Bruno Sammartino Obituary

I grew up idolizing Bruno. I saw him preform at Madison Square Garden many times, at Sunnyside Arena and at the Jamaica Arena. I did have the pleasure of meeting Bruno in 1969 and he was kind enough to give me his autograph and chat with me for a few minutes. God Bless this great man and keep him in his graces. Rest in Peace Bruno.

I cried still do a little apart of my
Childhood along with my heart
has been torn apart and lost

I met Bruno 3X he was a man of impeccable character! He was not only the best the business has seen, he remained humble. If you want to test a mans character, give him power or fame. Bruno surely passed the test. He, I'm sure would be in the top 5 of all time, of all men in history, who achieved fame and maintained good character, genuineness etc. Bruno was a true gentleman and his legacy is timeless. Such a terrible loss for mankind. May God bless and keep his family at this time, and the days too come.

Pulled over many years ago in my Yellow Cab, to ask a jogger for directions, and as soon as he spoke, there was no question who he was...a man of quiet grace!

A great professional wrestler and a great human being. He was well respected. He really knew how to wrestle. He wasn't a flashy pro wrestler with expensive robes. He was tough and he wrestled to beat his opponent. Mr. Sammartino was very tough inside that squared circle. Mr. Sammartino was a great pro wrestling commentator who provided a lot of insight into various holds and maneuvers. The comments he made came from experience as a pro wrestler...not some armchair want-to-be individual. I also liked watching his son wrestled. Back in the day I watched pro wrestling to see if a wrestler would go down for the count or submit...nothing more and nothing less. Back then pro wrestling was a sport...not entertainment. Thank you Mr. Sammartino for setting the pro wrestling bar up so high!!! When Mr. Sammartino entered the squared circle...he meant business!!! He was a man of steel and velvet. What a Class Act and an outstanding individual who was humble as well. "Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way" (Booker T. Washington). Respectfully submitted by: Artemus Flagg, Ph. D. of Charlotte, NC

I watched Bruno on tv when I was kid. I couldn't wait for saturday night to watch wrestling. Bruno was such a professional, he will be sorely missed..RIP

In my childhood years, the grand finally to a any week, in those days were to sit with my Dad, Mr. louis m. Chesimard, May he Rest In Peace , and watch, the greatest wrestlers of all time. Our favorites were mr. Bruno Sammartino , cocoa brazil, Andre the giant, to mention a few.God bless Mr. Sammartino and all the best tohis family. Thank you for sharing this great man with us

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Sammartino. May the Almighty be with you at this difficult time.

WHEN I WAS IN SEVENTH GRADE ,MY FRIENDS AND I TALKED TO MR SAMMARTINO AFTER HE BEAT CRUSHER ; AT MONITEAU HIGH SCHOOL IN WEST SUNBURY , PA . HE WAS VERY NICE TO US ,TAKING TIME TO TALK WITH US. IN OHARE AIR PORT I SAW MR SAMMARTINO WAITING FOR THE SAME PLANE . I WAS COMEING HOME FROM VIET NAM IN 1969 . HIS PASSING SADDENS ME VERY MUCH HE WAS ALWAYS MY HERO.

Bruno was a real inspiration in & out of the ring. What charisma!! I followed his great career from winning the title from Rogers in 63 thru his classic wars with Monsoon, Kiniski, Watts, Dr. B.Miller & countless others, too many to mention, met him several times throughout his career. You will be truly missed Bruno. Youre in the Good Lords hands now . My heartfelt sympathy to Carol, David , Danny & Daryl. Sincerely, Kevin Kenny

May Bruno Sammartino Rest in Peace.
Deepest sympathies to his loved ones.

Blessings ...

Second only to my dad, who was also tough as nails, Bruno Sammartino was my idol. His long fuse, mind manner and awesome athleticism are what I aspired to have...What a great man was he...

Would like to add a couple of more thoughts of Bruno Sammartino.
In the summer of 1964, Bruno had a radio program which aired on Sunday afternoons that I liked listening to-I can still remember the theme song.
When Bruno came to Middletown to wrestle at our local Fairgrounds in August 1966, I got to say hello when he signed my wrestling magazine.
Also, thank you to Mr. Baron Von Raschke for the really nice message you left here.

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for their loss of an athletic man. May you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.

