Giovanni Luciano “G-Money” Merla, 22, of Keyport, passed away Friday, March 27, 2020. Born in Red Bank to John and Kelly Merla, Gio was raised in Keyport and was a 2016 graduate of Keyport High School. A lover of sports, he played football from the age of six and all through high school, and played baseball with St. Joseph’s. Gio had a big heart and could bring love and joy to everyone he met.

He gave of himself by volunteering with “Friends of the Bayshore” in Keyport. Gio loved to cook, laugh and spend time with his friends and family, and he aspired to follow in his Uncle Joe’s footsteps as a business owner. He was predeceased by grandparents, Charles and Josephine Merla, his grandfather, James Mullaney, his aunt, Colleen Mullaney and his uncle, Charles Merla. Gio is the cherished son of John and Kelly Merla and loving brother of Dominique Merla.

Devoted grandson of Rose Mullaney. Caring nephew of Patricia and Paul Schopfer, Rae and James Kennedy, Joseph Merla and Nickiann Ferrari, Kathleen Mullaney and Sue Merla. Gio also leaves behind many cousins and friends