AKRON (AP) — Longtime radio host Howie Chizek of Akron’s radio station WNIR died Saturday while traveling for charity work, said the station’s president.

Bob Klaus said Chizek’s family confirmed the 65-year-old died while traveling to northern Florida. The family told Klaus that Chizek died of a heart attack.

The popular radio host was on the air six days a week and had worked at the station for 38 years. He also served as public announcer for the Cleveland Cavaliers at Richfield Coliseum for 17 years, between the 1970s and 1990s.

“He was absolutely amazing talent who had gigantic charisma,” Klaus said. “And behind the scenes he was a very warm, gentle man.”

Chizek was on the first day of vacation taking 10 underprivileged youths along with several chaperones to Walt Disney World as part of his annual charity program. Klaus said Chizek had paid for the children’s trips.

“He just loved to make the world a better place by giving kids an opportunity to develop and grow into productive members of society,” he said.

Klaus said arrangements for funeral services are still pending.

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