Mark Anthony Merola

Mark Anthony Merola passed away peacefully on October 25, 2020 at Holzer Medical Center with his three children by his side. He was 63 years old. Mark was born on April 1, 1957. Mark attended the University of Rio Grande and the Hobart School of Welding. He was a certified Scuba diver and also served in the past on the Gallipolis Volunteer Fire Department. He went to work for American Electric Power in 1979 as a welder in the Centralized Plant Maintenance (CPM) department which later was renamed to RSO. He retired from AEP May 23, 2017, after 38 years of service. Mark is survived by his father, Anthony R. Merola of Gallipolis, Ohio and preceded in death by his mother, Lila Lee Shamblin Merola. Mark had three children: Brittani and Bryan Roe of Gallipolis, Ohio; Nick and Haley Merola of Ona, West Virginia; and Tyler and Jodi Merola of Gallipolis, Ohio. He had six grandchildren, Bella and Brogan Roe, Anthony Merola and Lainey Ellis, and Piper and Hadley Jo Merola and was expecting a new grandson on November 19, 2020, Clayton James Merola. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Clayton and Nondas Morris. A Graveside Memorial Service with close family and friends is being planned. Willis Funeral Home is assisting the family. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.