Once in a lifetime they are a person comes along that help's change the course of history. Bruno sammartino did just that for the world of professional wrestling. His tremendous contribution's that he gave to the industry will be remembered forever by fellow competitor's, his family,friend's, and also by his million's of fan's around the world. May God bless Bruno, Todd Gilbert Inman,sc

My grandparents watched Mr. Sammartino wrestle each Saturday morning. Many will remember his wrestling legacy. May the God of tender mercies and comfort help you during this most difficult time.

Losing you Bruno was difficult, along with losing a part of my childhood........You will always be remembered........Until we meet again.

I just wanted to extend my thanks to the Sammartino family for having services for viewing, open to the public. It was very nice being able to come and see Bruno, as my brother and I were huge fans of his, and were always at the Civic Arena watching wrestling matches, hoping Bruno would be there.
I also knew Dan and Darryl from college years ago, they were always very nice to me, and I appreciated their kindness.I am so very sorry for the tremendous loss to your family. May you all find peace at this difficult time. - Sharon DiSimo ( Medina) and daughter Casey. <3

Fenway Park Boston Bruno VS Killer 1969 I was there with my dad,! Bruno wins stretcher match. Abe Ford was the promoter. Boston Garden was the scene for monthly Title matches. Steele Tanaka Ramos Ky Butcher Bull Dog Brower Monsoon Arian Shiek Miller Mortimer Von Erick etc...... dim lights Bruno entrance.....and what action!!!! You were exhausted and much fullfilled! Never to be repeated in this lifetime and so happy to have seen this great Wrestling Champion!

My idol from 1960 always watch his fights was at garden in May 1963 when he won title.Was #1 will always be #1 RIP will never forget

Heartfelt condolences to the WWF Champ "Bruno Sammartino". I watch you so many times at Madison Square Gardens when you were the "Champ" so many years ago. What great times. So sorry to see you go. Will always remember you. RIP

RIP Bruno,Pittsburghs greatest wrestler.

Wonderful memories with my dad at Boston Garden watching you put on such a fantastic wrestling match. We were hoarse from yelling Bruno Bruno! Thank you for being such a great role model! Bye Bruno I will miss you, Jimmy O'Keefe. Methuen Ma,

A classic thing he said I thought was "cool", there was a tag team match, him and Arnold skoaland vs. smasher sloan and tank morgan.Morgan injured skoaland, he was carried out, Bruno then held sloan in a backbreaker forever, sloan was carried out,then Bruno was about to finish morgan off with the bearhug, and Bull Ortega ran in and attacked!!In an interview the next week Bruno said."Oh, I'm gonna get Morgan. And this 350 pound Mexican, when I get through with him he'll be 50 pounds, and a small breeze is gonna come and blow him back where he came from."Thought that was classic!!

We loved you Bruno, Great memories from the BOSTON GARDEN

Condolences and sympathy to the Sammartino family for your loss.

Mr. Sammartino, growing up, I admired you for being a hero in wrestling. I told you this as a 20 year old in 1990, when I had the honor of meeting you. But throughout adulthood, I have admired you even more for being a hero as a man, which is infinitely more important.

Thank you, Sir, for your wonderful model for living an good life. Your strong values, your unwavering convictions, your kindness, your humility, and so much more have been an inspiration to me in my life, which I will never forget and will always strive to uphold. Peace to you and your family.

Dear Daryl and Family -
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father...you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bruno was my idol growing up. I sat on a airplane beside him as he was going to DC to wrestle. I was at several matches at the Pitrsburgh Civic Arena. Bruno you will be missed

there will never be another man of men like him
god has got a place for him and it is graceful
just as he was to all people
HE WAS A REAL SUPERMAN

RIP Bruno Sammartino, Pittsburgh greatest,

To the family of Bruno Sammartino, one of Pittsburgh greatest wrestling champs.My heart and prayers are with you.May God bless and keep you.

we are deeply heartbroken to learn of the passing of one of the greatest wrestler's of all time's may God bless your family our prayer's are with them and the wrestling world

..."Ciao Bruno!"...

My condolences. R.I.P.Mr Sammartino. Maria Torkos(Nardo) and family.

My late wife Barbara and I saw Bruno at the wheeling civic center toward the end of his career. He had his opponent in an armlock right in front of us when barb gave out a loud cheer.He looked up and winked at her.Its funny how such a small gesture remains with you. R.I.P. champ. BOB ORAVEC. BRANFORD,CONN

My deepest Condolences and Prayers to Sammartino Family
A great Champion you represented Wrestling with Honor & Respect you made me proud to be Italian.
RIP miss you My friend .

