Posted by Jeff and Maureen McCann on May 28, 2009:

I wanted to start out with a quote from Lt. General Hal Moore, also a West Point Graduate. "I pledged my life, my sacred honor for America many years ago. Millions of men and women have made a similar pledge. Having lived with that pledge my entire adult life, after graduating from West Point, I can speak with great humility that it has been a privilege of the highest order to serve my country." I'm sure you would agree that this quote embodies the true meaning and character of Paul Merola. Paul so loved his country and West Point. He also loved his God and most importantly his family. He cherished his family -- his family was his greatest pride. Paul adored his beloved Nancy. His face would light up as he talked of his best friend and wife. Though together they raised six wonderful, accomplished children, Paul gave all of the credit to Nancy always remarking what a dedicated mother she was -- raising the children while Paul was away for months at a time serving 3 tours of duty in Southeast Asia. Paul was such an amazing family man who loved to have his family around him. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and would talk for hours recanting their childhoods, remembering the smallest of details. My own children described Paul as their "third" grandfather --- that just speaks to Paul's love and kindness to all of humanity. Paul is someone you only meet once in a lifetime. It is so rare in life to be graced with a friend with such character. He set the bar with his incredible humility, strength, integrity, loyalty and honor. How many people pass through our lives and leave no impact. But in the case of Paul -- he was so remarkably unique -- and impacted so many lives in the most wonderful and positive way. His generosity was endless, giving to others less fortunate. He stood for his principles. He did not sit back and watch life and issues pass by. Whether it was serving his country, debating issues of the day -- which we would often vigorously do - or writing to the Editor of the local newspaper, Paul promoted and defended his unwavering principles around democracy and Catholicism. Paul's positive attitude was admirable and infectious. As he reflected on some of the most challenging times he had been through -- combat situations all the way through to job interviews - he always did so with humor and taking away only the good. I never once heard Paul complain, even in sickness -- he wanted to know how "YOU" were doing. Paul is now sitting with God in Heaven looking down on all of us with his patented huge grin and renewing friendships with his mother, and father, and sister, his former friends and classmates at West Point. He will be deeply missed by all of us as we say good-bye to the world's greatest husband, father, friend, mentor and hero. While my heart has a huge hole in it, I know it will be filled with the wonderful memories and life lessons Paul taught me and each one of us here today. In Paul, I had much more than a great friend... I had a phenomenal role model to look up to as a parent and from whom to learn humility and how to enjoy life. May God Bless and Take care of Paul.

admin