Wethersfield, Connecticut
PAPALEO, William "Willie Pep" William Papaleo "Willie Pep", 84, "the champ" passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving day (November 23, 2006) with his wife by his side. He was the former two time featherweight champion of the world. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. He...
Read MoreI remeber when I was growing up in Whethersfield,and he happened to always be jogging around the mill woods park area,I'm very sorry.and God bless. grandson of Vic Cardell
michael marino
November 21, 2007 | Langdon, NH
A true story where Willie and my father Tony Grosse also a pro fighter were on there way back from Miami Florida from a boxing gig. And this was in the mid 50's where the cars had the old type tires, which had no inner tubes and I believe Willie had a new caddilac and it's tire fell apart. Well these two guys to continue the trip filled the tire rubber with cow dung and wah-lah ,they wer back on the road. Willie was and is the greatest fighter and I remember seeing all these stand up guys at...
Nick Grosse
December 07, 2006 | Pittsburgh, PA
Sorry for the loss. I heard of this via email from my mom and it's sad. I send my condolences to his family and friends. My grandfather Vic Cardell and grandmother Noreena Cardell passed and I know what a hit it can be on the family so I send my sympathy to you all.
With Modest Sincerity
Timothy M. Lakes
Timothy Lakes
December 05, 2006 | Tempe, AZ
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the friends and family of Willie. May you find comfort in knowing that he rests in peace.
Brenda Eighmey
December 01, 2006 | East Hartford, CT
Sorry for your loss.I learned alot about Willie from stories from my grandfather Bernie Lacker,who grew up with him in the clayhill section of Hartford .My grandfather used to go to New York to watch him fight all the time. I wish I could of met you. YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON
ERIC POVERMAN
November 29, 2006 | TOLLAND
Condolences to the Papaleo family. When I was a young teen growing up in Newington in the late '50's, my dad used to hold up Willie Pep as a true champion because he not only a great boxer, but he was a man of class. Later, when Ali would claim "I'm the greatest," my dad would remind me that it was Willie, with his humility and class, who really was the greatest. I've always remembered that, and have always admired Willie. God bless him and your whole family.
Tom Pillion
November 29, 2006 | Solomons, MD
Sorry for your loss, my grandfather Richard DeMunde, Knew Willie through boxing.
John Boorjian
November 29, 2006 | Canton, CT
Thank you Willie Pep...
November 29, 2006
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. May His love, grace, and strength fill and comfort your hearts. The thoughts and prayers of many are with you at this time.
(daughter of Vic & Norena/Renie Cardell)
Gina Lakes
November 28, 2006 | Waterbury, CT
