Rocky Wirtz, one of the most successful owners in Chicago sports history, died unexpectedly. Check out his Net worth and death cause here.
Rocky Wirtz : Death Cause | What did die from | Net worth
Wirtz oversaw Wirtz Corporation’s commercial and residential real estate companies, wine and spirits distributor Breakthru Beverage Group, an insurance company, and banks in Illinois and Florida.
Wirtz was also half-owner of the Blackhawks’ home arena, the United Center, along with Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. He and Reinsdorf were co-chairmen of the arena’s Executive Committee.
Wirtz’s grandfather Arthur Wirtz bought the family’s first liquor distributorship in 1945. Wirtz grew up in the liquor business and assumed control of Wirtz Beverage Group in 2007.
In recognition of his many contributions to and leadership in the beverage industry, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America honored Wirtz with a Lifetime Leadership Award in 2014.
In 2014, Wirtz Beverage expanded outside the U.S. announcing it was taking over as the exclusive Canadian distributor for Diageo beer, wine and spirits brands.
The company was the first nationally established beverage alcohol broker in Canada.
Rocky Wirtz Death Cause
Former Chicago Blackhawks Chairman, Rocky Wirtz, passed away at the age of 70 after a brief illness, as reported by sources on Tuesday.
Wirtz was the chairman of the Blackhawks since 2007, when he inherited the franchise from his father, Bill. His grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, purchased the franchise in 1954 when Rocky Wirtz was two years old.
Wirtz passed away at NorthShore Evanston Hospital surrounded by his wife and children, according to a statement by the Wirtz Corporation.
“Our hearts are very heavy today,” said Danny Wirtz, CEO of the Blackhawks and the son of Rocky Wirtz, in a statement. “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.”
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the NHL family is deeply saddened by his sudden passing.
“Devoted to family and the Chicago Blackhawks, Rocky was a native son of Chicago and an accomplished businessman,” Bettman said in a release. “Rocky took over control of the Blackhawks in 2007 and almost immediately restored the passion and following of this storied, Original Six franchise.”
What did Rocky Wirtz die from
Wirtz died at NorthShore Evanston Hospital after a brief illness, according to a statement released by the Blackhawks. His wife Marilyn and his four children were with him at the time. He is also survived by six grandchildren.
“Rocky Wirtz was a champion in every sense of the word – in family, in business, in sports ownership, and most important, in life,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement.
“From his stalwart leadership of the Wirtz Corporation and multitude of corporate ventures, to the Blackhawks’ miracle run of three Stanley Cup champions in six seasons, he exemplified class and excellence at every turn.”
Wirtz’s grandfather, Arthur Wirtz, purchased the Blackhawks in 1954, when Wirtz was just two years old. Rocky Wirtz took over the team after his father, William, died in September 2007.
William Wirtz was nicknamed “Dollar Bill” for his frugality when it came to acquiring the services of the game’s best players.
And the team struggled while playing in front of small crowds in its early years at the United Center, making only one playoff appearance from 1998-2008.
Wirtz rebuilt the Blackhawks and oversaw their three Stanley Cup championships. With Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane leading the way, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013 and 2015. The team also made it to the 2014 Western Conference Final, losing to the Los Angeles Kings in an epic seven-game series.
At the Billy Goat Tavern on Madison, where photos of Blackhawks legends grace the walls, fans learned the news.
“He got a legacy. He got a big legacy and he won three championships, and he brought excitement back to the fans of Chicago,” said Rodney Fox, fan.
Net worth
Rocky Wirtz is a chairman of NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks who has a net worth of $500 million.
Rocky Wirtz also gained his net worth as president of Wirtz Corporation as well as overseeing a number of commercial companies.