Mike Trivisonno, a popular radio host and personality in Northeast Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on October 28, 2021, at the age of 74. He was taken from his home to a hospital after a medical incident, but the exact cause of death remains unknown. His fans, colleagues, and family are mourning the loss of a man who entertained and informed millions of listeners for over three decades.
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Who Was Mike Trivisonno?
Mike Trivisonno, also known as “Triv” or “Mr. Know It All”, was born in East Cleveland, Ohio, on September 20, 1947. He attended Mayfield High School and married his high school sweetheart Linda Conforto, who died of cancer in 2009. He had three children and two grandchildren.
Trivisonno started his broadcasting career in 1987 as a frequent caller to Pete Franklin’s sports talk show on WTAM AM 1100. He impressed Franklin with his knowledgeable commentary, especially about the Cleveland Browns. Franklin gave him the nickname “Mr. Know It All”, which Trivisonno embraced as his own.
He soon became a full-time radio personality, working for WNCX and then WTAM again. He hosted his own self-titled afternoon talk show, which aired weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. He discussed topics ranging from sports to politics to local issues to current events, often with a conservative perspective. He also engaged with callers and debated with his producers and co-hosts.
Trivisonno was widely recognized and respected in the radio industry. He was ranked among Talkers Magazine’s “Heavy Hundred” several times, including in 2015 when he came in at #72. He was also a nominee for the Large Market Personality of the Year Marconi Award in 2010. He was named “Best Talk Show Host” by Scene Magazine and The Achievement in Radio Awards, “Voice of Cleveland” by The Cleveland Plain Dealer, and “One of Cleveland’s Fifty Most Interesting People” by Cleveland Magazine.
What Did Mike Trivisonno Do for the Community?
Trivisonno was not only a radio star, but also a philanthropist and a humanitarian. He was known for his charitable work and had raised over $5 million for local charities throughout his career, according to WTAM. Some of the causes he supported include Coats for Kids, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Cleveland Food Bank, The Salvation Army, and The Make-A-Wish Foundation.
He also organized annual events such as the Triv Show Golf Outing, the Triv Show Vegas Trip, and the Triv Show Feast of the Seven Fishes Dinner. These events attracted thousands of participants and donors who enjoyed Trivisonno’s humor and generosity.
Trivisonno also cared deeply about his listeners and often helped them with their personal problems or needs. He once paid for a listener’s funeral expenses after learning that he had no family or friends to do so. He also helped another listener find a kidney donor after hearing his plea on the air.
How Did Mike Trivisonno Die?
The details of Mike Trivisonno’s cause of death are still unclear as of this writing. According to Lyndhurst police, he suffered a medical condition at his home around noon on October 28, 2021, and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died shortly after arriving. There was no official report or confirmation of any illness or pre-existing condition that may have contributed to his death.
Trivisonno had previously battled prostate cancer in 2008 and had surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. He announced on air that he was vaccinated against COVID-19. However, it is unknown if these factors had any relation to his death.
His death came as a shock to many who knew him or listened to him regularly. His colleagues at WTAM broke the news on air on Thursday afternoon with tears and sadness. His fans expressed their grief and condolences on social media and called in to share their memories and tributes. His family requested privacy and thanked everyone for their support.
Why Was Mike Trivisonno Loved by Many?
Mike Trivisonno was loved by many because he was more than just a radio host. He was a friend, a mentor, a leader, a role model, a storyteller, a comedian, a critic, a patriot, and a legend. He had a unique voice and personality that captivated millions of listeners across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
He was passionate about what he did and what he believed in. He was honest and outspoken about his opinions and views. He was entertaining and humorous with his jokes and anecdotes. He was informative and insightful with his analysis and commentary. He was compassionate and generous with his help and donations.
He was loyal and faithful to his family and friends. He was proud and grateful for his city and country. He was humble and grateful for his success and fame. He was a man of integrity and character who lived by his motto: “I’m living the dream.”
Mike Trivisonno will be greatly missed by many who admired and appreciated him. His legacy will live on through his work and his impact. His voice will echo in the hearts and minds of his listeners. His spirit will shine in the lives of those he touched.
Rest in peace, Triv. You were one of a kind.
