Paul Michael Merante, 63, of Fairmount, left this world with dignity and grace on Sunday, February 14, 2016 surrounded by his family. A proud graduate of Most Holy Rosary and Powelson Business Institute, he worked at National Grid for 38 years, retiring in 2013. Paul was a communicant of Holy Family Church. He was a member of the La Pieta prayer group and had a devoted love for the Blessed Mother Mary. He considered Mr. and Mrs. Pasquel Galtieri to be his spiritual mother and father. He coached basketball at Holy Family CYO program for more than 40 years and assisted with coaching little league and flag football. Paul loved music and collected hundreds of albums. His love of music, sports and laughter were contagious for all who knew him. A devoted father and husband, the family knows that Paul will celebrate all that he taught his family which was to treat all people you meet as you would want to be treated. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Charlotte Merante; and brother, Robert Merante. Surviving are his wife of 34 years, the former Elizabeth Clements; daughter, Alexandra Marie (Philip) Merante-Wall of Camillus; son, Michael Joseph Merante of Brooklyn; sisters, Mary Jane (John) Dunham and Theresa (Robert) Sheldon, both of Baldwinsville and Kathleen (Lawrence) Lane of Cummings, GA; brothers, Jerry (Patricia) Merante of Syracuse, Matthew (Jennifer) Merante of Camillus and Terrance (Dawn) Merante of Bethlehem, PA; many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, February 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. The family requests in honor of Paul to please wear comfortable attire to the calling hours and funeral Mass. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, February 18 at 12:30 p.m. in Holy Family Church. Paul will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Family Food Pantry, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219 or Golisano Children´s Hospital, c/o University Hospital, 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210 or to Mother of Joy House of Prayer, 122 Cranberry Dr., Liverpool, NY 13088.