Rocky Wirtz Obituary, Wife: Chicago Blackhawks Owner Dies at 70

The NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks announced today that team owner and chairman Rocky Wertz has died at the age of 70.

Blackhawks fans, players and executives are in mourning when Wirtz, who also served as president of his family’s Wirtz Corporation, passed away on July 25, 2023.

Who was Rocky Wirtz?

Born in Chicago on Oct. 5, 1952, Wirtz devoted his career to expanding the family’s business empire while revitalizing his hometown’s struggling hockey club. After his father passed away in 2007, he officially took over the team.

William Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz was an American businessman. He was the principal owner and chairman of the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League. He was also president of the Blackhawks’ parent company, the Wirtz Corporation, a diversified conglomerate headquartered in Chicago.

Rocky Wirtz Cause of Death

NHL franchise chairman and principal owner Rocky Wirtz passed away at the age of 70 after a short illness, the family confirmed just after 7 p.m. Tuesday.

We are deeply saddened to join the Wirtz Family in mourning the sudden passing of our Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz today at the age of 70. pic.twitter.com/WA58pXWl9M

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) July 26, 2023

Rocky Wirtz Wife

Rocky Wirtz was married twice before his death in July 2023.

His first marriage was to a lady named Kathleen. They have three children. It’s unclear when they got married, but they separated in 2003.

The late American businessman married Marilyn after divorcing Catherine. The couple lived in Chicago’s north suburbs until his death in 2023.

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Rocky Wirtz Children (Son, Daughter)

Rocky Wirtz is survived by four children. His surviving children are Danny Wirtz, Hillary Wirtz (Erin Quaglia), Kendall (Brendan) Murphy, and Marilyn’s daughter Elizabeth Queen (Joe Barley).

“Our hearts are very heavy today,” Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz, Rocky’s son, said on Twitter. “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. … His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of many and we will miss him terribly.”

Blackhawks CEO Danny Wirtz