By George B. Eichorn
Life is full of surprises; some happy and some sad. Yet one is never ready to say a final goodbye.
Sports coverage in southeastern Michigan has been blessed with men and women in television, radio, newspapers, online, podcasts and as publicists, statisticians and other positions. Yet so many lost their lives while still pursuing their dream.
I, personally, have had the privilege to meet and work alongside so many of these wonderful people. Many taken from us far too soon.
Wherever possible, you will find next to their name the age and primary affiliate(s) each represented. Apologies to those who may have been missed.
Taken from us while still active in radio, streaming or podcasting:
Mark “Doc” Andrews-51 (2004-WOMC), Sabrina Black-35 (2006-WDFN), Ron Cameron-79 (2024-WPON), Pat Caputo-67 (2026-WXYT-Oakland Press), Richard Curbelo-51 (2021-Independent), Larry Henry-73 (2025-WWJ-Motor sports), Jonathan Klos-21 (2024), Kennry Kott-32 (2026-WXYT), Tom Kowalski-51 (2011-WXYT-MLive-Oakland Press), Herman McAlpine-66 (2020-local stations), Norm Plummer (Bob Kelly)-84 (2025-WWJ/WRQN), Earle Robinson-71 (2019-WKAR-FM), Cliff Russell-61 (2018-WDET-WWJ-Tigers), Jamie Samuelsen-48 (2020-WXYT-Channel 2), Kurt Schneider-67 (2018-Independent).
Television: Reggie Hall-58 (Channel 7), Fred Hickman-66 (2022-Channel 4-CNN), Daniel (Red) Jamison-46 (1979-Channel 2), Raymond Rolak-70 (2022-Rolco Network),
Football: Van Patrick-58 (1974-Lions-Tigers-ND-Mutual), Warren Reynolds-63 (2000-Lions-WOOD-TV), Bob Ufer-61 (1981-WPAG-WWJ-UM).
Basketball: Earl Curelton-66 (2024-Pistons radio-UDM TV) and Fred McLeod-67 (2019-Channel 4-Pistons-Cavaliers)
Baseball: Jim Price-81 (2023-Tigers radio), Jim Weber-78 (2024-Mud Hens).
Motor Sports: Bob Dorogi-81 (2025-Independent). Publicist: Leo Martin-87 (2016-Motocross).
Hockey: TV broadcasters Sam Nover-77 (2018-Red Wings-NBC), Dave Strader-62 (2017-PASS-ESPN) and Warren Pierce-82 (2025-WJR-Red Wings TV).
Newspapers: Bryan Burwell-59 (2014-Detroit News), George Cantor-69 (2010-The News), Steve Crowe-47 (2001-Free Press), Steve Cruchon-72 (2010-Bowler’s Digest), Larry Donald-55 (2000-basketball-football-golf), Mike Downey-72 (2024-Free Press), Jim Evans-54 (2021-The Daily Tribune), Matt Fiorito-74 (2010-Free Press), Hawke Fracassa-55 (2015-The News), Wiley Gerdes-66 (2014-Free Press), Vartan Kupelian-73 (2020-The News-Golf publications), Corky Meinecke-44 (1997-Free Press), Brady McAtamney-28 (2025-Macomb Daily), Vern Plagenhoef-45 (1992-Grand Rapids Press), Paul Scurlock-54 (2007-The News-APBA Gold Cup), Drew Sharp-56 (2016-Free Press), Shelby Strother-44 (1991-The News).
Sports media relations/public relations/information: Tim Bryant-53 (2012-Fox Sports Detroit), Matt Dobek-51 (2010-Pistons), Ken Droz-67 (2024), Andrew Glantzman-62 (2021-UDM), Bill Kreifeldt-74 (2016-Pistons-WSU-Jazz), Cliff Russell (and Jim Schneider-63 (2014-UM).
Public address announcers: Jay Allen-60 (2020-Tigers), Mark (Doc) Andrews (Pistons-Red Wings), Ken Calvert-72 (2023-Pistons) and Budd Lynch-95 (2012-Red Wings).
Sports photography: David Angell-66 (2025), Duane Belanger-68 (2002), Kirthmon Dozier Sr.-65 (2024), Bill Fundaro-77 (2020), David Gilkey-50 (2016), Hugh Grannum-72 (2013), Drayton Holcomb (The News), James (Scotty) Kilpatrick-63 (1972-Detroit News), David Lippitt-63 (2020-Lions-Pistons), Max Ortiz-58 (2024), David Posavetz-67 (2014-Macomb Daily).
Game day statisticians/staff: Dennis Davidson-83 (2025-Kronk Boxing-Red Wings, Larry Kosiba-79 (2025-Red Wings), Adam Mitchell-74 (2024-Red Wings), Morris Moorawnick-83 (2010-Pistons-Red Wings-Free Press), Gerry Opalinski-68 (2018-UDM-Tigers) and Barry Smades-66 (2020-Pistons TV-Oakland Press)
I would be remiss not to mention the retired newspaper columnists and reporters who we lost yet remember for their great writing and editing: Doug Bradford-81 (2009-The News), Dan Ewald-73 (2018-Tigers-The News-GR Press-author), Joe Falls-76 (2004-The News-Free Press), Jerry Green-94 (2023-AP-The News), Gene Guidi-79 (2022-Free Press), Bill Halls-86 (2019-The News), Dean Howe-82 (2023-Flint Journal), Bernie Kennedy-84 (2019-Macomb Daily), Horst Mann-Detroit Monitor, Jack Saylor-77 (2003-Free Press), Hal (Swami) Schram-68 (1987-Free Press), Charlie Vincent-81 (2021-Free Press), George Puscas-81 (2008-Free Press), Watson Spoelstra-89 (1999-The News), Pete Waldmeir-92 (2024-The News).
Retired TV/Radio: Al Ackerman-90 (2016-Channels 4 and 7), Larry Adderley-82 (2020-Channel 7/Golf radio reports), Frank Beckmann-72 (WJR), Paul Carey-88 (2016), Dale Conquest-77 (2004-WJR-UM), Dave Diles-78 (2009-WXYZ-TV/ABC), Vince Doyle-74 (1990-WWJ-UM-Stags), Bill Flemming-80 (2007-WWJ-TV/ABC), Ernie Harwell-92 (2010-Tigers radio/TV), Jim Hendrick-82 (2017-Channel 2/APBA/Tigers), Larry Henry-73 (2025-UM), Don Howe-85 (2025-Pistons), Al Kaline-85 (2020-Tigers TV), George Kell-86 (2009-Tigers TV), Ray Lane-95 (2025-Channels 2 & 50/Tigers radio), Vito LoPiccolo-90 (2016-Motor sports), Budd Lynch-95 (2012-Red Wings), Joe Pellegrino-89 (2024-Channel 4), Don Shane-70 (2023-Channel 7), Bob Sherman (MSU radio) and Bob Wolff-96 (Pistons TV).
Reach George Eichorn at georgeeichorn@gmail.com or on X/Twitter at sandgsports99. Purchase his book, “Detroit Sports Broadcasters On the Air” at www.amazon.com or arcadio.com for $19 or less.
