CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Former co-owner of the legendary Cleveland restaurant Sokolowski’s University Inn has died.

65-year-old Michael Sokolowski passed away on Tuesday, according to his obituary.

Established in Tremont in 1923, Sokolowski’s University Inn was Cleveland’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. It was a recipient of the prestigious James Beard “American Classics” Award in 2014. It closed it doors for good in 2020.

Read Obit below

MICHAEL PAUL SOKOLOWSKI, age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski’s University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105.

Mass of Christian burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

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We are beginning to see the 2026 roster shape up – now it’s time to get your time machines out.

What Cleveland baseball player from the past would make the biggest impact on the 2026 Cleveland Guardians?

Is it 2017 Francisco Lindor anchoring the team from the shortstop position? Or 1948 Lou Boudreau?

Is it 2002 Jim Thome or 2006 Travis Hafner providing thump in the middle of the lineup? Maybe 1953 Al Rosen gets to DH and spell Jose at third?

Is it 2014 Michael Brantely in right field? 1994 Kenny Lofton in center? 2006 Grady Sizemore in center? 1920 Tris Speaker in center?

1995 Albert Belle providing a shock to the system in left?

Or do you want an ace – maybe 2017 Corey Kluber, 1946 Bob Feller, 2008 CC Sabathia, 1969 Sam McDowell, 1972 Gaylord Perry, 2008 Cliff Lee or 1968 Luis Tiant?

Let us know your choice in the comments below!

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A house explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood caught its two neighboring houses and a car on fire and covered the street in thick smoke.

The family who lived in the house that exploded was not home at the time, Cleveland Fire confirmed.

Cleveland EMS told 19 News that paramedics evaluated a 14-year-old boy in stable condition and will be transported by private vehicle for medical assistance.

All residents were safely evacuated and are being assisted by the Red Cross.

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The houses are in the 5900 block of Cable Avenue, east of Broadway.

The two-story house that exploded collapsed after noon, Cleveland Fire confirmed.

The explosion and blaze caught the neighboring houses on both sides on fire, Cleveland Fire said.

Below is raw video our 19 News crews captured on scene:

Our cameras captured a first responder carrying a young child on the street away from the home, but it is unknown which house the child lived in.

Cleveland Fire said that 10 companies and 45 firefighters had all fires under control in an hour and a half.

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Clouds of smoke filled the nearby streets, creating dangerously low visibility and difficult breathing conditions.

The plume of smoke could be seen for miles, even in downtown Cleveland and Parma.

The cause of the explosion and the estimated damage amount have yet to be determined. Enbridge Gas is on scene, and 19 News is waiting to hear back.

Return to 19 News for updates.

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