Sonny Eliot was inducted into the Michigan Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002.
By Roop Raj Fox 2 News Reporter
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- Sonny Eliot, a Detroit broadcasting icon and former Channel 2 and WWJ weatherman, passed away early Friday morning at his home in Farmington Hills. He was 91.
The legendary weatherman started in Detroit in 1947. Eliot, known as the man who delivered the weather and wit, was also a war veteran as a B-24 bomber pilot. He was a prisoner of war during World War II.
He spent 60 years at WWJ Radio where friends have been reflecting just two years after he retired, including Marie Osborne.
"He was a real war hero. I mean, he had been shot down during World War II. He could speak several languages."
Murray Feldman worked with Eliot at Fox 2 and also at WWJ. 36 years of laughter they shared, even if Sonny himself was the butt of a joke.
"He would do anything to make you laugh. He would make you the joke. He would make fun of you. He would make fun of himself if he had to, and he did many times to make people laugh."
Facebook has also been lighting up with memories of Sonny Eliot.
Sherry Powers wrote, "When I was eight or nine years old, I was at the Detroit Zoo with my school. We were at the gift shop and I wanted this black bear on a lease. I only had a dollar and the bear was $8. Sonny Eliot and Soupy Sales were there watching my tantrum. Sonny Eliot bought me my bear. He was the most generous man."
Dex Estes said, "All the best memories of my childhood come rushing back when I remember Sonny. Through those memories, you will remain immortal. Rest in peace Sonny."
David Dutcher remarked, "Rest in peace Sonny Eliot. Your 'Sonnyisms' have been missed since you retired. Now we will miss them forever."
Eliot was inducted into the Michigan Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002.
Survivors include his wife, Annette, to whom he was married for more than 50 years. Funeral services will be private.
-- The Associated Press contributed to this report
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:50 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:50:04 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:05 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:05:51 GMT
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Detroit ditto heads rejoice. Your leader is interested in news in Detroit, at least enough to qualify a report on a large Powerball jackpot as more proof that 'low-information outreach' is working.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:12:17 GMT
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:01 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:01:58 GMT
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
The American Red Cross is working in a variety of ways and from several different areas of the country to help the victims of the tornadoes which struck in the nation's heartland.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:48:16 GMT
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Weather Authority Ben Bailey says the humidity has dropped since earlier this morning but the risk of severe weather still exists Tuesday throughout southeast Michigan.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:31 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:31:20 GMT
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
As people struggle to pick up the pieces in the areas of Oklahoma ravaged by tornadoes, we've learned some relief will be coming from right here in Michigan.
Sonny Eliot was inducted into the Michigan Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002.
