R.I.P.: Mike Stevens, Longtime Hartford Area Radio Personality

Mike Stevens

Michael Joseph Zawacki, who was known on WDRC and WJMJ  as Mike Stevens, died Jan. 23 at the age of 62. He was a Lyman Hall graduate and also attended Quinnipiac College and the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.

Mike Stevens spent much of his adult life at WDRC. Over 22 years he wore many hats including weekend music director, overnight jock, promotions director, production manager and operations manager.

According to Patch, Marianne O'Hare, a former morning show co-host at WDRC-FM wrote, "On the backside of DJ Day - losing one of our finest compatriots is such a sad moment to process. Mike Stevens you made all of us better, and never wasted an opportunity to spread joy. Rest In Power my friend. Please let us know where we can find you on the angelic dial...."

Renee DiNino, currently an on-air radio/TV personality who works at The River 105.9, wrote "Rip Mike Stevens what a class act all the way. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and sending deepest condolences to his family and friends. Just can't believe it, always kind and cheerful and supportive. A great man for sure and a lasting legend on Connecticut airwaves."

Stevens was also known for his deep commitment to giving back to the community and was "instrumental in helping to raise millions of dollars for charitable organizations; most notably Connecticut Children's Medical Center, The Connecticut Street Rod Association, March of Dimes, American Red Cross, American Heart Association, Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, Toys for Tots, Wallingford Wishing Well, and The Pink Ladies Foundation," according to his obituary.

Mike hosted the morning show on WDRC FM along with news anchor Beth Bradley; their partnership began in February, 1999 after the departure of Marc Sommers. Mike left DRC FM on August 1, 2005 and was replaced on the morning show by John Saville.

He returned on May 20, 2006 replacing Scott Michaels on the 7PM-midnight shift. In late June 2009 Mike returned to the morning shift, sharing wakeup duties with Jerry Kristafer until Jerry was let go on October 4, 2013. Mike continued hosting the Big D FM morning show with newsperson Kim Zachary. Mike was let go along with the rest of the FM airstaff when Connoisseur Media took over from Buckley Broadcasting on July 7, 2014.