Alberico Melaragno

Alberico "Al" Melaragno

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather

     Alberico "Al" Melaragno, 74, died unexpectedly Friday, Sept. 30, 2011.  Born in Italy in 1936, son of the late Michele and Grazia Melaragno, Alberico was a child of WW II during which his family was deprived of the most basic necessities and struggled to survive.  When he was 19, he seized the opportunity for a better future and, sponsored by his aunt Pauline and Uncle Frank Iacovetta who were living in Erie, emigrated to America which in his mind was the greatest country in the world.  He worked at Hammermill for 30 years and simultaneously built a successful real estate investment business.  He bought and refurbished the beautiful downtown historic landmark housing the Melaragno and Placidi Law Firm in which his two children practice law together.  With hard work, dedication and perseverance he achieved the American dream, accomplishing everything he set out to achieve and more, and was humble about his accomplishments.  Up to the day of his passing he was always forward looking and excited about his next project.  He worked tirelessly to improve and beautify the world.  He enjoyed working in his garden and loved his home - a gathering place for his cherished children and grandchildren, who were his greatest joy.  He was thrilled by the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.  Alberico attended Gannon University, was a charter member of the Apartment Association of Northwest Pa., and was a member of St. George Church.
     He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Linda Joan Bauer Melaragno; and his two children, Atty. John Melaragno and his wife Cammy and Atty. Kathryn Melaragno Kisak and her husband Jeffrey, all of Erie; six grandchildren, Natasha, Sonya and Alexander Kisak and Maxwell James, Mason Alberico and unborn baby Melaragno.  Alberico is also survived by his brothers Emidio and Alberto of Erie and brother Ferdinando Melaragno and sister Albina Vitale Melaragno of Italy, and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Filomena Melaragno.
     Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle St.  A prayer service will be held at the funeral home Monday at 12:15 p.m. followed at 1 p.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Church celebrated by the Rev. Jonathan Schmolt.  Entombment in Laurel Hill Cemetery.