In Memory of
Clement T. Merola
September 2,
1936 - March 4, 2022
Obituary
Clement “Clem”
Merola, 85, of Hendersonville passed away on Friday,
March 4, 2022 at Mission Hospital following a period of
declining health. He grew up in Staten Island, NY, where
he attended high school and college. In 1955, he joined
the United States Air Force and was stationed at
Griffiss AFB, which is in Rome, NY. This is where he
fell in love at first sight with Betty at the NCO Club
Dance, and she became his wife on June 29, 1957.
The newlyweds moved to his hometown in Staten Island, NY
shortly after being honorably discharged from the Air
Force. In 1961, he became a police officer with the Port
Authority of NY and NJ until his retirement as a
detective in 1983. He loved his job and was able to work
with his best friend from middle school, John Collins.
There are many stories from his days with the Port
Authority, including when he had to secure building
plans for the Twin Towers. His nickname was Rosemary
Baby, due to his high arrest records and being a
stickler for following the rules.
While in Staten Island, Clem and Betty had 4 beautiful
children. In 1983, following his retirement, he and
Betty moved to Florida where he lived for 32 years prior
to moving to the Dana Hill Community in Hendersonville
for the past 5 years.
Clem loved sports, and played baseball throughout high
school, college, time in the Air Force and while working
for the Port Authority. He was able to try out for 2
Major League teams, and during those try outs, he hit 2
home runs at the Cooperstown, NY field. After his
playing days, he coached little league teams for his
sons. He also loved to bowl, and was on many bowling
leagues in Staten Island. Following his move to Florida,
he joined the Father and Son League and also learned to
play golf. He became hooked and planned many golf
tournaments for the local Elks club. Clem loved camping
with his family and set up a seasonal campsite at
Rosemount in PA. The family went to this campsite every
weekend and summer from April to October. There were
many good memories around the camp fires and summer
dances with the bands. Clem and Betty went on many
cruises together and found great joy in doing so.
Clem joined the Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582 several
years after moving to Florida. He made many good friends
there and was a 2 time Exalted Ruler. He loved helping
children and veterans through the Elks. He was also
highly involved in many fundraising events that helped
children with college scholarships, sports teams, camps,
etc. The cause closest to his heart was helping sick
children and their families with medical conditions or
special needs. This was so dear to him that he made St.
Jude his go-to for donating.
Following his move to Hendersonville, he started going
to the local Elks Lodge #1616, where he began making new
friends. He was also in the stages of joining Stand Tall
Organization. Clem was involved with Police Retirement
Club Signal 82 in Florida, serving as president and
assistant for many years managing their yearly reunions.
In addition to the Elks, he was a member of the Lions
Club, Moose Lodge and the American Legion in Florida.
Clem’s favorite meal was breakfast, and he could often
be found at his local stomping grounds, Dennys and
Joeys. It is here that he once again built relationships
and friendships with not only the staff, but also other
patrons. He loved each and every one of his children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and could
be found telling a story about them or bragging on their
many accomplishments.
Clem was known for saying 2 quotes: “Treat people the
way you want to be treated” and “Just get it done.”
He is survived by his 4 children, Ann Marie Rivera,
Richard Merola, Terrie Sheffield, Tom Merola and their
spouses, along with 11 grandchildren and 8
great-grandchildren.
He will be dearly missed for his joking ways, caring
heart, and his bear (or gruff) attitude.
A funeral will be held at 10am on Friday, March 11, 2022
in the chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Burial will follow
at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black
Mountain at Noon with military rites taking place there.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to
St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital in Clem’s memory.
Shuler Funeral Home
125 Orr's Camp Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-693-5220
