Norma Helen Merolla

Norma H. “Kitty” Merolla (Barclay), 95, of Warwick, Rhode Island passed away peacefully on June 16 surrounded by her loving family. Norma was the beloved wife of the late Brigadier General Amedeo C. Merolla for 64 years. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Helen (Beveridge) Barclay and a graduate of Cushing Academy and Brown University.

After graduation, she taught high school English, math, and civics in North Brookfield, MA and later taught high school English in Saugus, MA. After their marriage in 1953, Norma and Amedeo moved to Rhode Island where she became active in many organizations.

A few of her memorable activities included: an appointment by the Governor of RI to the Council of the Arts which distributes thousands for the arts; an appointment by the Mayor of Warwick to the Women's Advisory Commission; an appointment as the Aide to the Chief Marshal for Brown University’s 209th Commencement; an appointment as Chairwoman for the Pembroke-Brown Class of 1952 20th reunion; Co-Chair of the Warwick Bicentennial Ball in 1976; Chairwoman of Dillon Council Knights of Columbus Auxiliary; President of the Winman Junior High School PTO; and a coordinator for Councilman Steve Merolla’s 22 years of fundraising. She was a communicant of St. Gregory the Great Church, a member of the East Greenwich Yacht Club for 56 years, and a member of the North Palm Beach Yacht Club.

One of the highlights of her life was when her husband was promoted to Brigadier General in the Great Rotunda of the Rhode Island Capitol building. She was asked to pin a star on his right shoulder while the Adjutant General pinned one on the left. Amedeo then became Assistant Adjutant General and Deputy Commanding General - Army of the Rhode Island Army National Guard.

She is survived by her four children: Katherine Merolla, Esq., and her husband Dr. George Kay of Sharon, MA; Julie Merolla, MSW LICSW formerly of the South Kingstown School Department and Cranston School Department and her husband Thomas Rolin of Warwick; U.S. Army veterans MAJ Sandra Merolla and her husband MAJ Daniel Hogan, FCAS, CERA of South Glastonbury, CT; and former President of Warwick City Council Steven Merolla, Esq. and his wife Michelle (Gardiner) Accetturo-Merolla of Warwick. Norma was the beloved Nana to nine grandchildren: Jeremy, Nicholas, Matthew, Logan, Robert, Jennifer, Brianna, Madison, and Bella. She is also survived by six great grandchildren: Autumn, Barclay, Thalia, Hiero, Corinne, and Sloane.

Calling hours are Thursday, June 25 from 4-7PM at URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 26 at 10AM at St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Rd., Warwick. Internment will take place at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 S. County Trail, Exeter.

Memorial donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick or St. Gregory the Great Church.

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