For Debra and Frank Merlino, life in Parker, Texas, reflects the enduring values they hold dear—neighborly kindness, generosity, and the promise that someone will always be there in times of need. The Merlinos wanted to give back to their community in a meaningful way and recently included the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center in their estate plans. They have made a generous planned gift through a bequest and designated Southwestern Medical Foundation as the beneficiary of their life insurance or retirement plan.  

From the moment Frank Merlino left his home in Detroit in 1986 to attend law school at Southern Methodist University, he instantly sensed an upbeat pulse of Dallas. The city had an energy, an entrepreneurial spirit, and business can-do vibe, all of which made him feel right at home. “I loved Dallas from the get-go,” he says. “I thought it would be a great place to start my career.” 

And it was. After graduating, Frank dove into his law career and quickly settled into the city. That same year, a Halloween party invitation changed everything. Amid costumes and laughter, he met Debra, and the rest was history. 

“I learned so much, and it shaped the way Debra and I approach our philanthropy. Being at UT Southwestern has been truly inspiring—the energy, the dedication, the sense of purpose—it’s contagious.”

Frank Merlino

Finding Opportunity in Dallas 

Frank began his career in labor and employment law, drawn by a desire to engage directly with individuals and make a meaningful impact on their professional lives. Since 2011, he has worked at UT Southwestern, where he is currently a Senior HR Business Partner in the Employee Relations Department of Human Resources in the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. 

“The firm that hired me out of law school focused on labor and employment, and at UT Southwestern, I’ve been able to collaborate with faculty, executives, and staff,” Frank said. “My initial interest in law school was health law, so my current role has allowed me to combine my two interests of working with people in a health care setting. It’s been a wonderful and rewarding 14 years at UT Southwestern.” 

Through his work, Frank has gained a deep understanding of the many types of cancer and the critical role of prevention and education. “I learned so much, and it shaped the way Debra and I approach our philanthropy. Being at UT Southwestern has been truly inspiring—the energy, the dedication, the sense of purpose—it’s contagious. It’s exciting to be part of that environment and to play a small role in supporting their incredible work to care for patients, advance groundbreaking research, and shape the next generation of medical leaders.” 

Debra is a sixth-generation Texan who grew up in Lubbock and always knew Texas would remain her home. She is a seasoned technology leader who thrives on solving complex business and technical challenges and “exploring the art of the possible.” Her IT career began in finance and banking at EDS, where she played a pivotal role in project managing a successful online banking application. She was also part of the pioneering team that enabled the first coast-to-coast wireless transfer of funds via cell phone, a milestone that was featured in Time Magazine. 

Presently, she is a senior director for Unisys, managing contractor optimization and cost savings initiatives, overseeing labor management, budgeting, and enterprise-wide reporting to drive operational efficiency. 

Kindness in Giving 

Helping others has always defined Debra and Frank. Whether it was lending a hand to a neighbor in need, offering encouragement to friends during difficult times, or volunteering their time to support community causes, they have consistently shown that compassion and generosity guide how they live and give. 

“From my grandparents during the Great Depression to my parents, generosity runs in my family and has taught me that the greatest gift is simply giving,” said Debra. “Supporting UT Southwestern allows me to carry that legacy forward, offering hope and helping bring life-changing cures within reach.” 

“I’d have to credit my parents and upbringing for shaping my perspective on money and generosity,” adds Frank. “They were frugal by saving bags, coupons, and whatever else they could, but the money they generated never went to themselves. It always went to us as kids or to neighbors and friends. I don’t recall them ever taking vacations together or going out to dinner. Whatever they had was shared, and they seemed content with that.” 

“Debra and Frank live out their values through this extraordinary gift,” said Michael McMahan, President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation. “Their planned gift strengthens the Foundation’s ability to support bold ideas and sustained progress in the fight against cancer.” 

The Merlinos share a deep love for their state, and they are pleased that their gift has the potential to make a difference in communities across North Texas and around the world.  

“There is still so much that needs to be done to benefit the next generation, and we can be part of the solution to eliminate cancer.”

Debra Merlino

“Having seen family and friends affected by cancer, I know firsthand the profound impact it has on people’s lives,” said Debra. “There is still so much that needs to be done to benefit the next generation, and we can be part of the solution to eliminate cancer. Our goal is to minimize the trauma and burden that cancer brings, and I am inspired by the extraordinary work being done at UT Southwestern. We are committed to advancing their vital mission to ease the burden of cancer.” 

“If we can help spread the word that our gifts make a difference, we are happy to do so,” said Frank. “The footprint we leave behind—our impact on others—is what truly matters. It reflects the consciousness we carried while alive and interacting with people. This footprint represents what we contributed to others. Ultimately, the reward of giving is the passing on of our spirit and soul, the continuation of what we were about through the lives we touch.” 

The Merlinos have been happily married for 32 years and lived in North Dallas and Plano before settling in Parker. Debra loves reading, gardening, and finding ways to beautify the local area, while Frank enjoys reading, writing, exercising, and spending time outdoors. They’ve traveled across Texas together and are on a mission to visit every county courthouse in the state, a journey that reflects their shared love for Texas and each other.