Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Papaleo Obituary
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 retired from the State of Connecticut athletic division. He will be remembered as a gentleman and the country will remember him as a true champion. He is survived by his wife Barbara (Moskus) Papaleo; four children, Mary, Billy Jr., Michael and Melissa Papaleo; three stepchildren, April, L.J. and Holly Miller; a brother, Nick and his wife Irene Papaleo of East Hartford; four grandchildren, Bill and wife Rose Papaleo, Michael Torbicki, Lexie Miller, Michael Gramegna; and two great grandchildren, Dylan and Julia. Also, his mother and father-in-law, Raymond and Diana Moskus Sr.; sister-in-law, Linda Crandall; brother-in-law, Ray and Bev Moskus Jr.; also several nieces and nephews. The passing of Willie was made an easier journey by the following people: Nickolas Cecere, Judy and Blu, Cindy and Suzie, Bill Schinkel, Seth English, International Boxing Hall of Fame, Ed Brophy; Willie 's dearest friends, Paddy Read, Atty Michael Georgetti, Tony Pavano, Ani Tendola; and all the nuns from Key Dong Nunnery and Kathnandu Nepal; the doctors and the staff of Haven Health Center, Dr. Ralph Rosenburg, Dr. Richie Ratzen, Dr. Ojha, Dr. Christopher, Dr. Susan May, Dr. Riccardo Ambrogio, and Dr. Joseph Bentivegna and the entire staff of Haven Health Center; also a special hug and kiss to Lori Grace for her compassionate care to all. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November, 28, 10 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church in Wethersfield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park. Friends may call at the ROSE HILL FUNERAL HOME, 580 Elm St. Rocky Hill from 3-8 p.m. on Monday. In the spirit of Willie, contributions in his memory may be made to someone in need. All friends and relatives are asked to go directly to the church for the service Tuesday morning.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Papaleo
michael marino
November 21, 2007
I 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
Nick Grosse
December 7, 2006
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 the guilds or at the fights. Willie attended my fathers wake when he was murdered in 1978 and I always will thank him for coming to pay his respects. You'll be missed Nick G.
Timothy Lakes
December 5, 2006
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
Brenda Eighmey
December 1, 2006
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the friends and family of Willie. May you find comfort in knowing that he rests in peace.
ERIC POVERMAN
November 29, 2006
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
Tom Pillion
November 29, 2006
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.
John Boorjian
November 29, 2006
Sorry for your loss, my grandfather Richard DeMunde, Knew Willie through boxing.
November 29, 2006
Thank you Willie Pep...
Gina Lakes
November 28, 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)
Claudia Conroy-Traskos
November 28, 2006
Billie, So sad to hear of your Dad's passing. It must have been a difficult time for you and your family. You and Mary are in my thoughts. Claudia Conroy Traskos
Carol Schultz
November 28, 2006
Dear Nick & Family, My husband & I were so sorry to hear of Willie's passing. As a kid I heard so many great stories about Willie from my Dad, we have an old blck & white photo of Willie,my Dad (Billy Spring) and a bunch of other guys in the gym when they were just 16 yrs. old! We have it hanging in our home and will cherish it always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. "Keep Punching" God Bless, Gary & Carol (Spring) Schultz
Jim & Terri Stanford
November 28, 2006
Mary, Billy. Billy Jr & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We're sorry we can't be there in person to support you. We love & miss you.
Billy "V" Vigeant
November 28, 2006
Barbara and family.
I will never forget the LEGEND, the memories, the stories, the laughs, and all the the times Willie and I shared together. He was not only a champ in the ring but a champ in life. He legacy will live forever. We had great times I'll never forget. I thank you Willie for taking the time to share your life with me. A Hero is remembered and a LEGEND LIVES FOREVER!! You truly will!! Love your pal,
Billy "V" ( I will truly miss you.)
Mary Lombardo
November 28, 2006
My condolences to Willie's family. My husband Pat Lombardo grew up with Willie in Hartford. Pat passed away in 2005 but I want you to know how he loved and respected Willie.Pat and I were married for 20 years and we always had a picture of Willie Pep on our refrigerator! As a matter of fact, Pat carried an old picture in his wallet all the time. Pat even said he once beat Willie when they were in their early teens! Pat's brother Frank owned Lombardo's garage on Franklin Ave. Pat introduced me to Willie numerous times at Casa Loma or at the teletheater. He tried to visit him in his last few years but was not allowed to.
I was so sorry to read of Willie's passing but know he has many friends waiting for him where they are now. Thanks for the memories.
Grace Perrone
November 28, 2006
Extending condolences to the Papaleo family from the Perrone family of McKinley Street.
