He was born in New York City in 1931. Along with five brothers and one sister, he was raised in two Dominican-run Catholic Homes, St. Dominic's Home for Boys and Girls, Blauvelt, NY, and at St. Agnes Home for Boys, Sparkill, NY. He attended Tappan Zee High School in Piermont, NY.

After completing high school in New York City, Mr. Merna enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 1951. He served five years on active duty, including 16 months in the Korean War. He served aboard the destroyer escort USS McGinty (DE-365) on blockade and patrol duty in Wonsan Harbor, conducting numerous shore bombardments of Communist-held positions. For his service, he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two battle stars, the China Service Medal (extended), the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon his discharge from the navy, he moved to the Bay Area. He was an avid sports fan and traveler.

Survivors include his brothers Gerald F. Merna, of Potomac Falls, VA, James E. Merna, of Annapolis, MD, and a sister, Vivian Rendes, of Sun City West, AZ. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, including Karen Hennessy and Roberta Moretti, both of San Jose. Preceding him in death were his brothers George C. Merna, of New York City (killed in action in WWII), Richard G. Merna, of Clinton, MD, and Thomas G. Merna, of San Francisco.