William E. Merlini ’63

Bill died Sept. 9, 2015, at home in Cazenovia, N.Y., from lung cancer.

Known widely as a man of integrity and empathy, Bill had retired in June after flourishing for 10 years as president of Pelco Electronic Technologies. A crowd from Pelco attended his memorial, at which a close friend summarized: “He treated his Pelco family the same way he treated all his families, with caring and compassion, seeing that all was fine at work and at home.”

He prepared for Princeton at Great Neck North (N.Y.) High School and became a two-way starter in football, winning the Caldwell Cup in his senior year. Teammates remember “Lini” as a crushing running back and a fearsome blocker. He majored in history, joined Tiger Inn, and rose to become head waiter at Commons. Bill roomed with Bordner, DiVincenzo, Fudge, Ibbeken, Terpack, and Wardenburg.

Bill began his career at General Electric Co. in Syracuse. The Adirondacks were a delight for Bill, and he spent much time hiking and canoeing with his family there. He is remembered fondly at Cazenovia Golf Club, where he had been president.

Surviving are his longtime companion, Donna Marcellus; daughters Tjede McVey and Heidi Merlini; two grandchildren; and his former wife, Bobbi Cleaveland. Bill was predeceased in 2009 by his brother and dear friend Chuck ’66.