Longtime Bethel Resident, Stephen Merto, has passed at 94

Stephen C. Merto, 94, loving husband and father passed away, peacefully on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Mr. Merto was born in New Haven, CT on September 11, 1921.

He was predeceased: by his wife Josephine Merto, Parents Joseph and Josephine Merto of Derby, CT. His two sisters Theresa Gillotti of Danbury, and Mary Merto, of Derby and his brother John Merto, of Shelton, CT. He is survived, by his two sisters, Angie Krouch of Florida, and Anna Bonadies, and her husband Joseph of Branford, CT. His son Stephen "Sky" Merto of New Milford, CT, his two daughters, Joanne Baxter and her husband David of Columbus, IN, and Maureen Di Como her husband Joe of Danbury. Stephen, leaves, behind three wonderful Grandchildren: Adam Baxter and his fiancee' Mary Almedia, of Berlin, CT., Gregory Baxter and wife Maria, of Stamford, CT and Trevor DiComo. of Danbury, CT., as well as, many loving nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

He served in World War II – as a US Sargent for the 10th Army Airborne in the China Burma India theatre. Stephen is one of the Original Flying Tigers from Chennault's command. He received an Honorable discharge, and remained in the Reserves. After the war he met his love of his life and bride to be Jo Jo while working at the Sponge Rubber Company In Shelton, CT. The couple married on October 5,1946 and were together for 69 years.

Stephen worked for several companies, throughout his career retiring from Dual-Lite in Newton, CT. After his retirement, he worked part time for Green Tree Toyota for 20 years. Steve and Josephine raised their family in Bethel CT. where they made their home for 50 years. Stephen was very active in local organizations and longtime parishioner of Saint Mary' Church, Bethel, CT serving as the President of Holy Name Society, Nocturnal Adoration and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He traveled with the Choir Boys, Little Singer of the Wooden Cross. In addition, he was the President of the Mens Bowling league, and the Vice President of the Western Ct. Junior Golf League.

One of his proudest accomplishments was being a co-founder and Commander of The Yankee Ct. Basha CBI Organization. Steve and Josephine made trips well into their 80's all across the country representing the CT chapter of the CBI Basha, at national reunions of the CBI Organization– China, Burma, India. Stephen was an avid golfer, bowler, and enjoyed fishing, and spending time with family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests, a donation be made to the Recreational Department of the Lutheran Home, 990 Main Street North, Southbury, CT. 06488. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 386 Main St., Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury with military honors. The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Ave., Danbury on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.