Retired Fire Captain Eugene Merullo, Jr.

     Retired Watertown Fire Captain Eugene 'Gene' Merullo, age 69 of Watertown & Webster, passed away surrounded by his loving family on May 26, 2025. Devoted husband to Kim (Tanner) (Bloom) Merullo. Cherished son to Eugene 'Gene' Merullo, Sr. & the late Florence (McBratney) Merullo.  Loving father to Chad & Brandon Merullo & step father to Jonathan Bloom & his wife Jeanne and Emily & Jesse Goldberg. Cherished 'Papa' to Sophia & Madison Dow and 'Gigi' to Juliette & Jolie Bloom and Micah & Caleb Goldberg. Dear brother to Richard Merullo & his wife Marie, Kathy Santoian & her husband Michael and Karen O'Neil & her husband David. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews as well as countless friends, former colleagues, and fellow firefighters who will forever remember his loyalty, humor, and steady strength.

     Gene began his firefighting career with the Watertown Fire Department on December 1, 1977. Over the span of more than 33 years, he exemplified courage, leadership, and integrity. He was promoted to Lieutenant on March 1, 1984, and later to Captain on April 15, 2004—a role in which he served with honor until his well-earned retirement on August 27, 2011.

     Gene was known not only for his bravery in the line of duty but also for his kindness, humility, and deep commitment to those around him. He cherished his family above all else.  Gene found peace and happiness aboard his boat. His faithful dogs were never far from his side, and they held a special place in his heart—constant companions in life’s quiet and adventurous moments alike, he leaves behind his dogs Iggy & Kelev and his late dogs Smoky, Taz & Penny. 

    Gene and Kim’s love story is one that proves true connection can stand the test of time. They first met when they were just 18 and 20 years old at a mixer at Kim’s school—a chance encounter that sparked something special between them. Though life took them on separate paths for many years, the memory of their youthful bond never faded. Forty-five years later, fate brought them back together. What began as a reconnection soon blossomed into a deep and enduring love, rooted in shared history and strengthened by the wisdom of time. After four beautiful years of rediscovered companionship, laughter, and love, Gene and Kim were finally married on June 16, 2024, surrounded by the people who had witnessed their journey come full circle.

     Gene’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the community he served so selflessly.

    Family and friends are welcome to come celebrate Gene's life by gathering for visiting hours in the Nardone Funeral Home, 373 Main St. Watertown on Thursday from 9-11 AM followed by an 11 AM Funeral Home Service. Burial to follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery.

  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Gene’s name to a cause close to his heart:  The Underdog Connection (LINK) 

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