Breakthru co-chairman was a third-generation leader in the drinks business

Rocky Wirtz, co-chairman of Breakthru Beverage and a legend of the drinks industry, has passed away at age 70. In addition to leading Breakthru, the third-largest wholesaler of spirits and wine in the U.S. with projected 2023 revenues of $8.2 billion, along with co-chairman Charles Merinoff, Wirtz was owner of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, among other diverse business interests as head of his family’s Wirtz Corporation.

Rocky passed away yesterday at NorthShore Evanston Hospital following a brief illness, Breakthru confirmed. He was surrounded by his wife Marilyn and his children Danny, Hillary, Kendall, and Elizabeth.

“Our hearts are very heavy today,” said son Danny Wirtz, who serves as vice chairman of Breakthru. “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.” More on Wirtz’s life and career.—Daniel Marsteller