Rocky Wirtz was a famous American businessman known for being the principal owner and chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks, a professional ice hockey team in the NHL.
He was also the president of the team’s parent company, the Wirtz Corporation, located in Chicago. Rocky took over the team from his father, Bill, after his father passed away in 2007.
During his time as the team’s owner, the Chicago Blackhawks had a lot of success. They made it to the playoffs 10 times and reached five Western Conference Finals.
Under his leadership, the team won three Stanley Cup titles, which is a big deal in hockey. They brought the prestigious Cup to Chicago in 2010, 2013, and 2015.
Unfortunately, Rocky Wirtz passed away at the age of 70 on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at NorthShore Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Illinois.
Rocky Wirtz Cause of Death
Rocky Wirtz, who was 70 years old, passed away on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at NorthShore Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. The reason for his passing has not been made known to the public yet.
His son, Danny Wirtz, who is the CEO of the Blackhawks, expressed the family’s sadness and mentioned that Rocky was not only a hardworking businessman but also a caring father, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather to six grandchildren.
“Our hearts are very heavy today. Our dad was a passionate businessman committed to making Chicago a great place to live, work and visit, but his true love was for his family and close friends.”
“He was a loving father, a devoted husband to Marilyn, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and a doting grandfather to his six remarkable grandchildren. His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many and we will miss him terribly”
Rocky Wirtz’s sudden death has sent shock waves through the sports world. Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the NHL, was very sad about Wirtz’s death. He praised his commitment to his family, the Blackhawks, and his business successes.
A statement from Danny Wirtz, Blackhawks CEO and son of Rocky Wirtz. pic.twitter.com/6klkrpc0NV
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 26, 2023
Heartfelt Tribute to Rocky Wirtz
Bettman said in a statement, “The National Hockey League family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of W. Rockwell ‘Rocky’ Wirtz,” “Devoted to family and the Chicago Blackhawks, Rocky was a native son of Chicago and an accomplished businessman. Rocky took over control of the Blackhawks in 2007 and almost immediately restored the passion and following of this storied, Original Six franchise.”
Under his guidance, the Blackhawks made a comeback and won three Stanley Cups, which made Chicago fans love him.
Colleagues and friends, such as Jerry Reinsdorf, Chairman of the Chicago Bulls and White Sox, George McCaskey, Chairman of the Chicago Bears, and Tom Ricketts, Chairman of the Chicago Cubs, all praised Wirtz’s great work and generosity.
“Everyone liked Rocky,” Reinsdorf said. “He was smart, passionate, generous, personable and friendly. He cared deeply about the Blackhawks, the people who worked for the team and at the United Center, Blackhawks fans and the city of Chicago.”
Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson both said he was a real champion and a giant in Illinois.
