How old was Ron Barassi, Cause of Death, Funeral, Cup, Nationality, Heritage, Net Worth, Health
How old was Ron Barassi, Cause of Death, Funeral, Cup, Nationality, Heritage, Net Worth, Health – Ron Barassi, a name synonymous with Australian rules football, left an indelible mark on the sport. He passed away on September 16, 2023, at the age of 87. His life story is one of unparalleled achievements, both as a player and a coach. Let’s delve into the life of this iconic figure, from his early days to his legendary career, personal life, and lasting legacy.
Ron Barassi Early Life and Education
Ron Barassi was born on February 27, 1936, in Castlemaine, a town in central Victoria, Australia. He was the only child of Ron Barassi Sr., a renowned Australian rules footballer who played for the Melbourne Football Club. His grandfather, Reale Barassi, was an Italian immigrant who arrived in Australia in 1897, adding a touch of Italian heritage to his family’s Australian roots. His mother, Elza (née Dale), had English and Scottish ancestry.
| Name | Ronald Dale Barassi |
| Nick Name | Barass, Mr Football |
| Date of Birth | February 27, 1936 |
| Birth Place | Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia |
| Age (as of 2023) | 87 years old (died on September 16, 2023) |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Profession | Australian rules footballer, coach and media personality |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Ethnicity | White (Italian, English, Scottish) |
| Home Town/State | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| School | Princes Hill High School in Carlton North, Victoria |
| College | None |
| Educational Qualification | Not known |
| Religion | Not known |
| Hobbies | Not known |
| Marital Status | Married twice (divorced once) |
| Boyfriend | None |
Growing up in a working-class family, Barassi lived in various Melbourne suburbs. He attended Princes Hill High School but left at the age of 14 to pursue his football dreams.
Ron Barassi Personal Life
Ron Barassi’s personal life was marked by significant relationships and family. In 1957, he married Nancy Kellett, whom he had met at work four years earlier. They settled in Heathmont, an eastern suburb of Melbourne, and had three children: Susan, Ron Jr., and Richard. However, their marriage faced challenges, leading to their separation in 1975.
| Father Name | Ron Barassi Sr. (deceased) |
| Mother Name | Elza Barassi (née Dale) (deceased) |
| Brother(s) | None |
| Sister(s) | None |
| Wife/Husband | Nancy Nancarrow (married in 1958, divorced in 1970), Norma Lorraine (married in 1971) |
| Children | Ron Jr., Susan, Richard and Mark |
In 1981, Barassi embarked on a new chapter in his personal life when he married Cherryl Copeland, marking a significant change in his personal circumstances. Together, they navigated the complexities of his career and life in the public eye.
Ron Barassi Net Worth
Ron Barassi’s estimated net worth was approximately $3 million. His primary source of income came from his career as a player and coach in the VFL/AFL, earning salaries from various clubs, including Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne, and Sydney Swans.
Ron Barassi Legacy
Ron Barassi’s passing on September 16, 2023, marked the end of an era in Australian rules football. He left behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and passion for the game. His influence extended far beyond the field, making him not only a sporting icon but also a cultural figure in Australia.
Barassi’s advocacy for a national club-level competition demonstrated his commitment to the sport’s growth, and his contributions earned him a place among the greatest players and coaches in the history of Australian rules football. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes and fans alike, ensuring that Ron Barassi’s name lives on in the annals of Australian sport.
Ron Barassi Career Highlights
Ron Barassi’s impact on Australian rules football is immeasurable. He played 254 senior VFL (Victorian Football League) games for Melbourne and Carlton, winning six premierships as a player and two as a player-coach. But his influence extended beyond his playing days.
Barassi began his football journey at Melbourne under the father-son rule, which allowed the club to recruit him after his father’s tragic death during World War II. He lived with Norm Smith, Melbourne’s coach and a former teammate of his father. Under Smith’s guidance, Barassi evolved into a star midfielder who pioneered the ruck rover position. Known for his courage, skill, leadership, and unwavering passion for the game, he played a pivotal role in Melbourne’s six premiership wins between 1955 and 1964, captaining the team in two of them.
In a surprising move in 1965, Barassi left Melbourne to join Carlton as a player-coach. He transformed the struggling club into a powerhouse, leading them to premierships in 1968 and 1970. His playing career ended in 1969, but he continued as Carlton’s coach until 1971.
In 1973, Barassi took over as the coach of North Melbourne, a club that had never won a premiership. His leadership and strategic recruitment efforts saw North Melbourne clinch two flags in 1975 and 1977, making history as the first coach to lead three different clubs to premierships.
Barassi returned to Melbourne in 1981 as their coach, aiming to revive the club’s fortunes after a prolonged decline. Although he had previously guided them to a premiership in 1964, he couldn’t repeat the feat and left Melbourne in 1985 after failing to secure a finals spot.
In 1993, Barassi came out of retirement to coach the Sydney Swans, a club struggling to find success in New South Wales. Despite his efforts to promote the game and improve the Swans’ performance, he resigned in 1995 with limited success.
Barassi’s illustrious career extended to the representative stage, playing for Victoria in numerous interstate matches and national carnivals. He won two national championships and was named in the All-Australian team three times, even captaining Victoria on several occasions.
Media Career and Books
Beyond the football field, Ron Barassi made his mark in the media. He worked as a commentator, columnist, and author, sharing his insights and experiences. He authored several books, including “Barassi: The Biography” (1995), “Barassi: The Footballer” (2003), and “Barassi: The Coach” (2009). He also appeared in documentaries and films, such as “The Final Quarter” (2019), a documentary covering Adam Goodes’ final years in the AFL.
Ron Barassi Achievements and Honors
Ron Barassi’s contributions to Australian rules football and sports, in general, earned him numerous awards and recognitions. He became a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978 and received the Australian Sports Medal in 2000. He was named in the AFL Team of the Century as the rover and the VFL/AFL Italian Team of the Century as the coach. In 2010, he was honored with the AFLCA Coaching Legend Award.
Ron Barassi Social Media Accounts
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In conclusion, Ron Barassi was more than just a football legend; he was an embodiment of determination, innovation, and passion. His story serves as a testament to the power of sport to shape lives and leave an enduring legacy that transcends generations. Ron Barassi will forever be remembered as a true legend of Australian rules football and a cherished figure in the hearts of fans across the nation.
How old was Ron Barassi when he passed away?
Ron Barassi was 87 years old when he passed away.
How many premierships did Ron Barassi win?
Ron Barassi won six premierships during his career. Notably, he played in front of large crowds exceeding 100,000 for four of these premierships – in 1956, 1957, 1959, and 1964. The number of spectators ranged from 115,902 in 1956 to a somewhat lower attendance of 100,324 in 1957.
Why is it called the Barassi Line?
The Barassi Line is a term used to describe an imaginary line in Australia that roughly divides regions where Australian rules football or rugby league is the most popular football code. This term was coined by historian Ian Turner during his 1978 Ron Barassi Memorial Lecture.
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