Bridgeport, WV - Martin Michael "Mike" Arcure, 88, died at his home at Elison at Maplewood in Bridgeport, WV on September 12, 2024. He was born in Farmington, WV, son of Nick and Lena Arcure.

Mike is survived by his loving Wife of 63 years, Beverly Ann (Owens) Arcure, Daughters Diana Williams (Steve), Lisa Keeter (Kevin), Michelle Thomas (Trevor), and Son Doug Arcure (Mary). He leaves behind ten Grandchildren: Drew Williams, Allie Willams, Thayer Thomas, Drake Thomas, Lex Thomas, Mick Arcure, Aubrey Arcure, Colton Keeter, Ryan Keeter (Elizabeth), Alec Keeter and one Great Grandson Jackson Keeter. Mike was preceded in Death by his parents Nick and Lena Arcure, Brothers James "Jimmy" Arcure, Anthony Arcure, Tommy Arcure and Sister Jo Ann Blankenship.

He was truly proud of his Italian Heritage and traveled to Italy on several occasions visiting his cousins and the childhood homes of his Father Nick Arcure in Rotendella, Italy and his Mother Lena in Termini Immerse, Sicily.

Mike received his Bachelors Degree in Education from Fairmont State University in 1958 and Master's Degree in Education from WVU in 1960. He was a standout athlete at Farmington High School and Fairmont State College, where he played second baseman on the 1958 team that reached the College World Series. He had a tryout with the Yankees and an offer to play minor league ball. Mike played fastpitch softball for Faultless Rubber Company in Ashland, OH and R&W Cable in WV. He was inducted to Ashland, OH Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Mike was teacher at Mansfield Madison High School, where he also coached basketball, from 1961 to 1966. After a short stint as Quality Control Manager at Faultless Rubber Company he returned to his hometown in 1968 to Teach and Coach at Fairmont State University where he started their first Intramural Program. Mike served as the Assistant Basketball Coach under Joe Retton for 10 years and worked tirelessly recruiting some of the greatest players to put on a Fairmont State uniform. During his tenure as Assistant Coach, Fairmont State won 8 Conference titles and made 7 trips to the NAIA National tournament in Kansas City. Mike truly loved his players and was determined they would all succeed in life. His proudest accomplishment as a Coach was that all his players earned their college degree.

Mike worked for American General as an Insurance Salesman from 1978 until his retirement a few years ago. He won several National Awards, was the company's #1 Salesman multiple years, and became a much sought after speaker for the company traveling throughout the country. Mike also served as President of the WV Life Underwriters Association.

A member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mike rarely missed a Sunday Mass. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike served as a member of the Fairmont State Athletic Association and was Chairman of the Athletic Hall of Fame Committee spending countless hours in fundraising efforts. He was awarded the Fairmont State Letterman of Distinction in 1998, Outstanding Alumni in 2001, and was Inducted into the Fairmont State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016.

Mike was a Sports Enthusiast, attending countless Sporting events all over the country supporting some of his favorite schools including Fairmont State, Marshall, WVU, and Alabama. He spent the last few years enjoying many NC State football games, watching his Grandsons play.

Mike was an avid runner; he would run almost every day and was an inspiration to his entire family to work out and exercise on a consistent basis. He was known for his photographic memory and ability to recall specific details of events in his life and especially sporting events. Many relied on Mike as a resource on recounting history of Farmington, Marion County, and Fairmont State sports. Mike never met a stranger and one of his greatest gifts was his genuine interest in people and his ability to communicate and connect with others.

The family finds comfort in knowing Mike's legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the memories that will be cherished forever.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday from 1-8:00 p.m. at Ross Funeral Home 801 Fairmont Avenue Fairmont The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Fr. Patsy Iaquinta as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

The Knights of Columbus Council 942 will hold a ritual service with the Honor Guard Sunday evening at 6:30 at the funeral home followed by a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in his name to the Fairmont State Athletic Association, Fairmont State Foundation, 1300 Locust Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554. Donations can also be made in his name to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Condolences may be sent www.rossfh.com.