William J. Naples Jr. 1932-2020

A magnanimous and selfless man, he had many titles including Bill, Billy, Uncle Bill and Bump. He was born Sept. 9, 1932, in Youngstown, and was raised in a vibrant Italian community. His life was a cup filled to the brim; few people could hope to truly live as he did.

Bill loved his wife of 63 years, Shirley Mae Cunningham, until the day he died.

After playing American football for the U.S. Army in Europe, Bill graduated from General Motors Institute and built a successful automotive parts business. A world traveler, entrepreneur and tireless worker, he reveled in sharing the bounty of his success.

His passion, love, and generosity are measured by the success of his extended family, including over 50 children that he mentored and helped to raise. Bill laughed often and loved fiercely, brought joy not only to those near him, but anyone who was lucky enough to meet him, and for over 30 years was the world’s best Santa Claus, aside from the real one.

Bill was a lover of all the joys of life; he enjoyed cooking (and eating), drinking Italian wines, telling terrible jokes and entertaining countless friends for just about any reason. He had a radiant and passionate intelligence, and was constantly discovering, thinking, reading, creating and learning. He was an accomplished carpenter, an avid golfer, a painter and a craftsman, and he collected and repaired antique clocks. He was a gregarious socialite and a longtime member and former president of the Detroit Golf Club.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his daughters, Lori and Breenu; his son-in-law, David; five grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Richard and Todd; a sister-in-law, Sue; and countless nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Tracy; his parents, William and Alice Naples; his wife’s parents, Cecil and Audrey Cunningham; and his siblings, George and Audrey.

“He presented himself with an open heart. If you met him, you remembered him. If you were a stranger in a line with him, you gained a new friend. If you knew him, you will miss him.”

A celebration of his life will be held later in the year.

Online guest book may be viewed at www.modetz funeralhomes.com.

(special notice)