U will be missed very very much......

R I P BRUNO YOUR STILL THE CHAMP

Bruno was a great wrestling champion and star back in the 1960s perhaps the golden age of pro wrestling on tv. He had a legion of fans and we will have great memories of his many bouts. His many sell outs at" the garden "is astounding!God Bless and R.I.P. champ!!

Dear Darryl,
my deepest condolences to you and your family.
your father will always be remembered as the greatest! wishing you comfort and peace at this time. lots of love and prayers to you & your family. Stay strong my friend.. Lisa

My Condolences to Mr. Sammartino's Family. I remember meeting him at Bally's Park Place Casino Hotel in Atlantic City on numerous occasions. The many conversations we had while I always took care of him. He also remembered my parents who had graduated from Schenley High as well. Always a class act while being very humble. I was born in Pittsburgh and will miss him greatly!!!

RIP Bruno. Remembering the early days with a ton of respect and affection. God Bless your family during these trying times.

Bruno was truly an extraordinary talented and accomplished man of integrity. My condolences and prayers for your entire family. May God grant solace during this most challenging time. With Love & Prayers

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE SAMMARTINO FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF THE GREAT AND LEGENDARY BRUNO SAMMARTINO.LEGENDS LIKE BRUNO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.THANKS BRUNO FOR ALL THE MEMORIES.RIP CHAMP!!!

Bruno was a wonderful person. We watched him wresting while growing up with my pap. You will be missed. R. I. P bruno.

I was a kid growing up outside of the Burgh in the 50's/60's & have very clear memories of watching Bruno on Studio Wrestling (remember B&W TV, the cardboard cut-outs of people in the audience all brought to us by "Who can.....American. American Plumbing & Heating" as announced by Pie Traynor?). Mr Sammartino was a hulk of a man, an amazing athlete, a champ for the ages, a sweet guy full of integrity and an icon of wrestling and Pittsburgh. He will be missed.

Thanks for the entertainment as a child of the 60s-will never forget. Rest in Peace, Bruno

My deepest sympathy to the Sammartino Family. Bruno always brought great dignity to the sport of professional wrestling and the Pittsburgh area. He will be greatly missed

Bruno Sammartino was my idol growing up in NY. May he rest in peace. Saw him wrestle live a few times. My Condolences to his family.
Richard Urbanowski {North Port Fla.}

I take great comfort knowing my mother will be in good hands. She is laid to rest at North Side Cemeteries Good Shepard Chapel (Maryann Nassan) She thought the world of you Bruno and was a huge fan. RIP Bruno

Our condolences to the family of Bruno Sammartino. His mom and my grandmother were neighbors.
I can remember my mom talking about Bruno when I was a child great memories.

Rest Easy, Champ.

Bruno you are a true living legend i grew watching you when i was kid on studio wrestling when it was wiic tv and remembered watching your son david wrestle brutus the barber at the very first wrestlemania and my sympathies to your family r.i.p champ

Bruno was one of my biggest idols growing up in Washington, Pa. He meant so much to so many. Blessing to your family.

Brian Luzier

Bruno will always be known as the best legendary wrestler ever. He was a wonderful person, loving husband, and Father. He also cared deeply for his fans and friends. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his wife Carol,and his three sons. May God carry them through this time of grief and sorrow. May he help ease the pain that they are feeling in their hearts.
R.I. P. Bruno Sammartino.

Bruno wrestling never b same u put of on the map we love you remeber now. U have to teach wrestling in heaven there any no tears in heaven u work hard for fans family and itself am glad u die with pride god bless u enjoy use new life use in our hearts use in our soul use our best friend use in our soul

A true idol to thousands of Italian Americans like myself he was very beloved in my Italian neighborhood by all. A true gentleman and a kind soul he will be missed by all. Rest in peace ciao

We will always have you in our hearts as you were truly the greatest wrestler
To ever put in the tights a real mans man and always a gentleman none better ever we love you sir and our condolences go to your family but most of all Thanks for the memories !!

Bruno was a great champion a great wrestler a great athlete but even a greater person.God bless him and his family.

B

My family had the pleasure of getting to know Bruno, and his very sweet wife, Carol. They were kind enough to be our Honorary Chairs for our fundraising event,"Dancing with the Pgh Stars for CF" for the five years that we held the event.

Bruno was the most gentlest and kindest person. He would sign autographs and pose for pictures with all the attendees and always be the most patient and friendly to everyone.

