Mike Illitch Has Passed Away
By Nick Seguin
7 years ago
Mike Illitch, the owner of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers organizations, has passed away. He was 87 years old.
Always a dedicated sports fan, Mr. Illitch played professional softball in Michigan before founding a pizza business in 1959 with his wife Marian. That little pizza business, Little Caesars Pizza, went on to become one of the most successful pizza chains to ever come out of Michigan. It would even go on to have an arena named after it.
Mr. Illitch purchased the Detroit Red Wings in 1982, turning them from “The Dead Things” in the late-80s and early-90s to the dynasty team that brought home six President’s Trophies, four Stanley Cups, and twenty-five consecutive playoff berths. He was a class act who led the organization to be one of the most respected in all of professional sports. He was loved by all of his employees, players, and fans.
Mr. Illitch meant a lot to the city of Detroit, too. He stuck with the city through its toughest days, supporting the youth of Detroit with amateur hockey programs. He loved being around his teams, his company, and the city.
Mr. Illitch is succeeded by seven children. His son, Christopher, is currently the President and CEO of Illitch Holdings Inc.
Rest in peace, Mr. Illitch. We’ll miss you.
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