The long statement from the Viola club. The New York Cosmos, the club in which he acquired a majority stake in 2017, also issued a statement: “A passionate leader.”

“It is with great pain and sadness that the Commisso family, with his wife Catherine, children Giuseppe and Marisa, and sisters Italia and Raffaelina, announce the passing of President Rocco B. Commisso.” Thus begins the long and heartfelt official statement from Fiorentina, which on the night between January 16 and 17 broke the hearts of Italian sports fans and supporters, not only those of the Viola.

“After a prolonged period of treatment, our beloved President has left us, and today we all mourn his passing. He was an example and a guide to his family, a loyal and faithful man who, alongside his wife Catherine, reached the milestone of 50 years of marriage. He was a strict and loving father to his children, reflecting his sweet and determined character. His love for Fiorentina was the most beautiful gift he gave himself, spending unforgettable days with the boys and girls of the youth teams, always with a caress and a smile for everyone. Unstoppable, he worked until his last days, dedicating himself to his companies Mediacom and Fiorentina and their future. Soccer was his love, and Fiorentina became his seven years ago when Rocco took charge of the Viola club and began to love its fans, its colors, and the city of Florence. “Call me Rocco,” he simply said to everyone, with his extraordinary empathy. And he was always close to Florence and the Florentines, in everyday life and even during the most difficult period of the Covid emergency when the ‘Forza e Cuore’ campaign allocated substantial donations to the city’s hospitals. The Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, the home of Fiorentina, will live on forever bearing his name. An indelible sign of affection and a desire to look to the future of young people. His ‘own’ boys who grew up in the youth academy, winning youth trophies and continuing their journey in Fiorentina’s men’s and women’s first teams. Under his leadership, Fiorentina reached two Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final.”

thoughts for the Viola—  And then: “The Commisso family would like to thank all those who have been close to them during these difficult times and is certain that the memory of Rocco will remain forever in the hearts of the many people who loved him and who shared both difficult and wonderful moments with him. In such a sad moment, our thoughts go out to everyone at Fiorentina, the staff, players, employees, all those who knew Rocco, all the Viola fans, and above all, all those young men and women who will continue to carry the purple colors and the memory of our Rocco throughout Italy and the world. We miss you and will always miss you.”

condolences new york cosmos—  From the US, the New York Cosmos, a club purchased in 2017, also expressed their condolences for their number one: “The New York Cosmos mourn the passing of Rocco B. Commisso. We pay tribute to the life of Rocco B. Commisso, a passionate leader who dedicated his life to soccer and the future of the sport in this country. Rocco fought for the best of American soccer, believing in the growth of the sport, the importance of community, and the power of clubs to inspire the next generation. The New York Cosmos extends its deepest condolences to his wife Catherine, his children Giuseppe and Marisa, his extended family, and all those whose lives were touched by Rocco.”