New York - A veil of sadness envelops the world of football and the city of Florence. Rocco Commisso, the visionary owner of Fiorentina, has died at the age of 76. The feared and painful news comes directly from the United States, where the Italian-American entrepreneur lived. Commisso passed away after a prolonged period of treatment, surrounded by the love of his loved ones.
The sad news was announced by the family that had always been the cornerstone of his life: his wife, Catherine, his children, Giuseppe and Marisa, and his sisters, Italia and Raffaelina. "After a prolonged period of treatment, our beloved President has left us, and today we all mourn his passing," reads the official statement released recently.
A stern father and a faithful husband
The portrait that emerges from the family's words is intimate and touching, far from the spotlight of the stadium. For his loved ones, Rocco was "an example, a guide, a loyal and faithful man." Right beside his wife, Catherine, he had recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, while for his children he was a "strict and loving" father, an oxymoron that perfectly describes his character: sweet yet firm, capable of great emotional outbursts and iron determination.
"Call Me Rocco": Love for Florence
Football wasn't just a business, but a late and overwhelming love. When he took over the Viola club seven years ago, Commisso introduced himself with a phrase that has become part of the city's recent history: "Call me Rocco." A direct, empathetic approach that broke down the barriers between the presidency and the fans.
"His love for Fiorentina was the most beautiful gift he ever gave himself," the statement continues. This affection was demonstrated not only during the holidays, but especially during the Covid emergency, when he donated significant sums to the city's hospitals through the 'Strength and Heart' campaign.
The Legacy: Viola Park and the European Finals
Unstoppable to the very end, Commisso worked for the future of his companies, Mediacom and Fiorentina, until his final days. But his greatest monument will remain the Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park. "The home of Fiorentina will forever bear his name," the statement emphasizes. An indelible mark designed for the young players of the youth academy, those he loved to greet with a caress and a smile.
Under his presidency, the team experienced moments of sporting renaissance, reaching two Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final. "The club is not for sale," he often repeated, reflecting a long-term project that must now be continued in his name.
The family's farewell message ends with a thank you to all the Viola fans: "We miss you and we will always miss you."
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Comments (1)
It's a great shame that Rocco Commisso has passed away, and a loss for Fiorentina. He was not just a president, but also a man who did so much for the city. His donations during Covid were significant.