Billionaire Who Looted Detroit's African American and Working Class People for Decades Is Dead at 87: Michigan Elites Mourns Mike Ilitch
Free Press
8:09 p.m. ET Feb. 10, 2017
Business and political leaders in metro Detroit offered praise and reflection Friday night on Mike Ilitch's contributions to the community over the decades.
Ilitch, the Wings and Tigers owner who founded the Little Caesars Pizza empire, died Friday at the age of 87.
"He's been one of the giants of southeast Michigan. He loved Detroit," said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn. "He's helped make Michigan the pizza capital of the country, and he's been the heart and soul of Detroit with both the Tigers and the Red Wings. It's a huge loss for all of us."
Former congressman John Dingell tweeted: "Saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Mike Ilitch. A proud Detroiter and civic leader who loved his city. Rest in peace."
U.S. Rep. John Conyers said: "Mike Illitch was an iconic figure who left his stamp on the city of Detroit. His contributions were many. He moved LIttle Caesars headquarters to downtown Detroit. He kept our beloved TIgers in the city by helping to build Comerica Park. He is also making an important imprint with the new Red Wings stadium. Mike will be greatly missed."
Mayor Mike Duggan said, "Mike Ilitch was more than just a shrewd, successful businessman. He was a Detroiter through and through.
"Whether he was making pizza, building successful sports and entertainment franchises or supporting youth organizations in our city, Mr. I helped to bring thousands of jobs and opportunities to our city and attract millions of dollars of investment."
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans echoed Duggan's sentiment.
"As an entrepreneur, he grew a Garden City pizzeria into an international business. As a sportsman and family man of the highest quality, our community was blessed to have him," Evans said. "He's forever left an indelible impact on the city and all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Ilitch and their family. Mr. I will be missed."
Gov. Rick Snyder called Ilitch a "powerhouse in so many ways across Michigan."
"We are a better state today because of the positive differences he made in our communities. He was a strong businessman, an innovative leader, and a loving family man. He was passionate about the city of Detroit and served a critical role in the city’s comeback, investing time, effort and resources to help craft a better vision for Detroit.
“Whether at Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre or a Red Wings playoff game, Mike had a role in helping create some of our favorite memories, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts," Snyder said in a statement issued by his office.
Former Mayor Dennis Archer recalls how Ilitch helped revitalize downtown Detroit when Archer was in office by first restoring the Fox Theatre and then building Comerica Park.
“The city has lost a giant tonight,” said Archer. “This giant started his relationship with the city of Detroit by working with my predecessor Mayor Coleman Young when (Ilitch) purchased the Detroit Red Wings and moved them from Olympia Stadium to downtown to the Joe Louis Arena. And not only did he bring a fabulous hockey team to downtown Detroit, but he bought the Fox Theatre and renovated it and along with that he brought with him the headquarters of Little Caesars Pizza.
“Mike Ilitch has left a huge legacy. He was an absolutely brilliant man. He cared about people. I’m going to miss him.”
Those who worked closely with Ilitch had a perspective that reflected his tenacity in building his company.
"Mr. I stands as one of America's greatest sports team owners," said Ken Holland, general manager of the Red Wings. "To have been able to work with him for more than 30 years and be a part of turning a struggling franchise into a champion again was an experience of a lifetime. His commitment to his team and our fans is the reason we all feel a part of Hockeytown. He will be deeply missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him and call him a friend."
And Al Avila, executive vice president and general manager of the Tigers, said Ilitch's contribution to Detroit is immeasurable.
“I’ve never seen a man more dedicated to this community and to baseball than Mr. I. He was always there to give us whatever we needed because he wanted greatness and happiness for all of us — especially the fans. Mr. I was truly one of the great ones. He was a friend and an inspiration, and he will be deeply missed,” Avila said.
A fellow sports team owner said Ilitch's impact will be felt for generations to come.
“Mike Ilitch was a heroic figure who made enormous contributions to Detroit," said Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons. "It was inspiring to speak with him, and to see firsthand his commitment to his family and to making a difference in the community."
