Robert Arthur Cocquyt

Robert A. "Bob" Cocquyt passed away on June 6, 2023 at the age of 98. Beloved Husband of Alice of 34 years. Loving Father of Ronald (Jackie) Cocquyt, Carole (Sam) Hepper, Sandi Cocquyt, and Renee (Fran) Manzella. Proud Grandfather of 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Dear Brother of Joan (Joe) Glaza and the late Philip (Bobbie) Cocquyt. Bob grew up on the east side of Detroit and attended Assumption Grotto Catholic Grade School and graduated from St. Phillip Neri High School in 1942. It was at St. Phillip Neri that he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Betty Rock. He was Captain of his baseball team and had the lead in the Senior Play. He enlisted in the Navy and proudly served in the South Pacific Fleet during World War II. After the service he signed a major league contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. During his baseball career he won a batting championship and set the record for the most stolen bases. After his baseball career, he spent 35 years of his life as a successful businessman owning his own retail milk route with Twin Pines Farm Dairy. He was an avid sports enthusiast and also excelled in bowling, hockey, golf and roller blading. Bob returned to continue his baseball career at age 55 with the National Association of Senior Citizens Softball (NASCS). After being happily married for 35 years, he lost his beloved wife, Betty. But he was fortunate to find love again and marry a second time to Alice LaBrana. Together they had lots of adventures, including two cross country trips in their Winnebago. Bob and Alice resided for over 30 years in Lakeland, Florida. They made many friends in their active social life. They returned to Michigan in 2019 to be closer to family. Visitation Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc. 49150 Schoenherr Road (N. of 22 Mile) 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with an evening scripture service at 7:00 pm. Funeral Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 54045 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township. Bob will lie instate at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass will be at10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would very much appreciate a donation to: St. Jude Hospital for Children or Leader Dogs For the Blind.

Robert Arthur Cocquyt

October 13, 1924 - June 6, 2023