R.I.P.: Former WJR Detroit GM Mike Fezzey Dies At 58

Mike Fezzey

Mike Fezzey, former longtime president and GM of WJR 760 AM, died Friday of a heart attacked.

He was 58-years-of-age, according to The Detroit Free Press.

He well-respected metro Detroit businessman, known for his loyal compassion for people as much as his prowess in two rather different industries, died while on a business trip to Naple, FL.

According to the WJR website, Fezzey was in Florida in his role as president of Huntington Bank’s Southeastern Michigan Region. He joined Huntington in 2011, after serving as president and general manager of WJR from 1994. He Joined WJR in 1980. He was in Florida recruiting new business for Huntington when he died.

Mike Fezzey  was a community leader, active in many charities and non-profit activities in Michigan, and was a leader in his church. Under Mr. Fezzey’s leadership, WJR maintained it’s position as Detroit’s preeminent radio station, and became one of America’s leading news-talk stations.

He is survived by his wife Suzy and their 3 adult children.

WJR-AM radio host Paul W. Smith said Fezzey was a longtime employee of the radio station who believed in its value. He said Fezzey was a devout and religious man who cared about people and charities, had a tremendous Rolodex and always wanted to get the radio station involved.

"His legacy will be that of reaching out to help so many people in so many different ways. He really was one of those great kinda guys," said Smith, who saw Fezzey just before he went to Florida.