Bill Arce

George William Arce 10/31/1935 - 10/10/2022 George William (Bill), age 86, of Royal Oak, MI passed away peacefully on Monday, October 10, 2022. Bill is survived by Beverly (Brown), his loving wife of 66 years, children Michael (Xiomara), Jeffrey (Donna), James, Thomas (Cristina), David (Mary), and Linda Cosgrove. Bill was so proud of his 16 grandchildren; Nicholas and Julia (Alexander) Arce, Isabella and Colin Wheaton, Jessica and Shannon Murphy, Andrea (Kieran) Wilhelm and Andrew (Ruthie) Arce, Leonardo Arce, Colleen, Matthew, William, Joseph, and Katherine Arce, and Claire, Patrick, and Margaret Cosgrove, and five great grandchildren; Lola and Ryder Arce-Keener, Xander Arce, and Emma and Isabelle Wilhelm. Dear Brother to Michael (Lois) and Julie Desiderio (Sam). Bill was a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents George & Mary, sister Alicia, son Stephen, son-in law Joseph Cosgrove, and grandsons Jeremy Arce and Jeffery Whitacre. Bill had an incredible 37 year career with State Farm Insurance, 2 years as an agent and 35 years in agency leadership. During his leadership years Bill was responsible for hiring, training, and mentoring dozens of local State Farm agents. He retired from State Farm in 1997. In retirement he split his Michigan time with a residence in Fort Pierce, Florida. Bill spent his time on the golf course and bridge table. Bill and Beverly have many dear and supportive friends in Fort Pierce and Meadowood Country Club. Bill was a lifelong parish member of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, MI. He attended Shrine Schools from 1942 until he graduated from Shrine High School in 1953. Bill was a proud team member of Shrine's 1952 State Champion Golf Team. In 2009 the 1952 Golf Team was inducted into Shrine High School's Hall of Fame. Bill served as the boys Varsity basketball coach of Shrine Grade School for 17 years, 1968 to 1985. Bill also coached girls' basketball with his brother Michael Arce at Berkley High School from 1984 to 1990. Bill cherished the friendships he developed with his athletes long after his coaching days. Bill will be remembered for his devotion to his wife, Beverly, his seven children and many grandchildren. Bill had a unique talent to be selectively hard of hearing during long card games of Solitaire and virtual Bridge. His gentle way and spirit will surely be missed. Visitation will be Thursday, October 20 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks. E of Woodward), Royal Oak, 48067. Bill will lie in state on Friday, October 21 from 11:30 am until time of Funeral Mass at 12 noon at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 W. 12 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, 48073. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Shrine, Raise the Roof Capital Project.

Bill Arce

October 31, 1935 - October 10, 2022