Silvio L. "Babe" Merlo, 88, of Collinsville, Ill., born Dec. 2, 1925, in East St. Louis, Ill., passed away at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at Relais Bonne Eau in Edwardsville, Ill.

Babe retired as a roofer from Borgard Roofing. He was a World War II Army veteran, and a member of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the VFW Post 5691 in Collinsville. He greatly enjoyed Cardinals baseball, the Fighting Illini, fishing, camping and playing Bocce ball.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, nee Whitten, Merlo, whom he married on Nov. 27, 1946; parents, Gregorio and Teresa, nee Cassulo, Merlo; a brother, Rudy Merlo; and two sisters, Louise Falline and Rose Splaingard.

Surviving are his son, Greg (Lisa) Merlo of Collinsville, Ill.; grandchildren, Jessica (Chad) Bridgeman, Angela Merlo, Nicholas Duncan and Olivia Duncan; and great-grandchildren, Sophia Duncan and Trace Bridgeman.

Memorials may be made to Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic grade school. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., and 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2014, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, Ill. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 am. Monday, March 10, 2014, at the Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with Father John Beveridge officiating. Burial will be at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Collinsville, Ill.