The club’s lengthy statement. Also included is a statement from the New York Cosmos, the club in which he had acquired a majority stake in 2017: “A passionate leader”

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

“After a prolonged period of treatment, our beloved President has left us, and today we all mourn his passing. To his family, he was a role model, a guide, a loyal and faithful man who, alongside his wife Catherine, reached the milestone of 50 years of marriage; and to his children, he was a strict yet loving father—just as his character was: gentle yet resolute. His love for Fiorentina was the greatest gift he ever gave himself, spending unforgettable days with the boys and girls of the youth teams, always with a kind word and a smile for everyone. Unstoppable, he worked right up until his final days, dedicating himself to his companies, Mediacom and Fiorentina, and to their future. Soccer was his passion, and Fiorentina became his passion seven years ago when Rocco took the helm of the club and began to love its fans, its colors, and the city of Florence. “Call me Rocco,” he had simply told 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-19 emergency, when the “Forza e Cuore” campaign directed 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 mark of affection and a desire to look toward the future of young people. These were “his” young players who grew up in the youth academy, winning youth trophies and continuing their journey with Fiorentina’s men’s and women’s first teams. Under his leadership, Fiorentina reached two Conference League finals and one Coppa Italia final.”

A thought for the Viola—  And then: “The Commisso family wishes to thank everyone who has stood by 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. Our deepest thoughts at this sad time go out to everyone at Fiorentina—the staff, players, and employees—to all those who knew Rocco, to all the Viola fans, and above all to all the 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 U.S., the New York Cosmos—the club acquired in 2017—also express 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 to 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 future generations. The New York Cosmos extend their deepest condolences to his wife Catherine, his children Giuseppe and Marisa, his extended family, and all those whose lives were touched by Rocco.”