Wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino dies at 82

Triblive.com ^ | 04/18/2018 | Tribune-Review

[TexasGurl24]

Professional wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino has died at 82, WWE announced Wednesday.

A sickly, malnourished immigrant boy when he first came to America, Sammartino transformed himself into one of the strongest men in the world, winning the respect and love of legions of immigrants who found hope in his message that hard work brings reward.

“You just knew this guy was a nobody,” said Marty Lazzaro, a fan as a kid who became Sammartino's friend and spokesman in adulthood. “But he came here, worked hard, got big and strong and made something of himself. These people weren't just rooting for Bruno. They were rooting for the idea that they could make something of themselves, too.”

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald called Sammartino “a Pittsburgh legend and iconic figure” in a statement issued shortly after news of Sammartino's death broke Wednesday morning.

“He has always made us proud. He embodied Pittsburgh and served as one of the greatest ambassadors for this region,” Fitzgerald said. “This is a great loss for those of us who are of a certain age who remember his accomplishments and achievements in the ring. Growing up, Bruno always made us proud that he was from Pittsburgh and made us prouder to be from Pittsburgh too.”

[stylin19a]

Didn’t get to see Sammartino too much being in the Dick The Bruiser local area back in the 3 falls era.
But I was a wrestling fan in general and Bruno’s name, when mentioned, was always with reverence and awe as he just didn’t lose. I was a boy when he became champ and I was a man when he finally lost.

R.I.P. Mr. Sammartino

[Impala64ssa]

One of my favorites. I remember his matches at the Sunnyside Gardens in Queens, also the old Madison Sq Garden. WOW! Are we getting old. RIP

[a little elbow grease]

lol