The Italian club confirmed early on Saturday that Rocco Commisso, the president of ACF Fiorentina, has passed away at the age of 76 following a protracted period of medical care. Fiorentina acknowledged Commisso's death in a statement posted on its website, characterizing it as a devastating loss for his family, the team, and the larger football world. "After a protracted period of medical treatment, our beloved President has left us, and today we all mourn his passing," the statement said.
"He was a devoted and committed man who, along with his wife Catherine, achieved the milestone of 50 years of marriage, serving as an example and a beacon of hope for his family. Who, like his character—gentle and determined—was a rigorous yet devoted father to his kids.
The club described him as a kind family guy and a mentor to those around him, noting that he and his wife had been married for fifty years. The club was saddened when the American-Italian businessman took over Fiorentina seven years ago. During that time, he developed a strong bond with the team, its fans, and Florence.
It stated that Fiorentina made it to one Coppa Italia final and two UEFA Conference League finals under his direction.
According to the club, Commisso's greatest interest was football, and after he took over the Viola, Fiorentina became an important part of his life. He was well-known for his intimate bond with fans and his straightforward demeanor, frequently demanding to be referred to as just "Rocco."
"The greatest gift he gave himself was his love for Fiorentina. He spent amazing days with the boys and girls of the youth teams, always smiling and showing compassion." He devoted himself to his companies, Mediacom and Fiorentina, and their future, working nonstop until his last days.
His passion was football, and Fiorentina became so seven years ago when Rocco took over the Viola club and fell in love with the city of Florence and its followers.
With his remarkable empathy, he had simply told everyone, "Call me Rocco."
According to the statement, "he was always close to Florence and the Florentines, in everyday life and also during the most difficult period of the Covid emergency, when the 'Forza e Cuore' campaign provided substantial donations to the city's hospitals."
"Fiorentina's home, Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, will always bear his name—an enduring representation of his love and his wish to focus on the future of youth." The statement said, "The boys and girls who grew up under his tutelage in the youth academy have won trophies and continue their journey with Fiorentina's men's and women's first teams."
According to the club, the Commisso family thanked everyone who helped him in his last days and said that everyone who knew and worked with him would always remember him.
The statement continued, "A heartfelt thought in this moment of great sadness goes to everyone at Fiorentina—staff, players, and employees—to the entire Viola community, especially to the boys and girls who will continue to carry the Viola colors and the memory of our Rocco throughout Italy and the world."
Commisso is survived by his sisters Italia and Raffaelina, his wife Catherine, and their children Giuseppe and Marisa.
