Faisal Michael Arabo

Born in Iraq on April 7, 1930, Faisal lived a storied life. At age 21 and with little more than $120 in his pocket, he boarded the T.S.S. Atlantic and began the 21 - day passage to New York in pursuit of the American Dream. Upon his arrival on December 9, 1951, his entry to the U.S. was recorded by Ellis Island officials as "Faisal Arboo". He made his way to Detroit and immersed himself in American culture, learning English while attending college and making wages as a store clerk. He quickly earned his bachelor's from Wayne State University and master's from Michigan State University, and after two decades with Detroit Diesel and General Motors he entered the professional workforce as a life insurance salesman and financial planner.
Although Faisal had a very accomplished career in the insurance industry, he was unwavering in his commitment to the Chaldean community throughout his life. From his 1970s radio program on Voice of America to his long-running Arabic news TV show "Arab Voice in Detroit", Faisal dedicated his time to the education and entertainment of thousands of Arab Americans who longed to stay connected to their ethnic and cultural roots. He also represented the community through his political advocacy, chairing the End Sanctions Against Iraq committee in the 1990s and leading multiple missions to Iraq, documenting conditions in the country and raising awareness of the plight of Iraqi Christians.
Faisal took many immigrants into his home and gave his time and resources to ensuring that families embarking upon the harrowing journey to America would have the same opportunities that he did. Along with many other early Iraqi immigrants, he helped create a well-worn path to success for future generations of Chaldeans - a community that now flourishes across metro Detroit.
But despite his accomplished career and his role as community leader. Faisal's family will remember him most for his generosity. He was known to offer "the shirt off his back" and his greatest joy was being able to provide for his family. Faisal's children and grandchildren will cherish the famous bedtime stories he would tell with great imagination and animation, his love for Tigers baseball, and his sense of humor.
Cherished husband of Virjean Arabo, father to Farah, Fairuz, Firas, Fay and Flora, grandfather to Patrick, Thomas, Jack, Niko, Jensen, and Cosette, friend to many, and pioneer to our community, Faisal will long be remembered for the path he chartered for future generations of Iraqi immigrants.
Church Services:
A Requiem Mass will take place
Monday, August 21, 2023 at 12:00 Noon
Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church
25585 Berg Road
Southfield, MI 48033
Clergy of the Record:
Fr. Wisam Matti
Committal Service:
A Committal Service will follow
the Requiem Mass at
Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery
25800 W. 10 Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48033
(10 Mile & Beech Rd.)
Memorial Luncheon & Prayer Vigil:
A memorial Luncheon and prayer vigil
will follow the committal services.
The family will accept guests until 8:00 pm
at Regency Manor & Banquet Center
25228 W. 12 Mile Rd
Southfield, MI 48034
All flowers can be sent to the banquet hall the day of the funeral.
Thank You and May God Bless You!
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
Thy Kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil;
for thine is the Kingdom and the Power,
and the Glory, for Ever and Ever.
Amen
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