According to multiple reports, Detroit icon Mike Ilitch passed away at a local hospital at the age of 87. Ilitch, who owns the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers founded the Little Caesars Pizza corporation in 1959.
In 1982, he purchased the Red Wings and their revival was made complete by erasing a 42 year Stanley Cup drought in 1997. They would go on to win a total of 4 Cups while in Mr. I’s command.
Ilitch’s first love was baseball, and he bought the Detroit Tigers in 1992 and was an instrumental figure in the building of Comerica Park, as well as reviving the team in the mid-2000’s.
Ilitch is survived by his wife Marian and his 7 children, as well as 22 grandchildren.
Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, co-founder of Little Caesars, has died at age 87, the Ilitch organized has confirmed.
— Bill Shea (@Bill_Shea19) February 10, 2017
The man cared about his teams, and provided an model for the committed owner. https://t.co/zstiXTXVFy
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) February 10, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch, hockey icon
— Adrian Dater (@adater) February 10, 2017
The Ilitch family says it will have a private funeral for Mike Ilitch, and a public event is still being planned.
— Bill Shea (@Bill_Shea19) February 10, 2017
Hockey giant Mike Ilitch has passed away. Our heartfelt condolences to his family. He will be dearly missed.
— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 10, 2017
Much more on this breaking story as more information comes in.
Thinking the new arena needs a different name…maybe Howe-Ilitch Arena??
May God bless the Ilitch family in this time of grief.