of Maumelle, AR
October 20, 1943 - October 5, 2022
Albert Charles Canelli, lovingly known as ''Big Al'' by all who knew him, age 78, of Maumelle, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2022. He was born October 20, 1943 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Lou Canelli. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Joanne Canelli; his brother, Bill Canelli (Susan) of Goodyear, AZ; 2 daughters, Lisa Pelton (Greg) of Bryant and Angie Wilson (Tim) of Hot Springs; step-daughter, Missy Morehart (Mike) of Little Rock and step-son, Rusty Mooney (Stephanie) of Bigelow; 7 grandchildren, Jacob Morehart (Brooks) of Lonoke, Hannah Pierce (Garrett) of Tahlequah, OK, Sam Wilson (Cathy Oseguera) of Dallas, TX, Wyatt Wilson, Savannah Mooney, Caroline Pelton, Maggie Mooney and Ransom Mooney.
Al started his advertising career after receiving his degree in journalism from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska in 1966. After landing in Little Rock in 1972, he worked for several advertising companies including KATV Channel 7 for many years before starting his own company, Canelli Production Services, Inc.
While living in Maumelle, he became very involved in the community. He was an active member of several organizations and served as President of the Maumelle Chamber of Commerce.
Al never met a stranger and lived life on his terms. All that knew him loved him, including his long standing poker group and casino buddies. He loved 3 card poker, playing golf and drinking a glass of good red wine. He was surrounded by his family when he passed and will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Memorial service 2:30 P.M., Monday, October 17, 2022 at Christ The King Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212
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41 Condolence(s)
Bob Steel
Thursday, October 20, 2022
My sincere condolences to JoAnne, family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Al for years at KATV and he was such a great person! I had numerous contacts with him after he left the station and formed his own business. More than anything, I'll remember that he loved to laugh. I can hear his laughter as I write this. Just a great guy who made everyone around him feel better by just being with him. So sorry for your (our) loss. He will be missed.
Margaret Albright
Friday, October 14, 2022
Joanne, our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family as you deal with the loss of Al. He was one of the kindest gentleman I have ever had the pleasure to know. He will be missed by so many as he was loved by so many.
Polly sweet
Thursday, October 13, 2022
I met Him when Achor Family Pharmacy opened. He was one of our first customers. Always came to the drive up window, that’s where I first met him. Always a smile on his face, the entire staff respected Al he was a real treasure he will be missed
Bobbi McClafferty
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Joann,
Pat and I are so very sad to hear of Al passing. We loved visiting at the bar with you and Al talking about horses and races if we had won or lose was always in our conversation somewhere.
When I moved down here, You both always made me feel like family.
He will be so missed.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your familyâ¤ï¸
Geno Carter
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Joanne & family; So shocked to hear of Al's passing. I will miss our conversations at the club. A true gentleman! May the Lord be with you all!
Geno Carter
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Joanne & family; So shocked to hear of Al's passing. I will miss our conversations at the club. A true gentleman! May the Lord be with you all!
Liliana MacPhee
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
My deepest condolences to Al’s family. He was loved and respected by so many people here in his hometown of Maumelle. Al was very involved in his community and I enjoyed his company very much on the Chamber Board and also did business with him. I’m so very sorry for our loss, he will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Al ðŸ™ðŸ¼
Laura Winston
Monday, October 10, 2022
Angie, love you and praying for you and your family!
Laith Stafford
Monday, October 10, 2022
Missing my days seeing you at MCC. You’re a good man, Al. Rest in peace.
Kelley Lenzen
Monday, October 10, 2022
When I first moved to Little Rock in the mid '80's, Joanne and Al took me to dinner every night mu first week at KLRT (I was 23 years old and was staying at the LaQuinta) My hiring boss had taken vacation. They were my first impression of Little Rock and I ended up staying 37 years. Al and Joanne had a lot to do with it. We would go to the Brown bottle, Afterthought and of course, Steak and Ale. Al had a life well-lived and he was and is well-loved. I find it a blessing having met you both so early in my career and had a long- standing friendship bond. Prayers for you, Joanne and the entire family of how to cope with the void Al left behind. May you find peace in celebrating Al's memories. Love and hugs.
Bob Denman
Monday, October 10, 2022
Joanne, I just saw this news and am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I was jut out at Maumelle CC last week and fondly thought of the many rounds I had played with Al over the years. I know many will miss him and pray for good memories and peace in the coming days.
Alice Dennis
Monday, October 10, 2022
Joanne and family,
Bill and I share in your sadness. Al was one of our favorite people, especially after the golfing trip to Oklahoma! And, of course, I miss him terribly already--I was lucky enough these past five years to get to see him and talk to him every day. I will forever miss our daily conversations, his jokes and stories, and seeing him walk in that door every day with a cup of coffee and a McDonald's sack in his hand. It will never be the same around here.
Sincere condolences and many prayers for you and your family.
Much love,
Alice & Bill
Cathy Teer Harris
Monday, October 10, 2022
Lisa & Angie, Praying for you both and all your family
Kristina Cunningham
Monday, October 10, 2022
Mr Al, I’m sure I speak for everyone at Boudreaux’s when I say you were one of a kind, sir. We will miss your stories and your quick one liners and dirty jokes. I miss complaining about everything to you. Thank you for being a shoulder when I needed to vent. I will always think of you while betting the ponies. And you better believe we will continue to have tiramisu on your birthday. If your family needs anything, I hope they do not hesitate to contact the restaurant. PS: I know you’re bummed you are going to miss curb side pick up this year! Don’t worry, I’m on it! Forever in my heart…I’ll be crazy about you!
