Dick Haefner, WJR NEWS
The WJR family is mourning the loss of the station’s former longtime leader. Mike Fezzey died last night in Naples, Florida. Mr. Fezzey was preparing to return back to Michigan, when, according to his family, he died after suffering an apparent heart attack. Mr. 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. He was 58.
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Huntington Bank released this statement: Mike was an extraordinary member of the Huntington family who was highly committed to the Detroit area and making it a growing and vibrant community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family.
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From President Simon of Michigan State University:
I join the university community in mourning the loss of Huntington Bank president and former WJR General Manager Michael Fezzey. Mike was much more than an MSU business partner; he was a good friend to the university. He was the architect of the WJR-MSU partnership and provided inspiration and guidance to WJR and Huntington Bank with positive impact across the entire state of Michigan. But he also will long be remembered for his friendship, generosity and kindness seen in his many charity and non-profit activities. Our thoughts are with Suzy, the Fezzey family and many friends as we not only mourn his loss, but remember a life well lived.”
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon
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From Michigan Governor Rick Snyder:
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder issued the following statement after learning of the passing of Mike Fezzey, Huntington Bank’s Southeast Region president.
“Mike Fezzey’s passing is a profound loss not just for our business community, but for our state as a whole. Under Mike’s direction, Huntington Bank was a partner in Michigan’s reinvention. A proud Detroit native, Mike was devoted to the city and the region, taking part in a variety of programs aimed at assisting people and businesses. Huntington was instrumental in partnering with the state to develop a microlending program that helped businesses grow and create more and better jobs. And when Southeast Michigan was struck by historic flooding last year, Mike and Huntington were there, stepping up to help devastated families rebuild. Outside of work, Mike was active in a number of charities and programs dedicated to helping children and families. He cared.”
“Sue and I will keep Mike’s wife, Suzy, and the entire Fezzey family in our thoughts and prayers.”
