LISBON, Ohio—Former tire industry publicist Michael E. Fay, 73, has passed away.
Fay formerly worked in public relations for the Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., and Smithers Rapra.
Fay joined Smithers in July, 1987, and he retired from there near the end of 2011.
“Mike was a true professional who made many contributions to Smithers in his nearly 25 years with us,” said Michael Hochschwender, president and CEO of the Smithers Group. “He was the driving force behind the highly respected Smithers Report, which continues as a daily resource for the tire and automotive industry. He was a trusted resource and good friend to everyone who knew him. He will certainly be missed and fondly remembered by all his friends at Smithers.”
Fay, a Kent State University graduate, was a member of the Public Relations Society of America. He co-owned Colleen's Place in Lisbon.
He is survived by his wife Colleen; his children, Kristin (Sam) Elson of Centreville, Va., and Michael P. (Missy) Fay of Haymarket, Va., as well as a sister and two brothers.