Bay Area Rocker Eddie Money Dead At 70

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Eddie Money, the former New York City police officer who rose to rock fame with such hits as 'Two Tickets to Paradise' has died at the age of 70, his family announced Friday.

In August, the Bay Area rock legend announced he had been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.

"The Money Family regrets to announce that Eddie passed away peacefully early this morning," the family's statement read. "It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our loving husband and father. We cannot imagine our world without him. We are grateful that he will live on forever through his music."

Money grew up in New York City and followed his father's lead and became a NYPD police officer. But after two years, he moved to Berkeley and eventually launched a singing career that included many of the hits that were the soundtrack of the 1970s-1980s.

In 1977, Money -- whose real name was Edward Joseph Mahoney -- released his debut album on Columbia Records. Containing hits like 'Baby Hold On' and 'Two Tickets to Paradise' the album went double platinum.

In 1986, he released 'Take Me Home Tonight' -- a duet with Ronnie Spector, which became a major hit and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

A reality television series about Money and his family called "Real Money" -- aired on AXS TV starting in April 2018.

He had numerous health problems recently, including heart valve surgery earlier this year and pneumonia after the procedure, leading to his cancellation of a planned summer tour.

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora tweeted "God Bless Eddie Money," while Debbie Gibson called him a "true legend."

Comedian Kevin James posted on his Instagram account a picture of Money when he appeared on his TV series "King of Queens," and wrote, "Gonna miss you, pal. May God grant you peace. Thank you for your incredible talent and kind heart! You and your family remain in my prayers."

Money is survived by his wife Laurie and five children -- daughter Jesse Money, and sons Zachary, Joseph, Desmond and Julian. No details of a memorial service have been released.