Mike Ilitch will be remembered as a visionary businessman, generous philanthropist, devoted family man and Michigan's #1 sports fan. The outpouring of love, respect and thanks from friends, competitors and admirers is solid proof. His passing at age 87 marks a Detroit milestone.
Ilitch was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He rose from humble beginnings on Detroit's west side as the son of Macedonian immigrants. The former minor league baseball player opened his first pizza parlor in 1959 in Garden City. With the help of Marian, his business partner and wife of 61 years, they eventually turned it into a multi-billion dollar Little Caesars Pizza empire.
But Mr. "I" never stopped loving sports! He took a chance by purchasing the Detroit Red Wings and persevered until it became a championship team. Later, he added the Tigers to the family portfolio but ran out of time chasing that elusive World Series ring. But Joe Louis Arena, the restored Fox Theatre, Comerica Park, the Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State and the soon-to-open Little Caesars Arena stand as symbols of his success and influence.
But most of all, Ilitch had the courage to invest in the City of Detroit when many others were afraid to do so! Like any prominent leader, Ilitch had his challenges, critics and opponents along the way. But he never wavered on his devotion and vision for his hometown.
Detroit and America are better because of Mike Ilitch. He leaves behind a championship legacy. The best we as a community can honor him, is to continue to build upon his dreams for Detroit.
I'm Mike Murri, Vice President & General Manager
Broadcast: February 16, 2017
