Harold "Hal" Shope, age 83, joined his son Todd in heaven on March 17, 2025, in Bella Vista, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Hal was born in Dayton, OH (as he would often note: God's country) on June 3, 1941, to Arthur and Lucille Shope. He attended Roosevelt High School and completed his BA at Oberlin College where he was an Alfred P. Sloan Scholar.

Hal started his career with Proctor and Gamble, eventually rising to Manager of the Eastern Division. After exploring other career opportunities, he found his true calling as a Lutheran Disaster Response Coordinator for the last 27 years of his life. He loved doing disaster response and forged an unforgettable path due his ability to make those around him feel safe. His compassion in serving those in need, along with his keen sense of problem-solving, and ability to connect with community leaders and other dedicated colleagues, made him a bright light in a dark time. Hal seamlessly wove his ability to help others with his penchant to leave laughter in his wake. This made Hal a natural for working with teens in disaster response as he was just as sarcastic as they were. Hal always had a gleam in his eye, and his hallmark smile began before he said a word.

Hal touched many lives and never met a stranger. He rubbed elbows with everyone across society levels and became friends with them all. Hal was, and is, loved by all his friends and will be missed terribly.

He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Noland.

Hal is survived by his wife, Marianne Zotti; his children, Dawn Belknap, Scott Shope, Tracy Vermillion, Jason Shope, Scott Zotti, Nick Zotti, Michael Zotti; and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at The Neighborhood Church in Bentonville, AR on April 26, 2025, at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lutheran Disaster Response, P.O. Box 1809, Merrifield, VA 22116 or The Neighborhood Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.