Gregory Joseph Meell

Gregory Joseph Meell, age 60, of Phoenix received his last "Bat-signal," and with his forever Batman wings, flew into the forever skies on May 14.

Greg was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Notre Dame Catholic School and graduated from Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington for undergraduate and Law School. He relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, joined the law firm of Levy, Sherwood, Klein and Dudley, PA, eventually becoming partner, and in later years continued practicing law at Abram & Meell, PA. He also had a lifelong foodie affair with tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, pasta, rye bread, pickles (and anything else pickled), salsa and tart cheese.

Greg was extremely gifted with speech and writing skills, which contributed to his successful law career, yet he always yearned to publish books. He loved learning new and large words, always finding a place for them in his letters, or in conversation, taking pleasure in stumping his fellow man. These fine talents also lent themselves to Greg's ability to paint a complete visual picture with his infamous storytelling, and with each subsequent reciting, the stories could gain amazing length and detail.

Greg was a brilliant man, always trying to satiate his desire to learn through any means of media. He was a walking encyclopedia, and an amazing source of information. He was an avid reader. His favorite author was Clive Cussler, with whom Greg excitedly encountered a chance meeting. Greg was fascinated with history, including all classic movies, comedy, music, westerns and anything of military or presidential nature. He often commented that he was born in the wrong era.

Greg had an impressive sense of style, and even loved to dress classically, always sporting French-cuff shirts, neckties and suits, and proudly wore his collection of cufflinks. His very favorite pair of cufflinks were replicas of Ronald Reagan's presidential seal, from the Reagan Presidential Library, which he visited twice. Reagan's ties to the glory days in Hollywood were especially of interest.

Despite his love for action movies and books, he loved all living creatures. Greg would rescue bugs from indoors, and you could never, ever let him see you step on an ant. He had such a big heart for all animals, and babies, too. He was an avid recycler, even carrying home containers or bottles from restaurants to make sure they were properly disposed of.

Greg had varied interests over the years, including theater, tennis, boating, golf and community involvement. Starting with Young Lawyers, and later serving as Board Member to LifeTeen and Homebase Youth Services, to name a few. Greg loved helping others and freely gave so much of himself, through legal assistance, giving a hand-up to someone in need or his desire to help an underdog.

Greg was very dedicated to his Catholic faith and church, serving as an altar boy in his youth to lectoring at Mass as an adult. He was actively involved with Cheney's grade school activities at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, from carnival and auction volunteering to playground duty (his favorite), then Xavier High School Dad's Club.

Greg found his greatest peace while on the water, driving or sailing a boat. His favorite places were Maui, Lake Tahoe and back home, in Long Beach, Indiana, on Lake Michigan.

Greg was husband to Lana Meell, 28 years. Loving father to Cheney Meell. Fur dad to his beloved dogs, Blue and Gracie. Baby brother to Kathleen (Terry) Davidson of Phoenix, and Lisa (Dave) Albers, of Long Beach, Indiana. Soul brother to Joe Shinn; and lifelong friends with Ricky Panfil, Danny Mellen, Joe Gradowski, Laura Higdon Sandall, Jeff Santana, Jimmy Epstein, Jean Harris and many others. Survived by many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and their children (two-legged or furry). Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph T. and Mary Lou Meell.

"Two-Six to Base, 44," you will forever be loved and missed. We will see you again, "Over there, by the stop sign, where there's a squirrel on the fence".

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 23, at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. before the service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Arizona Animal Welfare League/SPCA, at AAWL.org, or 25 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85034.