Vera Clemente, wife of former Pirates star outfielder, dies
Vera Clemente, the widow of former Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente, died Saturday at age 78.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vera Clemente, the widow of the great Roberto Clemente and a cherished member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball family,” Pirates chairman of the board Bob Nutting said in a statement.
“Vera epitomized grace, dignity and strength in the wake of heartbreaking tragedy and loss. Following Roberto’s passing, Vera raised their three sons into outstanding young men, while also working tirelessly to ensure her and her husband’s vision of compassion, service and love of others lived on forever.”
Vera Clemente was hospitalized and in delicate health, the Pirates announced Nov. 1.
She served as the chairwoman of the Roberto Clemente Foundation. She also traveled on behalf of MLB as a Goodwill Ambassador.
“As a Goodwill Ambassador for MLB, Vera impacted countless children and extended her family’s humanitarian legacy of helping those in need,” said MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred Jr. in a statement. “With grace and strength, she led the way in welcoming players to the fraternity of Roberto Clemente Award winners, the single most prestigious off-the-field honor in our game.”
She hosted a telethon in Puerto Rico to raise funds for Ciudad Roberto Clemente, a sporting complex in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Vera and Roberto Clemente were married Nov. 14, 1963. Roberto Clemente went on to play 18 seasons in the majors and was selected to 15 All-Star games as part of a Hall of Fame career.
He became known worldwide for his charity work in Latin America and Caribbean countries in the offseason.
On Dec. 31, 1972, he died in a plane crash while en route to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
His wife continued to be a Goodwill Ambassador in his name.
She is survived by three sons: Roberto Clemente Jr., Luis Clemente and Roberto Enrique.
“Vera was an amazing ambassador for the Pirates organization, our city, the game of baseball and their beloved Puerto Rico,” Nutting said. “It is with very heavy hearts that we send our condolences to Roberto Jr., Luis, Enrique and the entire Clemente family. May they find comfort in knowing that Vera and Roberto are together once again.”
Condolences quickly surfaced on social media:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Vera Clemente, the widow of the great Roberto Clemente and a cherished member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Major League Baseball family. pic.twitter.com/ol23iJPP70
— Pirates (@Pirates) November 17, 2019
Rob Manfred released a statement on the passing of Vera Clemente, wife of legendary Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente via MLBPR: pic.twitter.com/oFR0soXEnz
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) November 17, 2019
The Clemente family has meant so much to #Pittsburgh for so long.
Our city has lost a dear friend. Thank you, Vera for always caring for our city. https://t.co/FdG10q3TOV
— City of Pittsburgh (@CityPGH) November 17, 2019
Pittsburgh sends our prayers to the Clemente family, on the loss of Vera. https://t.co/RV8aVP6BKc
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) November 17, 2019
Deepest sympathies to the #Clemente family on Vera’s passing. Her contributions to this community & her special bond with Pittsburgh will long be remembered.
— Allegheny Co. Exec. (@ACE_Fitzgerald) November 17, 2019
Our family is truly saddened to hear of the loss of our dear friend Vera Clemente. Our thoughts and prayers are with her sons Roberto Jr., Luis and Enrique. We will always remember her Smile, Kindness and Beautiful Heart. Descansa En Paz Querida Vera. @RClementejr21 pic.twitter.com/IzhAGvErA6
— Omar Renan Moreno Q (@OmarMoreno79) November 17, 2019
Da Zappala & staff send deepest sympathies to the Clemente family on the passing of Vera Clemente. Vera will always be a role model for how to be strong and dignified as she carried on the mission of her hero husband Roberto. Pittsburgh will miss her deeply.
— AlleghenyCountyDA (@AlleghenyCoDA) November 17, 2019
Rest in Peace Vera Clemente, widow of Roberto Clemente. pic.twitter.com/9jESjTq2M6
— Baseball In Pics (@baseballinpix) November 17, 2019
RIP Vera Clemente, widow of HoFer Roberto Clemente?? , who spent his entire career w the #Pirates, has died at the age of 81. Here's the @sabr bio of her husband, the Great One https://t.co/YxOkqSdJo6 pic.twitter.com/Tzl36DLz7u
— SABR BioProject (@SABRbioproject) November 17, 2019
Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.
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