George J. Merino, a retired Dedham Police Officer, died May 31, 2005 at the Caritas Norwood Hospital. He was 88. George was born in Dedham and was the son of the late George and Mary (Maloney) Merino. He was a World War II Veteran, serving in the United States Navy Sea Bee’s. During that time George received a World War II Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Ribbon, and a European African Middle Eastern Area Campaign Ribbon. He served in the Construction Battalion. After his military services, George joined the Dedham Police Department where he served the Town of Dedham for more than 30 years until he retired in 1972. His record includes many citations and letters of commendation. He was a familiar face to many in Dedham Square where he worked for many years. George was also a life member of the Dedham Knights of Columbus # 234, and a member of the Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves, and the Dedham VFW. He was an avid golfer and member of the Norfolk Golf Club in Westwood. After his retirement from the Police Department, George worked for George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Homes, Wellesley, Needham, Dedham, and West Roxbury for many years.
He was the loving husband of 54 years of Virginia (Duffy) Merino. He is also survived by his nephew John P. Merino Jr. and his wife Madeline of Dedham, his nieces Deborah Merino of Norwood, Cheryl Cosenza and her husband Peter of Westwood, and two grand nieces Elizabeth Merino and Christa Cosenza. He was the brother of the late John P. He was the brother of the late John P. Merino Sr.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham, on Friday at 10:00 am. Funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham, at 11:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Thursday from 4-8 pm. Interment Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. Donations can be made to the Boston Catholic Television Center, 55 Chapel Street, PO Box 9109, Newtonville, MA 02460-9109.