Our condolences to the family of radio engineer Mark Zerang, who passed away late Friday after battling lung cancer. Though we didn't know him personally, we had heard him named and thanked on many radio broadcasts in recent years. And it's become clear to us in just the past few days that he was among the finest -- and most widely respected -- radio engineers working in Chicago. Zerang's death will certainly leave some very large shoes to fill in the engineering ranks in the local radio market.

A wake for Zerang is being held today at Drake and Sons, 5303 N. Western Avenue in Chicago. The funeral is Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ita's Catholic Church, 5500 N. Broadway in Chicago. Interment is private.

The thoughts and prayers of many of Chicago's most prominent radio personalities and executives are with freelance radio engineer Mark Zerang, who is mounting a brave fight against lung cancer. Zerang has in fact been battling cancer for more than two years, but only went public with his fight two weeks ago.

By all accounts, Zerang is considered a true legend in Chicago radio broadcasting circles, though he works behind the scenes, not in front of the microphone. Over the course of a career spanning more than 25 years, Zerang has worked with a wide array of familiar broadcasters, including Pat Foley, Tom Thayer, Troy Murray, Steve Dahl, Hub Arkush, Ed Farmer and many more.

"It was never about him; it is always about the games, the broadcasters and the fans," said Mitch Rosen, program director at CBS Radio Chicago's sports talk WSCR-AM (670). Zerang's one goal in his job has been to ensure the sound of whatever show he was working on was exactly what it needed to be for the listening public. Over the past quarter century, Zerang has engineered countless sporting events for radio, including Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Blackhawks and Bulls games. He also has enhanced the broadcasts of various talents beyond sports, including Dahl, Kevin Matthews and Orion Samuelson.

Many of the people who have worked with Zerang over the years have in recent days paid a visit to his home in Rogers Park to thank him and once again acknowledge their respect for him and his amazing skills.