The Ilitches' contributions touched community and philanthropic organizations.
Rip Rapson, president and CEO of the Kresge Foundation, said Ilitch saw the bright possibilities of Detroit’s Woodward Corridor at a time that other investors had turned their backs on the city.
"Revitalizing the historic Fox Theatre and relocating his business headquarters to the city were bold moves, but ones that ultimately set downtown on a course for incredible investment and remarkable transformation," Rapson said. "While our hearts are heavy tonight with his passing, we celebrate Mr. Ilitch’s legacy and unwavering belief in Detroit and its people."
In 2015, the Ilitches announced the donation of $40 million to Wayne State University to build a new business school.
Friday night Robert Forsythe, dean of the Mike Ilitch School of Business at WSU, reflected on the family's generosity.
"Mike Ilitch was a visionary leader whose lifelong investments in Detroit helped us become the comeback city we are today," Forsythe said. "Our school, which will forever bear his name, our university and our city have benefited immeasurably from his intellectual and financial contributions.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with the Mike Ilitch School of Business are with the entire Ilitch family and everyone else Mike's generosity has touched at this time."
On Friday night in Detroit’s Foxtown district, theater marquees on Woodward Avenue glittered with one exception: The biggest and grandest one, arching over the entrance to the Fox Theatre, had replaced its “Sesame Street Live” lettering with a deep-blue background and a photo of Mike Ilitch, glowing alongside the words “A life well lived.”
On Woodward’s sidewalk, crowds of theater-goers and restaurant patrons strolled toward the attractions that Ilitch made happen, across the street from Comerica Park, in effect marking Ilitch’s legacy to southeast Michigan.
Marlene Zanotti, 61, of Sterling Heights took a cell-phone photo of Ilitch’s image glowing on the Fox Theatre marquee.
“He believed in Detroit when no one else did,” Zanotti said. She and her husband were there to eat dinner steps away at Hockeytown, another institution that Ilitch bequeathed to the city’s entertainment hub.
Inside Hockeytown, seated at the bar with half a dozen friends, was Devon DeJong, 26, of Windsor, a Red Wings fan who was in Detroit to see Friday’s reggae-rock band performance of “Dirty Heads” at the Fillmore, a block south of the restaurant. DeJong and his friends were well aware of Ilitch’s passing, they said.
“It’s a damn shame he didn’t get to see the opening of his new stadium. He was a good dude,” DeJong said.
Even fans of Ilitch's sports teams who didn't know him personally expressed sadness Friday night and hopefulness that the family will carry on his legacy.
Rich Sanchez, 66, was driving a shuttle filled with patrons from Tommy's bar to Joe Louis Arena for the Michigan-Michigan State hockey game when his daughter texted him the news: Mike Ilitch had died.
"I had a busload fulI of people, and I announced it," Sanchez, of Detroit, said. "They were all sad. They said Detroit came back because of him."
Sanchez called Ilitch "The Godfather of Detroit." He left an indelible mark on the city's sports landscape, he said.
"He is equal to Ernie Harwell, in terms of the respect everyone around here has for him.
"I remember when the Wings won the Stanley Cup, and you could see how genuinely happy he was."
Ilitch's death was a hot topic Friday night at Tommy's, a bar on Third just a short walk to Joe Louis and a popular hangout for Wings' fans.
Tim LaRouere of Howell, eating a Reuben as he sat with his wife, Barb, and their two friends, called Ilitch a visionary.
"I think Mike Ilitch really had his heart in the right spot for the city of Detroit," the 56-year-old said. "He was a visionary when the city was down on its luck.
"I remember when he first bought the Wings, he would auction off a car at every game."
LaRouere said Ilitch's investment in the Wings, Tigers and the Fox Theatre breathed new life into the city. He said Ilitch also paved the way for future big-time investors who continue to shape Detroit, like businessmen Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores.
"He was the first," LaRouere said. "His legacy will live on in what he's created here."
Across the bar, Marc MacDonald, 27, of Wyandotte wondered what will happen to Ilitch's holdings and what's in store for his empire's future.
