Jeanette M. Merdich

Jeanette (Gallo) Merdich of Leetonia, died at Brookdale Memory Care in Austintown, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, after a long illness.

She was born Oct 4, 1935, in Leetonia, the daughter of the late Joseph and Lena (Altomare) Gallo. She was a member of Saint Carlo Acutis Parish, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and served on church council and the Ladies Benevolent Christians organization. She was also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans auxiliary, AARP, and the OAPSE retiree organization.

Jeanette was a 1953 graduate of Leetonia High School. She was a proud member of the Leetonia Alumni Association where she served as secretary for many years.

Jeanette began her working career at the Manos Theater in Leetonia. She went on to work as a secretary at Salem China Company and as secretary to the purchasing agent at Kaiser Refractories in Columbiana. She served 27 years as Leetonia High School secretary, retiring in 1995. She then worked as secretary at the Taste of Country restaurant in Lisbon until 1999.

Over the years she prepared fabulous home cooked meals especially during the holidays or on special occasions. She loved flower gardening, making Ukrainian eggs and vacationing at Myrtle Beach, but most of all she just enjoyed being with family and friends. She loved her hometown and always made time to participate in causes and programs that benefitted the Village of Leetonia.

She married the love of her life, Charles W. Merdich, on Nov. 24, 1956, and enjoyed 56 years of marriage until his passing on June 19, 2013.

Jeanette is survived by her sons, Charles “Chuck” (Pam) Merdich of Columbiana and William “Bill” (Shari) Merdich of Leetonia; grandson, Alex and great-granddaughter Madi. She is also survived by her sisters Carol Mercure of Columbiana and Linda (Art) VanKampen of Berlin Center.

Per her wishes, private family services were held at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia.

Jeanette was laid to rest with her husband Charles at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Leetonia.

Donations may be made in Jeanette’s memory to Akeso Home Care and Hospice, 6600 Summit Dr, Canfield, OH 44406.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com