The world has lost a very dear person and our sympathies extend to Carol and her entire family.

We are confident that he has a front row seat in Heaven! He will be deeply missed!

Sam & Rhea Nicotra, Mars, Pa.

I was a fan of Bruno. As a little boy he was my hero. I would some times get a chance and was able to see his matches in person. I also had his weight lifting course that my father and i used all the time. Bruno will be missed my condolences to his family. R.I.P Champ

Thank you for being a dear friend.

I was fortunate enough to meet Bruno through Marty Lazzaro, who introduced us. I have never had the privilege of meeting a finer gentleman in my life. Over several trips on business to Pittsburgh, I was blessed with meeting his beautiful wife, Carol, who was the topic of many of our conversations. As I am writing these words about a dear friend that is now with God, I am watching some of his many matches in Madison Square Garden and listening to the crowds take the roof off the venue.
Tough? That is an understatement. The injuries and illnesses that Bruno endured, would make a normal person tap out after one second. Not Bruno, he never gave up to pain or anything else. And through all of those challenging times, Carol was his best Nurse. Bruno told me that of all the nurses that looked after him, he was just happy when he returned to his home and was under the care of the love of his life. Carol and Bruno were not a couple, they were and are one. I shared several dinners and hours of conversation and stories that I could never hear enough of.
The legacy of Bruno Sammartino will live on forever. The man might have taken his last breath on this earth, but his soul and legacy breathes fresh air in the afterworld.

I'm 62 yes old my brother is 59 were Italians from the bluff.when we were kids Bruno would come to my aunt sis house for lunch and a Sunday feast.the first tme he sat with us we were 8 and 5 yr.old kids when he was told my brothers name was also Bruno he took to us right away, especially my brother. he use to have us sit in the palm of each hand and he would lift us over his head real fast while everyone at the table would count out loud.then he would run around the house with my brother on his shoulder hollering Bruno Bruno with a giant smile on his face and then laugh like that was the funniest thing he ever did.thanks for the memories Bruno.

I was at the HOF induction . It was great to chant his name again like in the old days. BRUNO !! BRUNO BRUNO !! There will NEVER be another.

My deepest condolences to the Sammartino family...Mr. Sammartino was responsible for my becoming a wrestling fan in 1966, as I was very intrigued by his charisma and his style in the ring......I attended every wrestling show at the old and new Madison Square Gardens from 1967 to 1985, as well as many shows throughout New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Boston......I saw Mr. Sammartino countless times, and I always felt he was the best performer at making all his moves in the ring seem to be authentic....The excitement he created in the arenas was palpable, and he beautifully knew how to play to the crowd without being overly histrionic...On the occasions when I spoke with him, he was always very cordial and friendly......He did not have to know you well to engage in a conversation.......May he rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon him.......

RIP Bruno, your humanity and devotion to family is what I always admired about you.

I met Bruno through a mutual friend. He truly was a gentle man. Very humbled. I also worked with Dan, his son, at Jim McKain Ford in the late 80's. It was an honor to know them both. My condolences and prayers to the Sammartino family. Bruno will be missed.

Thanks Bruno for those wonderful Saturday evenings watching Studio Wrestling as a boy at my grandmother's place. We always watched up until we saw your match! Heaven has a new champ!

Heaven has gained a champion a new chapter in his life.Let us celebrate his life we know he is home now and he did his job here on Earth! God bless you Champ you will be missed!

BRUNO IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY HERO. GROWING UP WAS A SAD TIME FOR AND MY ONE JOY WAS CHEERING FOR THIS GREAT MAN. YEARS PAST AND I MET BRUNO IN PERSON WHAT A GREAT HONOR AND I WAS STAR STRUCK. BRUNO WE WILL MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN. TO THE SAMMARTINO FAMILY REACH UP TO JESUS HE IS REACHING DOWN TO YOU,

Being of Italian heritage, I have fond memories of watching wrestling with my grandfather on Saturdays. I remember my Nonno (grandfather) being so proud of Bruno being Champ and of Italian descent; yelling at Bruno to get up, and hit him back (in Italian), as his opponent at times was getting best of him - then the smile, accolades, as Bruno's hand was raised. Then at times Bruno would speak to his fans in Italian - Oh, my Nonno was so proud!

Then the shows locally - if Bruno was there, we had to go; watching him wrestle Professor Tanaka, Waldo Von Erich, Killer Kowalski, Blackjack Lanza and many others. Nonno yelling and cursing in Italian, and me as a youngster yelling and cheering in American. What Great memories.

