In loving memory of

Alfred Emil Mele
June 5, 1924 - May 6, 2022

Al Mele was born in Detroit on June 5, 1924. He passed on May 6, 2022 at home in the presence of his loving children. He is survived by his children, Al, Ron, Dino, Annamarie, and Mark and by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. After graduating from Cass Technical High School in 1942, Al joined the army. When he returned in 1946, he began working for the US Postal Service (retiring in 1979; but soon he began working as a school bus driver in East Detroit, a job he held for another 10 years). He married Rosemarie (whom he affectionately called "Ro") in 1947 and lived happily with her until she passed in 1996 at the age of 71. Al, an excellent baseball player, was scouted by the Detroit Tigers before joining the army. Later he was well known for his softball prowess, playing well into his 80s. For many years, Al coached baseball and football teams in Detroit and several suburbs - ranging all the way from little league to American Legion. He had a major impact on the lives of many young athletes. All his sons played on one or more of the teams he coached and fondly remember playing for him. His skill with a fungo bat is something they talk about to this day. He would tell you where he was going to hit the ball and then consistently hit it exactly there. Al's greatest passion was his family. His greatest satisfaction came from their well-being. It would be hard to imagine a more loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday May 10 from 4 pm-8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park 48230. He will lie instate on Wednesday May 11 from 10:30 am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 11 am at St. Ambrose Church, 15020 Hampton Rd., Grosse Pointe Park 48230. Interment to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Catholic Youth Organization: aod.org/cyo or the Alfred and Rosemarie Mele Scholarship fund: University of Michigan, Office of Gifts and Records, 3003 S State Street, Suite 9000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 with the Scholarship name in the memo line and checks made payable to the University of Michigan.
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Tributes

Candice Hemberg wrote on May 15, 2022:

"I will always remember the wonderful stories and kindness of this man who was a friend of Eileen Cline for many years. He brought joy and happiness to our family and gifted Eileen with his wonderful friendship. We will miss him very much. William and Candice Hemberg"

Kenneth Turrell wrote on May 11, 2022:

"The best coach in town. Always learned alot playing for Mr. Mele. Had a great childhood growing up with Al, Ron and Dino. Sorry for your loss. Kenn Turrell "

Tony Lijoi wrote on May 10, 2022:

"Coach You were the best coach I ever played for. I have so many memories of you and you left me taught me not only to become a better player in both football and baseball but to become a successful baseball coach later in life as I remember so well Your style of coaching and always used it. Al you were not just a coach and a great human being and we would play extra hard for you. RIP Coach Al Tony Lijoi ?.Assumption Groto Class of 1963. PS Thank you for all your rides home after practice. "

Melissa Adorjan wrote on May 9, 2022:

"Uncle Al was a great man. He and my father were family men...putting their family first at all times. I remember one Christmas when i received this electronic-vibrating football field,( I must have been 8/9 y/o) When turned on the field the players vibrated...Uncle Al spent quite a bit of time with me trying to explain the game of football to me....while the football players vibrated all over this electronic field...Crazy...... Love you Uncle Al, you will be missed....so sad to say good bye but now united with the rest of you siblings. I know my Dad will be there to welcome you home.... Love, Bob Mele"

Melissa Adorjan wrote on May 9, 2022:

"Uncle Al was such a nice man! Always smiling and happy! You will be missed! "

Kathleen Pardo wrote on May 8, 2022:

"A man among men, Uncle Al was a wonderful man. We spent many family dinners/holidays together. Uncle Al, you will be missed by so many"