Arthur Horton Molitor, D.D.S. of Grosse Pointe Woods, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed peacefully on June 5, 2021 with his devoted wife Ginny by his side. He was 91.
Art will be missed dearly by his wife of 60 years, Virginia (Belanger), and the family that grew from their union, including 3 children, Karen LaBarge (Paul), Connie Lucchese (Matt), Chip Molitor (Joey), and 8 grandchildren, Matthew Lucchese (Trinity Smith), John Paul Lucchese, Kathryn Lucchese, Stephen LaBarge, Kelly Fleming (Ian), Michael Molitor, Robert Molitor and Daniel Molitor. Art is also survived by his dear sister, Connie Cadarette of Bloomfield Hills and his nieces and nephews; Laura (Jim) Ragold, Beth (Jeff) Jaskolski, John (Deidre) Cadarette, and Nancy (Kevin) Kennedy.
Unwavering in his faith, Art certainly considered himself blessed. He was always kind, humble, generous, and had a twinkle in his eye - forewarning a quick wit, and a smile soon to follow. After graduating from De La Salle, he diligently pursued his education, graduating from the University of Detroit College of Dentistry in 1955. He joined the United States Navy serving on the USS Siboney and caring for the servicemen aboard. After completing his Naval service, Art started his private practice and was very active in professional organizations donating his time and talents to the profession and improving the lives of his patients. Through the years, he was repeatedly recognized as an outstanding practitioner in the Dental Society of Macomb County, both the Michigan and American Dental Societies, the MDA Peer Review Committee and the Detroit Dental Clinic Club; he also served as Chairman (’77-’79) and President (’82-’83) of the Crown and Bridge Section. He spoke at national and international conferences, and was a clinical instructor and lecturer in the Crown and Bridge Department at the University of Detroit Dental School. In 1980, Art was inducted as a Fellow into the International College of Dentistry, an honorary organization recognizing outstanding and meritorious service to the profession. After 45 years of patient care, he retired in 2001.
Despite his many professional commitments and accomplishments, Art made family, church and his community top priorities. He was fortunate to meet the love of his life, Virginia after returning from his Naval service, and they married in 1961. Through the years, he and his wife were life-long active members of Our Lady Star of the Sea parish. Art served for years as an usher, lay minister, on the Parish Council, and he and his bride were volunteers at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. He also served on the Eastside Advisory Council to Wayne Community College and enjoyed comradery with friends as a member of the Grosse Pointe Senior Men’s Club. His personal interests included playing tennis, investing and following the market, and watching sports – especially the numerous hockey games and dance recitals of his grandchildren. When they had the opportunity, Ginny and Art enjoyed traveling the world together, hand in hand on another adventure.
Art’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 8th, Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, in state at 9:30 a.m. with funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to De La Salle Brother George Synan Scholarship fund or the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.
DLS Brother George Synan Scholarship
14600 Common Road, Warren, Michigan 48088
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
1264 Meldrum St, Detroit, MI 48207
