16-05-2025
Obituary for Mike Price
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) –John Michael 'Mike' Price, 87, of LaFayette, NY, passed away in Florida on May 7, 2025. He was born on August 3, 1937.
Mike was a Syracuse native and graduated from Valley High School. He attended Syracuse University and the Academy of Broadcasting Arts in New York City. After a short broadcast career at WSOQ radio he became a staff announcer at Channel 9 in Syracuse when the station first signed on in 1962.
During his 46 years at NewsChannel 9, he took on various roles including 'Baron Daemon,' 'Cousin Orkie,' weatherman, sportscaster, 'Open Line' host, and 'Good News' reporter. He even recorded a 45 rpm record, 'The Transylvania Twist,' which is the top-selling local single in Central NY. Mike received the Syracuse Press Club's highest honors, and upon retirement, NewsChannel 9 renamed one of their studios 'The Mike Price Studio' in his honor.
Mike spent 30 years in the Coast Guard, both active & reserve, produced an award-winning documentary 'Into the Gulf' while serving in Desert Storm, and retired as a Chief Petty Officer.
He was a PA announcer for the Syracuse Chiefs, did a stint as 'Ronald McDonald,' and acted in various stage performances.
Mike umpired softball and officiated both football & hockey at the high school and collegiate levels for over 40 years.
He was appointed Gael of the Year by the Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade and was a drum major in parades for the Central New York Police and Fire Marching Band.
After his retirement, Mike traveled worldwide, hosting trips with Holiday Vacations. He was also a proud member of the VFW. His charitable contributions included hosting telethons and visiting senior centers, schools, fundraisers, and public speaking engagements.
Mike was an avid Yankees and SU fan. He enjoyed camping, boating, various sports, American/military history, and music. Jazz was among his favorite music, and he even played the drums.
Mike was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ida Price; brother, Charles 'Bill' Price; and son, Matthew Price. He is survived by his companion, Vaudine Fisher; daughter, Jennifer Price of New Port Richey, FL; sons, Charles Price of Lutz, FL and John Price of Marcellus, NY; granddaughter, Christina Lanclos (Grant) of Lutz, FL; great grandchildren Brooklynn and Matthew Lanclos; two nieces; a nephew; and his cats, Buddy and Baby.
Services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Syracuse International Jazz Fest in Clinton Square on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 4 p.m. All of Mike's fans are cordially invited to attend.
Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the SPCA.
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