William Daniel

William (Bill) Philip Daniel, 81, of Fenton, Michigan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. Born in Detroit, Michigan to William H. and Cora M. Roberts Daniel, he was the eldest of three siblings. He was married to Barbara Ladd from1957 until January 2015. Since 1961, he resided in the Flint and Fenton areas. Bill attended parochial schools in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1951. He was a graduate of the University of Detroit in 1955, with a major in Political Science. He graduated with honors from the University of Detroit Law School in 1958. Bill was a practicing attorney specializing as an arbitrator in labor cases. A member of the American Arbitration Association, the Federal Mediation Conciliation Service, the National Labor Association, and the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, he traveled extensively in the Midwest, hearing well over three thousand cases. One highlight of his career is the creation of a special program known as "The Liberty Bell Award" which was directed at recognizing laypersons in each community who contributed to the advancement and purposes of law. This popular program commenced in 1962 and was recognized by the American Bar Association in 1964 when it was formally offered throughout the United States. Since its origination over fifty years ago, thousands of individuals received recognition for their contributions to our legal system. Bill received the Michigan Lawyers Auxiliary Distinguished Service Award in 1990 for his role in creating the Liberty Bell Award and other contributions to his profession and community. Bill was an active supporter of his alma maters, as well as Holy Redeemer Elementary and Powers Catholic High School, where his children and grandchildren attended. He was an amazing Dad and a distinguished lawyer. He loved Jesus Christ and was a strong advocate of catholic education and right to life issues. His gifted sense of wit and humor served him well throughout his life. Bill is survived by his five children, Timothy Daniel of Oak Hill, Virginia; Monica Daniel of Ithaca, New York; Patrick Daniel of Fenton, Michigan; Margaret Graham of Falls Church, Virginia; and, Matthew Daniel of Flint, Michigan. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Gonyeau and Mary Beth Komarzec, as well as seven grandchildren, Nick, Lauren, Keegan, Taina, Emily, Antonio and Joshua, whom he treasured. Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan on May 1, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St. in Fenton on May 2 at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation at 10:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Heartbeat of Greater Flint.

Visitation

Friday, May 1, 2015 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
404 N. Dayton St. Davison. 48423, United States