Rocco "Rocky" A. Ortenzio

Rocco “Rocky” A. Ortenzio, a pioneer in physical therapy, local philanthropist and loving husband and family man, passed away on Oct. 26, surrounded by family. He was 91. 

Born in Steelton, PA to Filomena and Roscoe Ortenzio, he was the last of six children. After graduating from Harrisburg Catholic High School (now Bishop McDevitt), where he excelled in the sports of football and basketball, he went on to West Chester College (now West Chester University) and ultimately the University of Pennsylvania for his graduate degree in Physical Therapy. Upon graduation, he started in private practice as a physical therapist in Harrisburg, PA. From humble beginnings, Rocky combined his clinical expertise and business acumen to establish four separate health care companies in Central PA over the span of his six-decade career. His latest, Select Medical Corporation, is a Fortune 500 company. Rocky was co-founder of the Mechanicsburg, PA-based company for 28 years. He most recently served as chairman emeritus.

A roll-up-your sleeves visionary, Rocky’s drive to achieve with passion and purpose was instilled in him as a youngster in Steelton, PA, by parents who reminded him that whatever he was striving to do, do it well. That mindset propelled him to build his first company in 1969, Rehab Corporation. In 1979, he founded Rehab Hospital Services, constructing and operating a chain of community-based rehabilitation hospitals. In 1986, he co-founded Continental Medical Systems. In 1996, Rocky co-founded his longest standing venture, Select Medical, the nation’s largest provider of post-acute care, employing more than 50,000 employees.

As his career from a private practice physical therapist to entrepreneur began to take shape, so did his family. Rocky met his wife, Nancy (Miller) in 1954 at a local pool in Harrisburg, and the couple married in 1955. They had three sons -- John, Bob, and Marty – raising them in a tightly knit, Catholic household. Faith created a solid foundation for Rocky, who made his values a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. He regularly attended Mass at The Cathedral of St. Patrick in Harrisburg.

Rocky’s leadership, dedication, and generosity touched the lives of many, both within and outside of business. With philanthropy as a major part of Rocky’s life, he and Nancy created the Rocco and Nancy Ortenzio Foundation for the benefit of health care and education institutions primarily in the Central Pennsylvania region. Some of the Foundation’s many contributions include: The Rocco Ortenzio Stadium at Bishop McDevitt High School, Ortenzio Heart Center at Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center, Ortenzio Cancer Center at UPMC Pinnacle, Rocco Ortenzio Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and the Ortenzio Learning Center at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. 

Rocky is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, John (Mindy), Bob (Angela), and Marty (Mary Pat); 12 grandchildren, Lauren (Ortenzio) Small, Michael, Andrew, Alexis, Sara, Bryan, Kevin, Madeline, David, Emily (Ortenzio) Ernest, Patrick, and Matthew; and 13 great grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held at The Cathedral of St. Patrick at 212 State Street in Harrisburg on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. A private burial service for Rocco will be held at Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bishop McDevitt High School, 1 Crusader Way, Harrisburg, PA 17111.