Met Bruno in person several years with my son at a local event. I was tickled pink, and my son was in awe as we met this champion wrestler. Bruno was very humble, polite and genuine; took a picture with my son to which he brought to school and showed all his classmates with pride this picture of him and with a world known wrestling champion. Again Great Memories.

Thank you Bruno for who you were, what you did, and the pride you showed and instilled in your profession. You made a lot of people proud.

Rest in peace Champ with all God's love and Mercy. My Nonno is waiting to meet you.

My Deepest Condolences with thoughts and prayers to the Sammartino family.

Rest In Peace Champ.

Our family sends are condolences to Bruno's family> he was a wonderful person and he would come and visit us in Garfield. One of our family members which is now gone to heaven used to take care of him in his younger days.Our pays are with the family. I know he is with the Grand man in heaven.R.I.P. Bruno I also worked with his cousin Carol at UPMC

Deeply saddened to learn of Bruno's passing. I remember going to the Philadelphia Arena watching many of his matches. I was truly honored to get to see him in person and get his autograph after one of his title matches with Gorilla Monsoon. A real humble champ. Rest in Peace Champ.

MY SYMPATHIES TO THE SAMMARTINO FAMILY, I GREW UP WATCHING BRUNO ON TELEVISION, MY WHOLE FAMILY WOULD SIT AND WATCH HIM WRESTLE ON WPXI-CHANNEL 11, HE WAS A GREAT CHAMPION AND A GREAT PERSON, I AM SURE THAT HE LIVED A WONDERFUL LIFE AND HE TREATED EVERYONE IN HIS LIFE IN A WONDERFUL WAY,MY PRAYERS GO TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY AND I AM SURE THAT HE IS IN HEAVEN WITH THE LORD.

Bruno was my favorite wrestler in WWF My dad and I would sit and watch him all the time. He is now at rest Rest in peace my friend. My heart goes to his wife Carol and his family God be with you at this time.

Thanks for the great memories during the 60's and 70's. Sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting you. From everything I heard you were a total gentleman. RIP Champ !

I enjoyed watching Bruno wrestle for many years. He was the best. May he rest in peace. From one of your fans, Mike Ross

To the greatest champion the WWE has ever had and will ever see .He was my childhood hero and I finally did get to meet him he came into the restaurant where I was a bartender and he posed for pictures and talked with everybody and stayed for almost 3 hours .Bruno you're a great man humble and you never forgot your roots. may you Rest In Peace.

My brother and I were lucky enough to spend alot of time with Bruno in the mid-80s when he was a commentator in Poughkeepsie New York . We always went to the Garden to see him and when we actually met him in person, it was a dream of a lifetime. He was larger than life and I was pretty much in shock ! We love you Bruno & will always treasure our time with you. Rest in peace. Cheryl Giacomo Howitt and Michael Giacomo.

Thank you Bruno for the kindness you showed to me. Thank you for the times we spent having lunch and talking about the days of your life. My family and I will always love and miss you. You've gained your wings. REST IN THE ARM'S OF THE LORD BRUNO. Thank you for being.
I will never forget...

I watched Bruno Sammartino Wrestle when I was 12 years old with my grandfather and I got hooked. I traveled from upstate New York to Madison Square Garden over 25 times to watch Bruno Wrestle over his career. He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw . He Was courteous and always grateful to his fans. Rest in peace Bruno there will never be another one like you

I was Bruno's fan club president for many years
and took from arenas to hotels.One of my many memories I was picked up @ Pittsburgh Airport by Bruno,taken to lunch and to his home.He also drove me to the Arena where he fought George the Animal Steele.After the matches he drove me back to the airport.I then traveled to Boston to see he wrestle the next night.I remember the night he lost at MSG to Ivan Koloff.I saw Bruno at his hotel before the match.I saw Bruno wrestle all over the East Coast.He will be missed!
RIP
Mike Medugno Glen Cove,NY

From Pizzoferrato (Abruzzo) to Oakland, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania you have been an inspiration. Your personality made you into a star. Star not because of name but because of heart. You are now everlasting, reaching the hearts of the world.

Da Pizzoferrato a Oakland sei stato fonte d'ispirazione. La tua personalità ti ha trasformato in una stella. Un stella non per su nome ma per il cuore. Ora stai perennemente raggiungendo i cuori del mondo.