Alan Rivera Melero, 71, of Sherwood, Arkansas passed away on September 12, 2023. He was born on March 25, 1952, to humble beginnings in Chicago, Illinois. He met his wife of 47 years in high school, and they moved to Arkansas shortly after getting married.
Alan started his career in Arkansas as a chimney and fireplace specialist and grew his business over the course of 40 years. He also picked up a love for umpiring after an opportunity to volunteer at a little league game many years ago. He was an avid fisherman, pizza maker, and musician. He shared his passion for Christ through his words and actions to all those he came across. He loved to help guide others, ranging from managing inspiring musicians to helping new umpires on their feet.
Alan was a founding member of the Arkansas Chimney Sweep Guild, the Sherwood Little League, and the Central Arkansas Umpire Association.
He is preceded in death by his parents Juan Soto Melero and Maria Narcisa Rivera-Melero; his sister-in-law Ann Schubert; his grandson Zane Melero, and his nephew Andrew Mitchell.
Alan is survived by wife Cindy Melero; his sons Joseph (Holly), Michael (Morghnn); his daughters Jennifer (Jacob) and Sarah (Brendan); his grandchildren Jackson Estes, Stella Estes, Raina Demski, Kai Melero, and Lennix Melero; his siblings Annabelle Keller (Chuck), Muriel Mitchell (Ricky), Melvin Melero (Anne), Angel Melero, and brothers-in-law Frank Lopez (Cammy) and Bill Schubert (Ming Fang); his nieces Mary Hill and Heidi Schubert; his nephews Gabriel Guajardo, Matthew Melero, Robert Melero, and Henry Schubert; and a multitude of friends, extended family and baseball blues.
A Celebration of Alan’s life will be held Wednesday September 20, 2023, at 6:00pm in the chapel of A Natural State Funeral Service.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
9 Comments
Rest in peace, dear cousin. My heartfelt condolences to Cindy and Family.
I meet Al thru umpiring, we had many good times on and off the field. Umpired for free wanting only the best for the kids, to be a positive influence in their lives. The prayer before games showed he’s love for Christ.
Love you Alan and Cindy.
Alan was quite possibly one of the kindest, most genuine men we have ever had the pleasure of knowing! May he Rest in Peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed Rest in Peace!
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this challenging time!
Jen,
We are so sorry for you loss. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
I coached at Jr Deputy for many years. It was always a pleasure to see Al & know he was in charge of games that day. You always started off by seeing that smile & a comment that placed a grin on your face. You knew he enjoyed life. He treated everyone with respect & expected you to do the same. His love & care for the boys was shown in so many ways. His dress for the game was impeccable, which just added to the excitement of the game. He meant so much to so many & probably had know way of understanding the impact he had on both young & old. He was one special person, which I was privileged to know. A great man.
MY FRIEND AND FELLOW BLUE WORKED ON THE BALL FIELDS WITH HIM FOR MANY YEARS MY PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY THAT GODS GRACE WILL COMFORT YOU IN THE FOLLOWING DAYS AND WEEKS
I coach at Junior Deputy park. Al had such a great and warm personality involving every game I saw him umpire. He had great patience with coaches , but would only take so much. He’d give you that “look” and you knew you’d better shut up!! I’m so sorry we couldn’t see him anymore Guarantee he’s umpiring in heaven , but nobody’s griping about the calls !
Al’s winsome and enthusiastic life drew people into his happiness & joy as a person…our time together as friends always included sharing God’s’Truth’ from scripture as it related to our lives as men & roles as husbands and dad’s. Grateful to have also shared time together umpiring games at Junior Deputy in LR for many seasons…Al was one of the best—if not the most ‘gifted & respected’ men of integrity as an official…will Miss our visits in your home with you & Cindy brother…we’ll have all eternity now to ‘catch up!’ Blessings as God takes good care of Cindy, your children, and grandkids!
Your brother in Christ!
Mark
Isaiah 26:3🙏
Sign Guestbook