OBITUARY Michael Magden January 8, 1952 – August 31, 2018 LONGTIME CLEVELAND PERSONALITY AND WELL-KNOWN BUSINESSMAN PASSES AWAY SOLON, OH (August 31, 2018) If you grew up in Cleveland, or lived here in the ’90 to early ‘00s, then you know that …”Mikey is gonna save you a lotta money”. That was the popular catchphrase that donned Cleveland airwaves for over 20 years and it was made popular by local businessman and beloved pitchman Mike “Mikey” Magden, who ran the now closed Regency Windows. He knew that windows weren’t an exciting topic per se – so he made it one.
And in the process, made a place for himself in Cleveland’s history with one of the most memorable and catchy local advertising slogans in recent decades. Magden passed away on Friday, August 31 after battling lung cancer surrounded by his family in his home in Solon. He was 66.
Magden grew up in Cleveland Heights where he graduated in 1970. Upon graduating high school, Magden worked with his father, Melvin, (who passed away in 2006) in their family business selling carpet up until his father retired. In 1993, he decided to take a chance and launch his own business, Regency Windows.
The company grew to employ over 200. He sold the business and retired in 2005. “I don’t know how you say thank you or goodbye to someone that has given you so much – unconditional love, a sense of responsibility and drive to never give in or take anything for granted,” said Harley Magden, 42, Mikey’s oldest son.
“My dad was this and more to me and I hope I am half the father to my two daughters that he was”. “Growing up, everyone was like, ‘oh, Mikey is your dad, how cool is that. ’ And I’d always smile with such pride because of course it was cool that your dad was on TV, but mostly because I was so proud of him.
Not just for the business he started, but for how he cared for people, his community and especially his family,” said Aaron Magden, 38, Mikey’s youngest son. “My dad was my hero and although my heart is heavy today, I am forever grateful that I had a front row seat to this man’s remarkable life”. Magden was a longtime resident of Solon, the place he raised his two sons whom would eventually follow in his footsteps and open their own company, Window Nation, now the country’s 7th largest window replacement company, of which the brothers co-own.
A trait they clearly inherited from their father, and something that always made the elder Magden beam with pride. “Our dad was our biggest inspiration in everything we did – and will continue to do,” added Harley. “Our company is just one small testament to that”.
Magden enjoyed every day of his retirement, especially traveling with his wife, Shelley, around the USA, visiting friends and family and taking full advantage of his favorite title: Papa Mikey. He was also a huge car aficionado with an unmatched passion for cars from the 60’s and 70’s. He’d attend at least 30 different car shows each year.
And wherever Magden traveled, someone always seemed to recognize him from TV and would recite the line he made famous… and he’d happily recite it right back. Magden is survived by his sons, his wife Shelley with whom he was with for 30 years, step-daughter Jessica, and 7 grandchildren. Services will be held on Sunday, September 2 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz in Cleveland Heights.
Michael Jay Magden beloved husband of Shelley (nee Neidus). Loving father of Harley (Beth) Magden, Aaron (Sara) Magden and Jessica (Tom) Bernot. Devoted grandfather of Shira, Talia, Macie, Brooke, Barrett, John and Owen.
Services will be held Sunday, September 2 at 11 AM at the BERKOWITZ-KUMIN-BOOKATZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL 1985 S. Taylor Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH. Interment Mt.
Olive Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the residence 37295 Tidewater Dr. Solon, OH. SUNDAY FOLLOWING SERVICES AND INTERMENT UNTIL 4 PM, SUNDAY EVENING 7 PM-9 PM, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY 2 PM-5 PM & 7 PM-9 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Mike Magden for Lung Cancer Research at Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Institute. Gifts can be sent to Cleveland Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655 or made online at giving.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
