Rocky Colavito

1933 - 2024

Rocky Colavito obituary, 1933-2024

Rocky Colavito

1933 - 2024

BORN

1933

DIED

2024

Rocky Colavito Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2024.

Rocky Colavito was a popular Major League Baseball player with the Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers in the 1950s and '60s, a six-time all-star who was one of the great sluggers of his era.

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Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.

(Photo: Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

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January 4, 2025

Greg Faires posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2024

Mr. Jr. posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2024

Bill Schur posted to the memorial.

24 Entries

Greg Faires

January 4, 2025

Rocky Colavito was my boyhood idol. I had #7 and played for the Tigers in Little League. What a thrill to see him play. Condolences to his family. He should be in the Hall of Fame. RIP!

Mr. Jr.

December 30, 2024

My condolences.

Bill Schur

December 27, 2024

I was born in Cleveland in 1950 and have followed the Indians/Guardians all my life. Rocky Colavito was my boyhood hero, as he was for so many young fans. When he was traded for Harvey Kuenn I was crushed. He will always be my hero. Rest in peace, Rocky. You gave us so many thrills and so much love. I can still see you at the plate with the bat behind your back, twisting to get loose.

My condolences to Rocky´s family.

As we said in Cleveland so many times, "Don´t knock the Rock!"

Bill Schur

Mary Zehel

December 16, 2024

When he played for the Detroit Tigers, I had a huge crush on him. I was 11years old & I thought he was the BEST player on the team. He is the reason I started following baseball. He was the Greatest in my book. My deepest sympathy to his family. R.I.P.

Sue Tegtmeier

December 15, 2024

RIP Ricky Colavito. My deepest condolences to your family and friends at this difficult time. You were one of best ball players to ever wear a Cleveland Indians uniform. I remember when you would have the kids stand in line for an autograph. Needless to say I have one. You will be missed. You belong in the Hall of Fame.

Sharon Shapiro

December 14, 2024

I was a member of the Cleveland Basebelles in 1966. The group had a dinner behind the fence, where I met him and his wife. We sat at the same table. I got his and other players´ autographs, while watching batting practice. He was a favorite of mine and will be greatly missed!

Ted Castor

December 14, 2024

I remember attending a Cleveland doubleheader, when Sam McDowell was put at second base and Rocky pitched. and struck out the batter and they both went back to their positions
It had to be around 1965 and in the second game Rocky hit grand slam against Don McMahon who later became as pitching coach for Cleveland.

Ted Castor

December 14, 2024

He & Herb Score making the 1955 Cleveland team as rookies

Tom LaMonica

December 13, 2024

Rocky Colavito was one of the classiest players in the major league history and should certainly be in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown for his ability alone. He was so nice to sign my mitt at an appearance in Akron, Ohio sixty-six years ago when I was ten years old. The Rock is a Cleveland Indian legend and there never will be another like him. RIP, Mr. Colavito.

Jonathan B

December 13, 2024

Remembering how Rocky would come out and unleash a few warm-up rockets to an Indians teammate just before the game began, right in front of the home dugout. ..Couldn't believe how the other guy's mitt popped.

A great baseball hero for Cleveland kids. RIP

Jeffrey Fuda

December 13, 2024

Every kid growing up in my Detroit neighborhood wanted to be Rocky whenever we played and wanted his #7 for a uniform number. I was fortunate enough to have met him in the summer of 1962 after a game at Tiger Stadium. I got 4 pictures with him, he told my father to take 4 to make sure I got a good one, and they all turned out great. He then signed my program, "To Jeff, From one player to another, Your friend, Rocky Colavito". That was the kind of man Rocky was, a great player but an even better human being. I will never forget his kindness to this then 15 year old kid from Detroit. He is and will always be my favorite player. RIP, Rocky Colavito, forever #7 in the Olde English "D".

Rosemary Varga

December 12, 2024

I was one of his bobby soxer friends. I went to a lot of games with my dad. I even got his autograph by waiting after a game for him to come out. He was so polite. I loved watching him play. I read all the books about him. May he rest in peace.

