Mike Ilitch Dies at 87

Mike Ilitch, founder of Little Caesars Pizza and the owner of the Detroit Red Wings and the Tigers has died. He was 87.

"My father was a once-in-a-generation entrepreneur, visionary and leader, setting the tone for our organization and our family," Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Inc., said in a statement. "He made such a positive impact in the world of sports, in business and in the community, and we will remember him for his unwavering commitment to his employees, his passion for Detroit, his generosity to others and his devotion to his family and friends."

As his obituary in the Detroit Free Press notes, Ilitch was a key figure in the revival of downtown Detroit and "one of the most famous Detroiters of his time."

Ilitch was the son of Macedonian immigrants The obituary further notes that he served four years in the Marines before signing a minor-league contract with the Tigers. He became interested in "pizza-pie" when traveling with the minors. He made money as a salesman before opening his first Little Caesars.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued the following statement on Ilitch's passing:

Members of the sports community offered their condolences on Twitter.

Patch will update this breaking news story.

Image Credit: Dave Hogg via Flickr Creative Commons