Brockton Post Office named for Marciano

Bush signs bill honoring boxing 'Blockbuster'

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the James Edgar Playground to welcome Rocky Marciano and his wife, Barbara, after he defeated Joe Louis in 1951. The Marcianos lived across the street. (Acme)

Still fondly remembered in Brockton decades after his death, Rocky Marciano is now putting his stamp on the city's Post Office.

President Bush signed a bill into law Tuesday naming the Commercial Street building after Marciano, the rugged 1950s heavyweight champ known as the Brockton Blockbuster.

"His relentless work ethic, his pride in his community, and his determination to excel . . . made him a shining example of what is best about the City of Brockton," US Representative Stephen F. Lynch, who filed the legislation at the request of Mayor James E. Harrington, said in a statement. "I am proud that we are able to honor him with such a fitting tribute."

Harrington said the naming of the building was "a tribute to Rocky and the city."

The high school football stadium is already named after Marciano, as is a street near where the famed boxer grew up. There is also a plaque honoring him in a park near his childhood home.

The World Boxing Council has also announced plans to erect a statue of him. Locations being considered are City Hall Plaza and Campanelli Stadium, where the Brockton Rox minor league baseball team plays, Harrington said.

The mayor said the city is also looking at implementing a historic trail that would connect various Marciano-related sites in the city.

"We'll get it going," Harrington said.

Marciano, born and raised in the city, was undefeated in 49 professional fights, with 43 knockouts. He reigned as world champion from September 1952, when he knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott in Philadelphia, to April 1956, when he retired. Marciano died in a plane crash Aug. 31, 1969.