W Rockwell Wirtz

Rocky Wirtz, co-chairman and founder of US distributor Breakthru Beverage Group and owner of ice hockey team Chicago Blackhawks, has died at the age of 70. Wirtz died July 25, 2023 at NorthShore Evanston Hospital in Illinois following a ‘brief illness’, according to a statement. He was the principal founder of Breakthru Beverage Group, North America’s third-largest wholesale alcohol company. Wirtz was also a former chairman of trade body the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). In addition to his son Danny, who is the Chicago Blackhawks’ chief executive, Mr. Wirtz’s survivors include his wife, Marilyn (Queen) Wirtz; two daughters, Kendall Murphy and Hillary Wirtz; a stepdaughter, Elizabeth Queen; and six grandchildren. His marriage to Kathleen Whiston ended in divorce.