Obituary of Rachel Merola

Rachel (Rae) Merola (nee Palattella) passed away peacefully on January 1, 2022. Rachel was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, daughter, sister, and friend to many. She will be sadly missed.

Rachel is survived by granddaughter Jennifer, sister-in-laws Patty Palattella, Joyce Palattella, Joan Palattella; brother-in-law William Conte; many nieces and nephews; and good friend Maria Fernanda Cepedas. 

She is predeceased by her husband Ernest Merola, her loving son Joseph Merola, and her siblings John, Celia, Lisa, Angela, Mary, Anthony, Frank and Edward.

Rachel Merola was born in Bari, Italy, on July 29, 1924. She grew up in Long Island City, New York, where she made many wonderful friends and met Ernest Merola, whom she married in 1943.

Rachael and Ernie moved to Port Washington in 1960, where they raised their son Joseph. Rachel quickly became active in the community, cultivating many friendships and serving as a Columbiette with the Knights of Columbus.

As a member of the accounting department of PanAm, Rachel excelled at numbers, and her talent served her well. She treasured the friendships she made and the opportunities to travel around the world while at Pan Am.

Rachel was known as "Aunt Rae" and she loved to travel, play cards, and she loved a fun party. She never turned down the chance to dance and was affectionately called "Our Dancing Queen" by those closest to her. 

Aunt Rae cherished life and left behind a legacy that will continue to be enjoyed by those that knew and loved her. Aunt Rae has now joined the family table in Heaven.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima in Port Washington on Saturday, January 8 at 9:30 am, followed by burial at Nassau Knolls Cemetery. 

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.