"He did a lot of great things for the city of Detroit," he said. "I hope the Ilitch family will continue his legacy."
8:09 p.m. ET Feb. 10, 2017
Business and political leaders in metro Detroit offered praise and reflection Friday night on Mike Ilitch's contributions to the community over the decades.
Ilitch, the Wings and Tigers owner who founded the Little Caesars Pizza empire, died Friday at the age of 87.
"He's been one of the giants of southeast Michigan. He loved Detroit," said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn. "He's helped make Michigan the pizza capital of the country, and he's been the heart and soul of Detroit with both the Tigers and the Red Wings. It's a huge loss for all of us."
Former congressman John Dingell tweeted: "Saddened to hear of the passing of my good friend Mike Ilitch. A proud Detroiter and civic leader who loved his city. Rest in peace."
U.S. Rep. John Conyers said: "Mike Illitch was an iconic figure who left his stamp on the city of Detroit. His contributions were many. He moved LIttle Caesars headquarters to downtown Detroit. He kept our beloved TIgers in the city by helping to build Comerica Park. He is also making an important imprint with the new Red Wings stadium. Mike will be greatly missed."
Mayor Mike Duggan said, "Mike Ilitch was more than just a shrewd, successful businessman. He was a Detroiter through and through.
"Whether he was making pizza, building successful sports and entertainment franchises or supporting youth organizations in our city, Mr. I helped to bring thousands of jobs and opportunities to our city and attract millions of dollars of investment."
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans echoed Duggan's sentiment.
"As an entrepreneur, he grew a Garden City pizzeria into an international business. As a sportsman and family man of the highest quality, our community was blessed to have him," Evans said. "He's forever left an indelible impact on the city and all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Ilitch and their family. Mr. I will be missed."
Gov. Rick Snyder called Ilitch a "powerhouse in so many ways across Michigan."
"We are a better state today because of the positive differences he made in our communities. He was a strong businessman, an innovative leader, and a loving family man. He was passionate about the city of Detroit and served a critical role in the city’s comeback, investing time, effort and resources to help craft a better vision for Detroit.
“Whether at Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre or a Red Wings playoff game, Mike had a role in helping create some of our favorite memories, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts," Snyder said in a statement issued by his office.
Former Mayor Dennis Archer recalls how Ilitch helped revitalize downtown Detroit when Archer was in office by first restoring the Fox Theatre and then building Comerica Park.
“The city has lost a giant tonight,” said Archer. “This giant started his relationship with the city of Detroit by working with my predecessor Mayor Coleman Young when (Ilitch) purchased the Detroit Red Wings and moved them from Olympia Stadium to downtown to the Joe Louis Arena. And not only did he bring a fabulous hockey team to downtown Detroit, but he bought the Fox Theatre and renovated it and along with that he brought with him the headquarters of Little Caesars Pizza.
“Mike Ilitch has left a huge legacy. He was an absolutely brilliant man. He cared about people. I’m going to miss him.”
Those who worked closely with Ilitch had a perspective that reflected his tenacity in building his company.
"Mr. I stands as one of America's greatest sports team owners," said Ken Holland, general manager of the Red Wings. "To have been able to work with him for more than 30 years and be a part of turning a struggling franchise into a champion again was an experience of a lifetime. His commitment to his team and our fans is the reason we all feel a part of Hockeytown. He will be deeply missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him and call him a friend."
And Al Avila, executive vice president and general manager of the Tigers, said Ilitch's contribution to Detroit is immeasurable.
“I’ve never seen a man more dedicated to this community and to baseball than Mr. I. He was always there to give us whatever we needed because he wanted greatness and happiness for all of us — especially the fans. Mr. I was truly one of the great ones. He was a friend and an inspiration, and he will be deeply missed,” Avila said.
A fellow sports team owner said Ilitch's impact will be felt for generations to come.
“Mike Ilitch was a heroic figure who made enormous contributions to Detroit," said Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons. "It was inspiring to speak with him, and to see firsthand his commitment to his family and to making a difference in the community."
The Ilitches' contributions touched community and philanthropic organizations.
