Albert Anthony Melone

On July 13, 2022, the Lord called Albert Anthony Melone home after eighty-one years. Al spent the best fifty-six of those years alongside his devoted wife, Kathy, whom he loved and serenaded with the silliest of songs. He truly loved his “wifey”, and she, him.

A first-generation Italian American, Albert was raised on the Hungry Hill in Chicago Heights, IL, by his loving parents Francesco and Elvira (Tassi). Al would go on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He was among the first of his family to earn a college degree.

Upon graduation, Al worked as a Professional Engineer serving the steel industry in both Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Al later earned a Masters of Business Administration from the Loyola University of Chicago. He ultimately relocated to Greer, South Carolina to pursue career opportunities with both Flour Daniel and GE of Greenville. He retired from GE in 2008.

Along the way, Al and Kathy built a life rooted in faith, family, and love. They raised five boys who, following Al’s example, grew into strong, honest men. Al was ever-present, sacrificing all to provide his family the love and support they needed; whether it meant getting everyone off to church on a Sunday morning, coaching soccer (yelling from the sidelines), or finding the resources to give his kids a Catholic education. All he had went towards meeting his family’s needs, no fancy cars in the driveway, no exotic vacations. His family was his great adventure, and for that, they will be eternally grateful.

Al is survived by his wife, Kathy of Greer, SC; five sons, John (Anne) of Chicago, IL, Michael of Chicago, IL, Brian (Jessica) of Greer, SC, Tom of Greer, SC, and Paul (Jessica) of Asheville, NC; and nine grandchildren, Miranda, Renae, Elisabeth, Jaine, Marley, Morgan, Audrey, Joey, and Alex; and siblings, Joseph, Adeline (Compagnoni), Matilda (Kasper), and Louis, all reside in the Chicago area.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francesco and Elvira Melone.

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church with a reception to follow at Croghan Hall until 12:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

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