Skip to main content

Rocco "Rocky" A. Ortenzio, PT, a physical therapist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, passed away on Oct. 26 at age 91.

Born in Steelton, Pennsylvania, Ortenzio began his career in private practice, evolving into a business owner. His ventures included founding or co-founding four health care companies, the largest being Select Medical Corporation, now a Fortune 500 company employing over 50,000 people.

In 1956, Ortenzio served as a delegate to the House of Delegates in the Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association, now APTA Pennsylvania. He was one of the charter donors to the Physical Therapy Fund, Inc. in 1987. The PT Fund later evolved into the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research. In 2021, Ortenzio and Select Medical supported APTA's celebrations related to its centennial anniversary.

Ortenzio's dedication extended beyond business, giving generously through the Rocco and Nancy Ortenzio Foundation. His contributions established critical health centers and educational resources across Central Pennsylvania.

Ortenzio's legacy will continue to inspire the field of health care and beyond.


You Might Also Like...

Article

New ChoosePT Resources to Help You Educate Patients and Grow Demand

Apr 28, 2026

APTA's consumer-focused website, ChoosePT.com, continues to expand with new and regularly updated resources designed to help the public better understand

Article

New VA Scheduling System Eases Administrative Burden for Community Care PTs

Apr 28, 2026

Physical therapists providing care to veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network are seeing long-awaited relief from

Article

CMS Requests Accelerated Medicaid Provider Revalidations: What PTs Need to Know

Apr 27, 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has asked all state Medicaid agencies to conduct a "swift revalidation" of certain Medicaid providers identified