It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melissa Riopka Crowe, 48, of Huntsville. Melissa passed away on Saturday, September 14th at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. In July, 2023 Melissa was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and fought a prolonged battle with complications after a bone marrow transplant.
Melissa is survived by her spouse Jonathan Crowe, son, Sam, daughter, Faith, grandmother, Paula Riopka, brother John Riopka , and sister Ashlee Riopka. She was preceded in death by her father Frank Riopka, and grandfather Sam Riopka.
Melissa grew up in Cullman, Alabama where she was raised by her grandparents Paula and Sam Riopka. Melissa graduated from Cullman High School in 1994. She attended the University of Alabama and graduated in 1998 with a degree in Communication. After graduation she worked as a reporter and anchor at TV stations in Chattanooga and Birmingham. She began working in Huntsville television in 2010 at WAAY and started at WHNT in 2013. She later joined Jerry Hayes and Greg Screws as a weeknight anchor. In 2018 she moved to the morning newscast and anchored with Steve Johnson and Meteorologist Ben Smith.
Melissa left television news in 2022 and went to work for the city of Huntsville. No matter where Melissa worked during her career her colleagues would remark about her sense of humor, her determination, her dedication, her work ethic, her willingness to help co-workers and her kindness to everyone.
Mrs. Crowe’s family will receive friends at Berryhill Funeral Home on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow in the Chapel at 4 p.m. with Pastor John Mullaney officiating.
