Rocco B. Commisso Passes Away, Announces Mediacom Communications
Mediacom Communications has announced the passing of its founder and CEO, Rocco B. Commisso, with deep sadness. Commisso was a trailblazer in the cable television industry and the founder of Mediacom, which he established in 1995. His vision was to improve cable services in underserved communities across the United States.
Rocco B. Commisso’s Career Highlights
Commisso’s career spanned nearly five decades, making him one of the most prominent Italian immigrant entrepreneurs. Born in Calabria, Italy, he immigrated to the U.S. at age 12. He graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Bronx in 1967 and later attended Columbia University, earning both a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA.
Growth of Mediacom
- Founded in 1995.
- Had a successful IPO in 2000.
- Grew to become the 5th largest cable provider in the U.S.
- Served over 3 million households across 22 states.
- Took the company private in 2011, maintaining it as a family-owned business.
Contributions to the Cable Industry
Commisso held key leadership roles before founding Mediacom. He served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Cablevision Industries, where he helped the company grow significantly. He was also involved with numerous organizations, including the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and C-SPAN.
A Life of Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Commisso received various prestigious awards, including:
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
- National Italian American Foundation’s Life Achievement Award
- Ellis Island Medal of Honor
- Vanguard Award for Distinguished Leadership
He was inducted into several halls of fame, including the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame and the Cable Center Hall of Fame. Mediacom was recognized as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and the Wall Street Journal from 2021 to 2025.
Impact on Education and Sports
Commisso was dedicated to educational initiatives, funding scholarships through the World Class Scholars Program and establishing the Rocco B. Commisso American Dream Fund in 2014. He also supported Columbia University’s soccer program, which named its soccer venue in his honor.
Commitment to Soccer
In addition to his business accomplishments, Commisso was an active figure in soccer. In 2017, he acquired a majority stake in the New York Cosmos, a historic soccer club known globally. His contribution to soccer also included the purchase of ACF Fiorentina in 2019, where he served as president. Under his tenure, the club opened Rocco B. Commisso Viola Park, a state-of-the-art training facility.
Conclusion
Rocco B. Commisso leaves behind a legacy of innovation, dedication to community development, and significant advancements in both the cable television and soccer industries. His contributions will be remembered by those who knew him and the countless lives he impacted.