Ruthie and Alan Holland
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Dear Joanne and family,
We were so very sad to learn of Al’s sudden passing.
We send you all much love and our deepest sympathy,
Ruthie and Alan Holland
Doris & Paul Page
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Joanne,
Al was always polite, kind & genuine. A true gentleman who was a good guy to everyone. Al, you will be missed.
Sincerely, Doris Paul Page.
Ron and Joyce Fulmmer
Sunday, October 9, 2022
We are saddened to hear of Al’s passing. Al was a great guy. We had some good times playing in the Mixed Events when we would be paired with Al and Joann. He was always so friendly to everyone- just a fine man! We will miss him!
Dianna Short
Sunday, October 9, 2022
MCC will not be the same without Al in his seat at the bar. I am saddened by his passing. Love and prayers for Joanne and family.
Bill and Gayle Page
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Joanne, Al was a dear friend and we will miss seeing him at the MCC. Prayers to you and family. Bill and Gayle Page
Steve Hillis
Sunday, October 9, 2022
Joanne & Family; Al was such a great person and friend. He will be missed. I will always be appreciative of his support but most of all seeing him sitting at the corner
Thoughts and prayers,
Steve and Stephanie
Phil Matthews
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Joanne, as you know, Al was special. Always fun to be with at MCC. My thoughts are certainly with you and your family.
Lisa Wooten
Saturday, October 8, 2022
I always loved when Al would call to say he had another book ready to print. His cheerful voice and positive attitude were his trademark. Thinking of you all as you remember this treasure of a man!
Ric Orintas
Saturday, October 8, 2022
May he rest in peace… he was a good
and loving man…
Larry and Carole Morrison
Saturday, October 8, 2022
We were saddened to learn of the loss of Al Canelli. We take this moment to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family. It was indeed a pleasure and privilege to have interacted with an accomplished scholar and a true gentleman. We will not forget the very positive conversations and casual discussions with a man who obviously enjoyed life, family, social events and competitions. It is certain that he will be missed. Rest in Peace, Dear Al.
Respectfully, Carole and Larry Morrison.
Teresa Newton-Terres
Saturday, October 8, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of Al’s loss! Al will be missed! My late husband was grateful to serve on the MCZc Board together. And I delighted to get to know Al at MCC later. May he be remembered always! -Terssa
Steve Thrower
Friday, October 7, 2022
Prayers and comfort for Joanne and family. I know how much Al loved his family. Having played golf and shared a few wines along the way, there was not a finer man on earth. We enjoyed and looked forward to our 15year Monday night poker game, until covid interrupted. Al always had a smile and a kind word. I will miss my friend but know he will have a poker game going when I see him again. RIP,and keep raising. Love you bud
Stuart and Louise Harris
Friday, October 7, 2022
Al was always welcoming and warm to us at the Club. We will miss him. Our deepest sympathy to JoAnne.
Sarah Shearon
Friday, October 7, 2022
I’m so sorry Joanne. He will be missed.
Lisa Hocutt
Friday, October 7, 2022
Mrs. Joanne,
May you always remember how much everyone admired and loved Al. He was one of the good ones with that infectious smile that would light up a room.
Rest in Love, AL!
Lisa & Mike Hocutt
Gail Matthews
Friday, October 7, 2022
He will be missed atMCC God Bless his family Gail and Ann
Frank and Lynn Westerman
Friday, October 7, 2022
So sorry to see the note that Al has passed. We met him back in the seventies as members of a very active Welcome Wagon group. Enjoyed dinner club and many parties together!
Our condolences to the family!ðŸ™ðŸ»
Pete & Jana Ardoin
Friday, October 7, 2022
Al will be missed.
Roland k. Anderson
Friday, October 7, 2022
One of my best friends ever. Such a great guy . Always pleasant and never heard Al say a harsh word to or about anyone. RIP my friend.
BEA WATSON
Friday, October 7, 2022
So very sorry for your loss. Al was always a gentleman and very kind man. Prayers for
Joanne and the family during this traumatic time. He will be missed.
Howard Hughes
Friday, October 7, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I got to know Al while serving with him on MCC's BOD. Al was always the same, friendly. genuine and the consummate gentleman. My sympathy and prayers are with Joanne and his family.
Tim Watterson
Friday, October 7, 2022
I loved having a cold beer and chatting with him and his lovely wife….he will be missed
Bob Ellis
Friday, October 7, 2022
Won’t be the same at MCC not seeing Al in his usual spot.
Rest In Peace my friend.
My sincere condolences to JoAnne and family.
Elaine Nolan
Friday, October 7, 2022
Al I will miss your smile and your encouraging words. You always greeted me with Hello Beautiful, how's you Mike and your boys All knew them by name and each career move they made. I will miss you my friend! Your absence at the Club will be noticed for years to come!
Kenley Money
Friday, October 7, 2022
Such a treasure. Al was a lovely gentleman. His stories - especially those about party barges on Lake Ouachita - were awesome!
Miss you, Al! Enjoy the lake!
Teresa Newton-Terres
Friday, October 7, 2022
I’m so sorry to hear of Al’s loss! Al will be missed! My late husband was grateful to serve on the MCZc Board together. And I delighted to get to know Al at MCC later. May he be remembered always! -Terssa
Randy Moore
Friday, October 7, 2022
We will miss our dear friend from MCC and praying for the family of Big Al
Randy and Anita Moore
MCC Members