To the Editor:

I will start by saying that Joe Merli was a good cook. For his Christmas party each year, he would roast two turkeys then take the leftovers and make soup to feed whoever was there working for him at the time.

Many days, Joe would fix hot dogs for lunch. (Who doesn’t love hot dogs?) He could fix them many different ways and, when lunch was finished, the hot dogs would be gone.

When we were out together to see old buildings, churches, diner equipment, or to get material for a job, Joe always took you out to eat.

I did carpentry work for more than four years for Joe and learned something new every day.To end, I say, when you work for someone, then with them, and break bread with them, they become more than just your boss.

I am proud to say Joe was my boss who became my friend and he will be greatly missed by those who knew Joe.

Mike Vincent

Berne

Editor’s note: Joseph J. Merli of Duanesburg died on Feb. 13. His obituary ran in the Feb. 18, 2016 edition of The Enterprise.