Angelo

December 12, 2024

Long Island with my Dad we went to see cousin ROCKY AND SPEND A OME TIME WITH ROCKY I WILL NEVER FORGET HE HAD A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR AND A FUNNY MAN BEING RELATED TO HIM ESPECIALLY WHEN HE SIGHNED HIS BAT FOR ME I WILL TREASURE HIM AND MY BAT AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS AND A SELADA TEA PHOTO I HAVE LOVE YOU COUSIN ROCKY

Phyllis LaVietes

December 12, 2024

I was only a fan of Rocky's, but he treated his fans like family and friends. I met him at several card shows and he would always remember me and ask about my family. He was not only a legendary ballplayer - he was a gentleman through and through. He was very beloved by thousands of people and he will be sorely missed. R.I.P., Rocky!

Angelo colavito

December 12, 2024

Rocky and my Dad are 1st cousins Angelo colavito was a N.Y.P.D police officer in the Bronx were they grew up I am Angelo colavito Jr we all loved ROCKY he gave us many autographed pictures and his bat & ball all signed to cousin Angelo colavito best wishes cousin ROCKY COLAVITO REST IN PEACE COUSIN ROCKY THE BEST

michael maffei

December 12, 2024

Rocky was a neighborhood icon on 174st and 3rd avenue in The Bronx.My mom spearheaded a welcome home neighborhood block party after the Rock's 4 HR game against Baltimore.I was all of 3 years old and had the honor of having my picture in Rocky's arms on the back page of the Daily News here in NY.I still proudly display that picture every chance I get.My oldest brother followed Rocky around the neighborhood every chance he got.My dad always said he "picthed baseballs" to a very young Rocky up at Crotona Park.He (Rocky) would always pass by my Uncle Nick's Bar with a glove looped on his bat that he had on his shoulder.I was happy I got to see and talk with him again when I was in my teens at Yankee Stadium.He will always be in all our hearts.Rest well Rock.One more thing.........You belong in the Hall Of Fame.

Ron Pruitt

December 12, 2024

I had the childhood thrill of not only seeing Rocky play for my Tigers when I was a youngster but also getting the opportunity to play for the Cleveland Indians when he was a coach . Always the perfect gentleman , Rocky was always approachable , and you knew he loved the game. His coaching was a main reason for what little success I enjoyed. Just being in the same room with The Rock was thrill of a lifetime. Bless you Rocky, and bless your wonderful family. RIP teammate.

Ralph Stupp

December 12, 2024

So sorry to hear of Rocky´s passing, he was a favorite player of mine and got the pleasure of talking with him and getting to know him when he would come to Cabela´s. My brother and I were amazed that he would ask for us by name when he came to the store. Rest in peace Rocky and our condolances to the family Ralph and Gary Stupp

Merl Lee

December 12, 2024

My condolences to your family. May you find comfort in the fulfilling life that Rocky lived as a baseball player.
May out Heavenly Father be with your family.

Beau Dare

December 12, 2024

There is nothing more thrilling in baseball as watching Rocky Colavito throwing a runner out at home plate, from deep right field, with his rifle arm.. Don't knock the Rock...
Beau Dare

Albert Alioto

December 11, 2024

One of the great players from my childhood as a baseball fan. One of those who did so much to make that truly a golden era. Rest in peace.

Francine Tate

December 11, 2024

It is with great sadness and heartfelt love and sympathy to the family of Rocky that we share in your deepest loss of such a tremendous friend. With love Rocky and countless memories rest in peace as you enter into Heaven. Francine and Johnny

Joe Ferraro

December 11, 2024

Did he attend Lafayette H S in Brooklyn
RSIP

Francis Helminski

December 11, 2024

Prayers for Rocky and his family. One of our family's all-time favorites, when he was with Reading, and with the Tigers and the Indians. Peace and rest to him.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

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Sign Rocky Colavito's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 4, 2025

Greg Faires posted to the memorial.

December 30, 2024

Mr. Jr. posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2024

Bill Schur posted to the memorial.