Arthur Gene Wright

Arthur Wright, age 85, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. Art will be remembered for his generous spirit, his sense of humor, and the laughter and memories he shared with those who loved him. Art was born on April 6, 1941, to Lester Wright, Sr. and Helen Wright. He spent his career with Ford Motor Company, where he worked for more than 25 years before retiring. Family was an important part of Art's life, including relationships that found their way back to him later in life. He is survived by his wife, Vivian; his children, Kevin Scott and Katherine Spiteri (Jon); his grandchildren; his siblings, Robert Wright (Angela), Rita Moceri (Steve), Lowell Wright, and Jeannine Decker (Dennis); and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved their Uncle Art dearly. Art shared 49 years of marriage with his wife, Vivian, his true love and constant companion. Through all of life's joys and challenges, Viv was his rock, always standing beside him and caring for him with unwavering love. Even as his health declined in his later years, Art continued to find comfort simply in having Viv by his side. Together they built a life that extended far beyond the traditional definition of family. He and Viv created a home where nieces, nephews, generations of extended family, and friends were always welcome. Their home was a place filled with family, laughter, and memories that will be treasured for years to come. Art had a kind and generous spirit and was always willing to give what he had to someone he loved. He was a lifelong tinkerer, especially when anything electrical was involved, sometimes to the amusement, and occasional concern, of those around him. Long before remote car starters became commonplace, Art decided there should be a way to start his car from inside the Ford plant during his night shift so it would be warm when he headed home. Sometime around the late 1980s or early 1990s, he rigged his car to a pager that allowed him to do just that. When Art had an idea, he figured out how to make it work. Art shared one-of-a-kind relationships with many people in his life. He loved to laugh and tease and had a special talent for knowing exactly which buttons to push. Those closest to him knew how to give it right back, and there was always so much love and laughter in the exchanges. He was also never one to shy away from spending a little money, usually justified with the simple explanation, "It's pocket change." The phrase became a family joke that will undoubtedly be repeated whenever someone is trying to justify a purchase for years to come. Art's world became smaller in his later years as his health declined, but his place within his family never did. He remained deeply loved, cared for, talked about, teased, worried over, and surrounded by people whose lives were better because he had been part of them. Those who knew Art will remember his humor, his generosity, his laugh, and the unmistakable way he could make an ordinary moment memorable. He will be deeply missed by his wife, his family, and the many people fortunate enough to call him Uncle Art. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 20, from 2:00-8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m., at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 21, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 Twelve Mile Rd., Royal Oak. Memorial contributions appreciated to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arthur Gene Wright

April 6, 1941 - August 14, 2026