A radio legend and current talk show host, Mike Trivisonno, has died.

 

WTAM 1100 announced the passing of the 74 year-old on social media on Thursday afternoon.

 

WTAM says in the post that Trivisonno was a Cleveland native that began his talk radio career in 1986.

 

"Since his days as 'Mr. Know-it-All,' Triv has been voted 'Best Talk Show Host' by Scene Magazine and The Achievement in Radio Awards. The Cleveland Plain Dealer named him the 'Voice of Cleveland,' Cleveland Magazine named him 'One of Cleveland’s Fifty Most Interesting People,' and he was a 2003 NAB Marconi finalist for 'Personality of the Year.'" writes the station.

 

Trivisonno raised more than $5 million for local charities, said WTAM.

 

"Although 'The Voice of Cleveland' has been silenced, his impact on Cleveland will be felt and heard for years to come," wrote WTAM. "All of us here at WTAM send our love and support to his family during this difficult time. We will bring you more details as we receive them, including information on memorials."

 

According to WTAM, Trivisonno's death was "sudden." WTAM said Trivisonno was preceded in death by his wife Linda, who died from cancer. He's survived by his wife of ten years, Tami, and four children.

 

21 News spoke with radio host Ron Verb about the Trivisonno's passing.

 

"To me, he lived the American dream. He had a high school education and became the most influential voice in Cleveland radio for 25 years," Verb said.

 

Verb says Trivisonno made him a better talk show host.

 

"I had to compete against him. People knew they could pick him up down here so I think from a strange standpoint, he made me better because I knew I had to do the best job I could to attract listeners in this marketplace. He was charismatic, entertaining, knowledgeable and could relate to anyone. We lost a great radio icon and we're not making many of those these days," Verb said.

 

You can listen to WTAM's tribute: www.wtam.com/listen