merletti will be deeply missed by his family and a community who loved him so dearly.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, he is survived by his loving children, Dr. Theodore Merletti, Paul (Laurie Ricciardi) Merletti, Lisa (Greg) Ball, Dr. Michael (Joanna Cipollitti) Merletti, Lynne (Dan) Tompkins, Laurie (David) Kwiatkowski and John (Nicole DiBacco) Merletti; his cherished grandchildren, Christina and Matthew Ball, Maria and Leah Tompkins, Gabriella and Victoria Merletti, Catie and Lauren Merletti, Alaina and Jacob Kwiatkowski, and Luke Merletti. He was also survived by his brother in law Frank (Karen) DiPietro, nieces, Susan and Sandra Merletti, his nephew, Mark Merletti and great nephews Tyler and Andreas. Dr. Merletti was predeceased by his brother, Eligio (Violet) Merletti.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 9th from 3 – 8 P.M. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 A.M. in Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Everyone please assemble at the church. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Heart, Love and Soul, 939 Ontario Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14305 or Niagara University Alumni Chapel Freshman Dr, Niagara University, NY 14109. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.