Pat Caputo, one of Detroit's most decorated sports writers, has sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 67 years old.
Caputo's family announced on Facebook in a brief statement on his passing. He publicly revealed back in January that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer with the understanding that he did not have long left.
"Today May 7th we lost Pat to cancer. Pat was surrounded by his family. Thank you for all your support," the Caputo family shared on his social media pages.
In Fond Memory
Caputo spent decades as one of the most knowledgeable voices in Detroit sports media. He contributed to newspapers, radio, television and podcasts over 40-plus years in the industry. He covered every major Detroit sports team including the Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings, earning him numerous honors and a top-10 ranking by the prestigious Associated Press Sports Editors.
Tributes to the Detroit sports great have been pouring in across the internet:
"Condolences to the friends and family of @patcaputo98 who lost his fight with cancer. I am very sad over this. Pat was passionate, loyal and hilarious. He loved baseball,hockey in particular but was knowledgeable about all sports. He was called 'THE BOOK' for a reason," Michael Stone of 97.1 The Ticket wrote on X.
"So sad to hear of the passing of the legendary Pat Caputo. For my first several years at 971 The Ticket there was no one I worked with more and was so honored & grateful to do so. He loved to call me The Schmoozer💙 Love ya my man. You will be sorely missed… R.I.P Book," wrote WHMI's Dan Leach.
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"Heartbreaking news," Ryan Ermani of Fox wrote.
"RIP to a Detroit sports media stalwart. The voice of many late-night and weekend drives. So sorry to hear this."
"So sorry to hear. Rest in peace to the book. Your family is in my prayers."
Our hearts go out to Caputo's family and loved ones.
