Bernie Cosmo MerlinoMarch 26, 1934-August10, 2017Bernie Cosmo Merlino, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Tonopah, on August 10, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 26, 1934 in Wallace, Idaho the last child born to Margaret and Nick Merlino. Bernie moved to Tonopah with his parents and five siblings at the age of 6 months. He graduated from Tonopah High School in 1952 where he excelled in basketball. He worked for the Tonopah Fire Department and the Nevada Highway Department from 1952 to 1960. After that, he was employed at the Tonopah Test Range until 1975 when he was elected as Nye County Assessor where he served until 1998 when he retired. On April 6, 1956 he married Marylu Atkin, and they had two children. He was a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Tonopah Elks #1062 and an enthusiastic booster of Tonopah High School sports, particularly basketball and any other sports his children or grandchildren played. Bernie was active in several organizations within his community of Tonopah, Nye County, and the State of Nevada. He is survived by brother, Jim Merlino of Tonopah; son, Jim Merlino (Sandra), daughter, Toni North (Mike) all of Tonopah; grandchildren, Erin Berg (Blaise) of Smoky Valley; Dominic Merlino (Eileen) of Reno; Madison North, Tessa North of Tonopah; great granddaughters, Avery Berg, Juliana Berg and Teagan Merlino; loving in-laws, several nieces and nephews, a host of long-time friends, and Bear the dog. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marylu Atkin Merlino; mother, Margaret Merlino; father, Nick Merlino; step-mother Laura Dell Merlino; sisters Ann Goman, Delores Boyles, Ellen and Camille Merlino; brothers Mickey Merlino, Nick Merlino, Raymond Merlino and John Merlino. A memorial service will be held on August 20, 2017 at 11:00 am at the Tonopah Convention Center. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Tonopah Elks Scholarship Fund, PO Box 233, Tonopah, NV 89049. Bernie was adored and loved by all who knew him.