Robert P. Merlino, 86, of Blanding Avenue, died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. He was the beloved husband of Anna J. (Arrigo) Merlino. 

Born in Providence, a son of the late Charles and Maryjane (Pagliuso) Merlino, he lived in Barrington for 42 years. 

Mr. Merlino was the owner and operator of Merlino & Son Tile Co. for 40 years before retiring in 1996. 

Robert was a communicant of St. Luke Church. He was past president of the Edgewood Hockey Association.  He enjoyed hunting, boating and fishing and was a devoted New England Patriots fan. 

Mr. Merlino was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a graduate of Roger Williams College.

Besides his wife of 60 years, he is survived by two sons, Paul R. Merlino and his wife Anne of Barrington and Joseph S. Merlino and his wife Gena of Barrington; a daughter, Joanna R. Vallante and her husband Stephen of Coventry and six grandchildren, Matthew and Gianna Vallante, Ashley, Emma and Robert Merlino and Paul Merlino Jr. He was the brother of the late Frank and John Merlino. 

His funeral will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7, from the W. Raymond Watson Funeral Home, 350 Willett Ave., Riverside at 8:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

Calling hours are Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Robert’s memory to St. Luke Church, 108 Washington Road, Barrington, RI, 02806 would be deeply appreciated. For online condolences please visit wrwatsonfuneralhome.com