Rocky Marciano Net Worth : Rocky Marciano, born Rocco Francis Marchegiano on September 1, 1923, in Brockton, Massachusetts, is remembered as one of the greatest boxers in history. He was an American professional boxer who fought from 1947 to 1955. Rocky Marciano is best known for holding the World Heavyweight Championship title from 1952 to 1956. What makes his legacy truly remarkable is that he remains the only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated. Marciano passed away on August 31, 1969, just a day before his 46th birthday. This biography delves into his life, family, career, and tragic death, offering a detailed glimpse into the man behind the legend.
Quick Information Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rocco Francis Marchegiano |
| Known As | Rocky Marciano |
| Birth Date | September 1, 1923 |
| Birth Place | Brockton, Massachusetts, USA |
| Died | August 31, 1969 |
| Age at Death | 45 years |
| Place of Death | Newton, Iowa, USA |
| Weight | 85 kg |
| Division | Heavyweight |
| Martial Art | Boxing |
| Spouse | Barbara Cousins (m. 1950–1969) |
| Children | Mary Anne Marciano, Rocco Kevin Marciano |
| Parents | Pierino Marchegiano, Pasqualina Picciuto |
| Siblings | Louis, Peter, Alice, Concetta, Elizabeth |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Religion | Catholic |
Early Life and Background
Rocky Marciano was born to Italian immigrant parents, Pierino Marchegiano and Pasqualina Picciuto. His father hailed from Ripa Teatina in the Abruzzo region of Italy, while his mother came from San Bartolomeo in Galdo, Campania. Rocky grew up on the south side of Brockton, Massachusetts, with his two brothers, Louis (“Sonny”) and Peter, and his three sisters, Alice, Concetta (“Ketta”), and Elizabeth.
At just 18 months old, Rocky contracted pneumonia, a disease that nearly claimed his life. Growing up, he was known for his toughness and determination. He began exercising with homemade weightlifting equipment and often used a stuffed mailbag hung from a tree as a punching bag. He attended Brockton High School, where he played both baseball and football. However, he was cut from the school baseball team for joining a church league, violating school rules. After completing the 10th grade, he dropped out of school and worked various jobs, including as a shoemaker, ditch digger, railroad layer, and delivery truck driver for the Brockton Ice and Coal Company.
Military Service and Amateur Boxing Career
In March 1943, during World War II, Marciano was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served for three years, stationed in Swansea, Wales, where he helped transport supplies across the English Channel to Normandy. After the war, he finished his military service at Fort Lewis, Washington, in March 1946.
While awaiting his discharge, Marciano began his amateur boxing career. He represented the U.S. Army in the 1946 Armed Forces boxing tournament, where he emerged victorious. His amateur career briefly paused on March 17, 1947, when he stepped into the ring as a professional boxer at the Valley Arena Gardens in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where he fought under the name “Rocky Mack.” After knocking out local fighter Lee Epperson in three rounds, Marciano returned to amateur boxing. He participated in the Golden Gloves All-East Championship in March 1948 but lost to Coley Wallace in a controversial decision. His amateur journey continued as he tried out for the U.S. Olympic team. However, a hand injury forced him to withdraw, ending his amateur career.
Professional Boxing Career
Marciano officially began his professional boxing career on July 12, 1948, with a victory over Harry Bilizarian. He quickly made a name for himself with a ferocious fighting style, winning his first 16 fights by knockout, with nine of them ending in the first round. In an early fight, he decided to change the spelling of his last name from Marchegiano to Marciano after a ring announcer had trouble pronouncing it. His handlers suggested the name “Rocky Mack,” but Marciano opted for the more Italian-sounding “Marciano.”
Marciano’s career saw him winning multiple bouts, including a memorable fight with Ted Lowry, which he won by unanimous decision, despite Lowry being a tough competitor. By December 1949, Marciano had built a reputation by defeating experienced fighters like Phil Muscato and Carmine Vingo. His relentless drive and powerful punches earned him respect in the boxing world.
In 1952, Rocky Marciano achieved his dream by winning the World Heavyweight Championship. He knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott in the 13th round with a devastating right hand punch. He successfully defended his title six times, defeating top fighters such as Ezzard Charles, Don Cockell, and Archie Moore. On April 27, 1956, at the age of 31, Marciano retired undefeated with a professional record of 49-0, including 43 knockouts.
Personal Life
In 1947, Rocky met Barbara Cousins, the daughter of a Brockton police sergeant. They married on December 31, 1950, and had a daughter, Mary Anne. Later, they adopted a son, Rocco Kevin. Rocky was a devout Catholic who attended Mass regularly. He once said, “The biggest thrill I can think of would be an audience with the Pope.”
Death and Legacy
On August 31, 1969, the day before his 46th birthday, Rocky Marciano tragically died in a plane crash. He was a passenger on a small private aircraft, a Cessna 172, flying from Chicago to Des Moines, Iowa. The pilot, Glenn Belz, had limited flying experience, especially at night and in poor weather conditions. While attempting to land at a small airfield outside Newton, Iowa, the plane crashed into a tree two miles short of the runway. Along with Marciano, the pilot and another passenger, Frankie Farrell, also lost their lives. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that the crash resulted from the pilot exceeding his experience level and becoming disoriented in adverse weather conditions.
Rocky was on his way to give a speech and had a surprise birthday celebration planned upon his arrival. He is buried in a crypt at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Five years later, his wife, Barbara, passed away at the age of 46 from lung cancer and was interred next to him.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
At the time of his death, Rocky Marciano’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. Though modest by today’s standards, this was a significant amount in the 1960s. Marciano was known for his frugal lifestyle, and he avoided flashy displays of wealth. He preferred a simple life, often choosing to spend time with his family and close friends. Marciano also invested in several businesses, including a restaurant and a boxing promotion company.
Conclusion
Rocky Marciano’s legacy as an undefeated heavyweight champion endures in boxing history. Known for his relentless spirit and powerful punches, Marciano was a symbol of perseverance and determination. His life story, from humble beginnings to boxing greatness and his untimely death, continues to inspire fans worldwide. Though he left us far too soon, Rocky Marciano’s impact on the sport of boxing will be remembered forever.
