Domenic "Doc" Merloni, D.D.S. of Palm Desert, CA, formerly of Southborough, loving husband and friend, died peacefully on April 4th. His wife and companion of 31 years, Gail (Fript) Merloni was at his side. He was the son of the late Luigi and Maria (Bucchi) Merloni. Dr. and Mrs. Merloni had lived in Sothborough for many years before retiring to Palm Desert in 2003. Dr. Merloni was a 1941 graduate of Framingham High School, after which he attended Hebron Academy. In 1943 he enlisted in the Air Corps. He was wounded and receved an honorable discharge. He attended Tufts University and graduated from Tufts Dental School in 1950. Dr. Merloni practiced dentistry in Framingham for 48 years. During that time he served as president on the Ashland Board of Health. Specializing in endodontics he formed Endodontic Associates in 1964 with his partners, Dr. William Walker, Jr. of Boston and Dr. Shephard Goldstein of Boston. He was a member of: the A.D.A., Fellow of the International College of Dentists, Diplomate National Society of Endodontic, and president of the Massachusetts Endodontic Study Group. He also enjoyed teaching at the School of Endodontic at Tufts School of Dentistry from 1958-1972. Domenic was an avid flyer, had his private pilot's license and instrument rating. In 1994 he flew with his grandson, Christopher Shea of Southborough, also a private pilot, from Marlborough to Dulce, New Mexico in his Cessna for elk hunting. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing especially on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick, Canada. He was also a 25 year member of the Framingham Country Club and a 12 year member at The International in Bolton. Domenic was also the founder and president of the Wellesley Crane Service Co. from 1970-1998. Besides his wife Dr. Merloni leaves four children; Peter Merloni of Southborough, Dana Merloni of Plymouth, Jean Coupe of Northborough, Joan Kamataris of Ashalnd; one brother, Alfred Merloni of Framingham; ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews in MA and NY. He was predeceased by four brothers: Peter Merloni, Louis Merloni, Benito Merloni and James Merloni. He also leaves a special little friend named Jessiek, who will greatly miss her master. A funeral Mass will be said on Monday April 10th at 11:00 AM in St. Anne's Church, Route 30, Southborough. Interment will follow in the family lot in Rural Cemetery in Southborough. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Matarese Funeral Home, (www.mataresefuneral.com), 325 Main Street in Ashland. Donations in his memory may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Massachusetts, One Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114.