Howie Chizek Death Shocks, Saddens Ohio Radio Fans

By Hao Li | June 17 2012 3:17 PM

The death of radio talk show host Howie Chizek, a voice that filled the airwaves of Akron, Ohio, for nearly 40 years, has shocked and saddened many of his loyal fans.

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Chizek, arguably the most famous voice in Akron, died of a heart attack during a Saturday flight to Florida on a family trip, according to WKYC-TV.

The Akron Beacon Journal reported that he was going to Florida as a part of his charity program for children.

Chizek, 65, had been a radio talk show host for WNIR since 1972. He was also the former public address announcer of the Cleveland Cavaliers. An alumnus of Cleveland Heights High School and Ohio University, he was loyal to his state, as he turned down offers to host talk shows in larger markets like Atlanta and Houston, according to the Beacon Journal.

If you're in a market that makes you happy and the people like you, it's stupid to jump from place to place, he once said.

Oh I was SO sad to hear about Howie! I lived in NE Ohio for 10 years over 2 stints and as a transplanted New Englander, WNIR kept me sane, wrote Kim Rossi Stagliano on WNIR's Facebook page.

Howie will be sadly missed. We have been listening to Howie over 30 years. My afternoons won't be the same without him. RIP Howie, wrote Linda Havens.

Howie, you will be missed on the radio in my car and home. I have been a fan since 1985. I was a nineteen year old listening to you at my workplace. Your wisdom and knowledge never cease to amaze me. Your charitable generosity will be missed! My condolences to the WNIR Family and friends of Akron, wrote Danielle Martter Anderson.