Ilitch, a self-made billionaire who found his fame and fortune via the founding of Little Caesars Pizza and the ownership of Olympia Entertainment along with two major Detroit sports franchises, is survived by his wife, Marian Illitch; his seven children; Christopher, Denise, Ron, Michael Jr., Lisa, Atanas and Carole; his 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Ilitch dies prematurely before his opportunity to see his vision of the still-in-construction Little Caesars Arena, new home to both the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons, come to life in the coming year.