Yolanda (Tacconi) Merino, 90, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Tuesday March 13, 2012. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Francesco 'Frank' and Theresa (Donato) Tacconi.

Yolanda was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. She attended local schools and graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School's business program. On April 27, 1946 she married John F. Merino at St. Joseph's Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Merino predeceased her on February 13, 2008. From 1941 until 1951 Yolanda was employed at the former Kimberly Clark Corp. in Niagara Falls. She went on to work as a stenographer for the Niagara Falls Board of Education, working at Niagara Falls High School, North Junior High School and retiring from Gaskill Junior High School in 1988 after twenty two years of service. Yolanda was an active member of several fraternal organizations and groups throughout Niagara Falls, which included, the Italian Sons and Daughters of America Cataract Lodge #240, the Niagara Senior Travel Club at the John Duke Senior Center, Cristoforo Colombo Society Ladies Auxiliary, the Ladies of Charity of St. Joseph's Church and while her children were younger, was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts Pack #36 of the former St. Joseph's School. Yolanda also served as past president, vice-president and secretary of the Guild of Sacred Heart, was a member of the Golden Girls Monday Morning Golf Club and participated in various local bowling leagues.

Mrs. Merino is survived by her two sons, John C. Merino of Jamestown, NY and Marc (Joanne) Merino of Niagara Falls, NY; two grandchildren, Alison R. Merino of Los Angeles, CA and Drew Merino of Lewiston, NY, two sisters, Eva (late Santo "Sam") Rapisardi of Wheatfield, NY and Irene (William) Conti of Niagara Falls, NY; one brother Joseph Tacconi of Niagara Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by two brothers Chester Tacconi who was killed on April 21, 1945 in Okinawa, Japan and Moses (late Violet) Donato.

Visitation will be on Friday from 3-7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where services will begin on Saturday March 17th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Western New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure 2421 Main St. - Suite 125 Buffalo, NY 14214.