ALBERT MICHAEL MELFI, age 96; beloved husband of the late Lois (nee Kral); loving father of Marilyn Cesear (deceased) (David), Susan Owen (Norman), Anthony Melfi (Mary Jane), Edward Melfi (Diana) and Lisa Walter (Vincent); grandfather of Brian Cesear (Myra), Kevin Cesear (Jill), Stephen Melfi, Michael Melfi (Brittany), Andrew Walter and Courtney Walter; great grandfather of Leo Cesear, Mila Cesear, Nathan Cesear and Mia Melfi; brother of the late Michael Melfi, Josephine Plescia and Lucy Stewart; uncle and friend of many. U.S. Army Veteran. Albert had an extreme passion for music.

Albert married his high school sweetheart, Lois, beginning a partnership that would shape the rest of his life. Shortly after their wedding, he served in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. During his service, one of his duties was that of a bugler.

Albert’s life was defined by an extraordinary passion for music. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Kent State University. For more than 30 years, he devoted himself to teaching instrumental music, conducting bands throughout the Maple Heights School District, and shaping generations of young musicians.

Beyond the classroom, he taught students privately and was deeply involved in Solo and Ensemble contests, serving as both a dedicated mentor and a respected adjudicator.

Throughout his musical life he played trumpet in numerous bands and ensembles, most notably the Royal Kings Orchestra; a group that provided entertainment at social events for many years.

In every chapter of his life, whether teaching, performing, or simply being himself, Albert made a lasting impact on the people he met. His generosity of spirit enriched others, and his legacy will continue to inspire long into the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the “MEF (Melfi-Peck-Tate Scholarship)”, c/o Maple Education Foundation, P.O. Box 37087, Maple Heights, OH 44137. (Website – https://mapleef.org)

Mass of Christian Burial at St. Columbkille Church, 6740 Broadview Rd., Parma, Friday, June 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at THE RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.) THURSDAY, June 18, 2026 from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.