Rip Rapson, president and CEO of the Kresge Foundation, said Ilitch saw the bright possibilities of Detroit’s Woodward Corridor at a time that other investors had turned their backs on the city.
"Revitalizing the historic Fox Theatre and relocating his business headquarters to the city were bold moves, but ones that ultimately set downtown on a course for incredible investment and remarkable transformation," Rapson said. "While our hearts are heavy tonight with his passing, we celebrate Mr. Ilitch’s legacy and unwavering belief in Detroit and its people."
In 2015, the Ilitches announced the donation of $40 million to Wayne State University to build a new business school.
Friday night Robert Forsythe, dean of the Mike Ilitch School of Business at WSU, reflected on the family's generosity.
"Mike Ilitch was a visionary leader whose lifelong investments in Detroit helped us become the comeback city we are today," Forsythe said. "Our school, which will forever bear his name, our university and our city have benefited immeasurably from his intellectual and financial contributions.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone associated with the Mike Ilitch School of Business are with the entire Ilitch family and everyone else Mike's generosity has touched at this time."
On Friday night in Detroit’s Foxtown district, theater marquees on Woodward Avenue glittered with one exception: The biggest and grandest one, arching over the entrance to the Fox Theatre, had replaced its “Sesame Street Live” lettering with a deep-blue background and a photo of Mike Ilitch, glowing alongside the words “A life well lived.”
On Woodward’s sidewalk, crowds of theater-goers and restaurant patrons strolled toward the attractions that Ilitch made happen, across the street from Comerica Park, in effect marking Ilitch’s legacy to southeast Michigan.
Marlene Zanotti, 61, of Sterling Heights took a cell-phone photo of Ilitch’s image glowing on the Fox Theatre marquee.
“He believed in Detroit when no one else did,” Zanotti said. She and her husband were there to eat dinner steps away at Hockeytown, another institution that Ilitch bequeathed to the city’s entertainment hub.
Inside Hockeytown, seated at the bar with half a dozen friends, was Devon DeJong, 26, of Windsor, a Red Wings fan who was in Detroit to see Friday’s reggae-rock band performance of “Dirty Heads” at the Fillmore, a block south of the restaurant. DeJong and his friends were well aware of Ilitch’s passing, they said.
“It’s a damn shame he didn’t get to see the opening of his new stadium. He was a good dude,” DeJong said.
Even fans of Ilitch's sports teams who didn't know him personally expressed sadness Friday night and hopefulness that the family will carry on his legacy.
Rich Sanchez, 66, was driving a shuttle filled with patrons from Tommy's bar to Joe Louis Arena for the Michigan-Michigan State hockey game when his daughter texted him the news: Mike Ilitch had died.
"I had a busload fulI of people, and I announced it," Sanchez, of Detroit, said. "They were all sad. They said Detroit came back because of him."
Sanchez called Ilitch "The Godfather of Detroit." He left an indelible mark on the city's sports landscape, he said.
"He is equal to Ernie Harwell, in terms of the respect everyone around here has for him.
"I remember when the Wings won the Stanley Cup, and you could see how genuinely happy he was."
Ilitch's death was a hot topic Friday night at Tommy's, a bar on Third just a short walk to Joe Louis and a popular hangout for Wings' fans.
Tim LaRouere of Howell, eating a Reuben as he sat with his wife, Barb, and their two friends, called Ilitch a visionary.
"I think Mike Ilitch really had his heart in the right spot for the city of Detroit," the 56-year-old said. "He was a visionary when the city was down on its luck.
"I remember when he first bought the Wings, he would auction off a car at every game."
LaRouere said Ilitch's investment in the Wings, Tigers and the Fox Theatre breathed new life into the city. He said Ilitch also paved the way for future big-time investors who continue to shape Detroit, like businessmen Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores.
"He was the first," LaRouere said. "His legacy will live on in what he's created here."
Across the bar, Marc MacDonald, 27, of Wyandotte wondered what will happen to Ilitch's holdings and what's in store for his empire's future.
"He did a lot of great things for the city of Detroit," he said. "I hope the Ilitch family will continue his legacy."
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