Theresa Meranto, 86, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Jeanette (Lanzellott) Pugliano.

On October 1, 1960, Theresa married her beloved husband, Ralph R. Meranto, in her hometown of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Shortly after, she moved to Niagara Falls, NY, where together they raised their three children. In the early 1970s, Theresa became a United States citizen.

Theresa worked for many years in the family business at Meranto’s Giant Food Market and Meranto’s Super Duper. She later continued her dedicated work ethic serving as the as the General Merchandise Manager of Tops Markets in the Town of Niagara, where she remained well into her 70s before retiring. She loved her co-workers and customers dearly and was known for her kindness and warmth.

A devout Catholic, Theresa was a longtime member of the former St. Charles Catholic Church and a current parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, where she served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister. She loved being active at Catholic Academy of Niagara Falls, Catholic Charities, and 66th Street School Parent Group,where she once served as president. Her commitment to her community extended to numerous organizations and her children’s schools, where she was always willing to lend her time and support.

Theresa had a lifelong love of reading and enjoyed her many visits to the library. She also loved traveling, especially her annual trips to Florida and Las Vegas with her husband. Above all, Theresa treasured the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.

She will be remembered for her loving personality, her unwavering care for others before herself, and her gentle, gracious nature that touched all who knew her.

Mrs. Meranto is survived by her children, Thomas (Deanna) Meranto, Ralph (Kathy Kenez) Meranto, Richard (Maria) Meranto; her grandchildren, Brandon (Barbara) Meranto, Alexandria (Troy) Furco, Autumn Meranto, Brooke Meranto, Christian Meranto and Zak Meranto; her great-grandchildren, Marilyn Rose Meranto and Xavier Raphael Meranto; her sister-in-law, Deanne (John) Brinda, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ralph, her sister, Janet (late Al) Greatrix and her nephew, Rick Calandrelli.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 29 from 3 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin on Thursday, April 30 at 9:15 AM, followed by Theresa’s Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Vincent de Paul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Catholic Charities or a charity of one’s choice. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.