Charles (Charlie) Nunzio Merla, 70, passed on to eternal life in Heaven on April 30, 2024.

He was born and raised in Long Branch, NJ, boasting he grew up in Woodrow Wilson where he said he had some of the best times of his life. Charlie was the respected owner and operator of Satisfied Service Center and Nunzio Motors, located in Long Branch. He learned the mechanic trade watching his father, Nunzie, which Charlie was often called. He was the man to go to when other mechanics botched a repair and was always able to find the solution to any vehicle issue. He towed for the police for 40 years in 3 towns, including, the cities of Long Branch, West Long Branch and Eatontown. He was also an Exempt member of the West Long Branch Fire Company #2. He had a special bond and mutual respect with all the local first responders due to the nature of his business. He enjoyed car shows with family and friends where he could not walk 5 feet without running into someone he knew. An hour event would always turn into four.

Unbeknownst to many, Charlie was an avid viewer of Hallmark movies which touched his heart. He truly had a heart of gold. He always took care of the elderly and the less fortunate.

He was very proud of his Italian heritage and was recognized by the Amerigo Vespucci Society. Mostly everything he owned was either made in Italy or had an Italian affiliation (in his mind). Charlie was bigger than life and is remembered as THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND. He is infamous for having the title of “The Strongest Merla.” There was a grand sense of pride being a Merla. He frequently encouraged his family to excel or overcome challenges by saying “YOU’RE A MERLA!”

Charlie was an expert at basketball and football. He coached his children’s recreation and AAU basketball teams. He had his own personal chair wheeled out between the stands at his children’s Shore Regional High School basketball games. You could always find (and hear) him on the sidelines at any of their events. He later exhibited the same enthusiasm for his grandchildren playing sports. He was the ultimate fan and would proclaim them to be “All World.”

He adored his children and grandchildren. He was proud of all they did. He beamed with joy and never hesitated to share their accomplishments. One could not leave a conversation without him sharing pictures of his family. His wife Diane was the love of his life. He extolled her achievements and expressed she could be President of the United States one day. All who spent time with him knew and loved his “Charlie-isms” and “Charlie stories.”

He was predeceased by his parents Nunzio and Rita (Cannon) Merla, his sister Terry Garvey, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Bill and Juanita (Sexton) Krzan, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Kathi (Krzan) and Rich Orsi, and his brother-in-law Benny Grandinetti. He is survived by his adoring wife Dr. Diane (Krzan) Merla, his devoted children Dr. Alyssa (Dr. Kevin) Lambrese, Nunzio (Melissa) Merla, Vito (Julissa) Merla, and his idolizing grandchildren Bentley Lambrese, Violet Lambrese, Charlie Merla, Cooper Merla, Caelynn Merla, Charlotte Merla, his loving sisters Donna (Louie) Politan and Rita (Benny) Grandinetti, as well as many nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Visitation will be held Friday May 17th: 3pm-7pm at the Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home, 10 Morrell St. Long Branch, NJ and a Mass of Christian burial, Saturday May 18th, 10:30am at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch, NJ. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, 113 Wall St, West Long Branch, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Fire Company #2, 15 Oceanport Ave, West Long Branch, NJ, 07764 or The Frank S. Caltabilota Jr. Scholarship, c/o Dr. Diane Merla, 97 Parry Dr. Hainesport, NJ, 08036.