Michael Frederick Estrada

ROME – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved partner, father, brother, and friend, Michael Frederick Estrada, affectionately known to thousands of radio listeners as “Mr. Mike.” He passed on March 11, 2025, at the age of 65.

Mike was born on Oct. 16, 1959, in Mount Kisco, NY, the seventh of eight children to Evelyn and Frank Estrada. He spent his early childhood in Katonah, NY, attending St. Mary’s School. In 1971, his family relocated to Orleans, Mass., where he attended Nauset Regional High School. He pursued higher education at UMass Amherst, studying journalism and meeting his future wife, Tammy.

Mike launched his career in Bennington, Vt., covering sports for the local paper. He later moved to central Maine to start a family, welcoming two children, Andy and Dory. Though Mike and Tammy eventually separated, he found love again with Debbie Hutchins, who remained his devoted life partner for 25 years.

Mike’s passion for journalism led him to a successful career in radio broadcasting. In 1992, alongside fellow radio DJ “Tom O”, he co-founded The Mountain Morning Show on WTOS, bringing humor, news, and entertainment to listeners across Maine and beyond each morning. His sharp wit, playful banter, and dedication to his craft were hallmarks of his relationship with both his colleagues and his audience; making his audience laugh – and regularly groan – while delivering the latest news, sports, and weather. In recognition of their outstanding contributions during their 33-year partnership, Mr. Mike and Tom O were inducted into the Maine Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2018.

Beyond radio, Mike took great joy in the art of writing. In addition to the sports journalism of his early career, he spent years penning a weekly Mr. Mike’s Musings column and was the mastermind behind The Mountain Morning Show’s hilarious Wacky Zany Goofy Radio-type Quiz Shows. Mike was also a prolific reader of newspapers across the country and enjoyed delving into an array of sports biographies.

Mike was a local legend. Whether dining out, grocery shopping, or at an appointment, he was regularly greeted by fans who recognized his voice. His ability to connect with people anywhere was profoundly unique and positive.

Mike was an avid sports enthusiast, with an encyclopedic knowledge of trivia and stories at the ready. He was an active athlete well into his adult life, participating in local softball leagues, shooting hoops with his kids, and golfing with his friends. He lent his broadcast voice to hundreds of local football games, field hockey matchups, and swim meets, in addition to being a fixture at annual state high school basketball tournaments. Mike was a devoted follower of the Patriots, Bruins, and Celtics – but was even more so a quintessential long-suffering, lifelong Red Sox fan, watching or listening to every game for decades. He made many happy memories catching a game at Fenway Park and considered the 2004 World Series as one of his most treasured moments.

Mike cherished life’s simple pleasures. In the warmer months, he could be found on his deck with Debbie, sipping a cold beverage as they talked about everything and nothing, watching the sun set over Long Pond. He loved weekend gatherings with his family, catch-and-release fishing, scenic rides along local backroads, and humbling his family in Scrabble. A Jeopardy! enthusiast, he often beat the onscreen contestants to the correct questions, and he never tired of rewatching old episodes of Law & Order. He was also a devoted “dog dad” to Teddy the Pomeranian and Copper the Yellow Lab.

Mike is survived by his partner, Debbie, of Rome, Maine; children Andy (Andie) of Seattle, Wash., Dory (Amir) of Brentwood, Md., Kim (Ben) of Woodbridge, Va., Thomas (Tommi) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Melissa (Dustin) of Rome, Maine; his grandkids include Nico, Audrey, Anna, Liz, Eva, Ainsley, Eleanor, JoJo, Claire, and Wesley. He leaves behind his siblings Clare, Janie (Rick), Katie (David), Anne (Bob), and Tony, as well as two sisters-in-law; and eight nieces and nephews.

Mike was predeceased by his parents Evelyn and Frank; sister Helene, and brother Frank.

Mike will be remembered for his unwavering love, generosity, and ability to bring joy to those around him. His legacy endures through the values he instilled in his family and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held in central Maine later this year.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed, condolences and memories shared at http://www.aablecremationservice.com.

In lieu of flowers,

donations can be made to:

Mr. Mike’s Maine’s Fenway Park Endowment Fund at https://www.clubaycc.org/giving/

or to: the Rome and Belgrade Lakes Fire & Rescue Departments via check mailed to

8 Mercer Rd.

Rome, ME 04963 or

via credit card by calling 207-397-4011 in Mike’s memory

Giving – Alfond Youth & Community Center