Angelo DiMauro
November 27, 2006
God's grace & peace to family & friends. With love and fond memories from years gone by,
Angelo DiMauro & Family
Marianne Blanchard
November 27, 2006
Dear Barbara & family,
What wonderful memories I have of both Willie and you over the past few years. I loved listening to Willie share his boxing days with me and going through his memorabilia with him. Many fond memories I have to cherish, always the gentleman, always the champ!
Rick Polce
November 27, 2006
Dear Barbara and Family
Our sincere condolences. Wish we could be there with you. I have fond memories of the many days that Willie spent with Nick and I in the gym of the old Hartford Auditorium on Wethersfield Avenue.
He taught us how to box. He was a remarkable guy.
With love,
Uncle Rick and Sharon
Donald Perrotta
November 27, 2006
I had the honor of meeting "the champ",Willie Pep in the summer of 1964 at 8 years old at Sound V iew Beach,Old Lime ..he was standing in front of the Elmorocco Resturant,where he said hello to me and my dad..he then said he would be right back and not to leave..he returned with an autographed photo for me that I still have ! He will be missed.
Janet Kearns
November 27, 2006
Barbara and Family:
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
We will always remember Willie at the montly Casa Loma meetings with the guys. A kind and humbling spirit that will be missed by many. One of Billy's Best Pals.
May he rest in Peace with no more pain and suffering. All the best
Janet and Billy Kearns
Janet Kearns
November 27, 2006
Barbara and Family:
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
We will always remember Willie at the montly Casa Loma meetings with the guys. A kind and humbling spirit that will be missed by many. One of Billy's Best Pals.
May he rest in Peace with no more pain and suffering. All the best
Janet and Billy Kearns
Greg, Susan, Bryan and Cecile DiDonato
November 27, 2006
Words couldn't begin to describe the passing of Willie on Thanksgiving Day. He was special to not only his profession but to Connecticut as well. From the time I was little (born in 1956) my dad (Danny DiDonato - who passed away on April 21, 2006) used to talk about him all the time being the best boxer around. Willie used to hang out in my dad's neighborhood all the time and according to my dad came over to the apartment near Windsor Street often. I had the pleasure of meeting him about 10 years ago and I'm sure plenty of times when I was little and still to this day see his pics and autographs up in some of the restaurants in Hartford. Anyway so long Willie you and my dad will be joined by many friends very soon...
michael Abronzino
November 27, 2006
To Willie's family,
You have my deepest condolences. He was a great boxer and a great guy.
Michael Abronzino
Sheila Simpson
November 27, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nancy Johanson
November 27, 2006
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Papaleo at two different points in his life. The first time was in the mid to late 70's when I was working my way through college and had a job as a waitress in a little breakast/lunch place in Hartford where he would come for breakfast. I particularly remember a kelly green suit that he wore, and, of course, he had the matching hat with a jaunty feather! More recently, I worked at the facility in Rocky Hill in which Willie resided. Age had started to take it's toll on Willie but he was still "The Champ". The memories are gifts that he has given me forever, and I thank him for that.
Susan Pardee
November 27, 2006
Dear Mary,
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Melanie Gnyla
November 26, 2006
As a child I remember Willie was a man of few words. Yet the thought of willie always brings a smile. I remember one morning Holly and I would go down to get his capachino and some donnuts at the Franklin Ave Bakery. I miss him making comments like "Put an egg in your shoe and beat it kid." Or seeing him with his regular crew at Casa Loma's. He will never be lost in our hearts. He was a man who I still hear about on TV, books, interivews in newspapers, but especially through normal conversations with my dad. Willie really was the Champ! Aunty Barb and willie were a duo that had their own jokes and special love. I proud to say I knew him.
To his family my condolances.
The Champ
November 26, 2006
Robert Gilligan
November 26, 2006
I have such fond recollections of his bouts when I was a youth. He gave joy to those who watched him.
Marilyn Rossetti
November 26, 2006
To Barbara and all the family---Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Marilyn Rossetti and Greg Rose
sonny & joe
November 26, 2006
nick & billy..
so sorry to hear about willie
our deepest condolences..
sonny& joe
John Ensign
November 26, 2006
To Michael Torbicki III, My condolencences for the loss for your grandpa, a true champion and loving grandfather. Uncle Rusty
Janice Melesko
November 26, 2006
To Barbara, Michael Torbicki III, and Family. I'd like to express my deepest sympathy; I am so sorry for your lost. The Champ will live in all of our hearts and minds forever. Granny Jan
Cathy Karnolt
November 25, 2006
My husband and I would like to express our condolences to Willie's family. My parents, Vic and Norena Cardell, were very fond of Willie. My memories of him will always be that of a kind and pleasant man. I will never forget the day he came to our home in Wethersfield as a surprise guest at a party mom held for dad. The photos I took that day, July 10, 1983, show how happy Willie made dad, and I'm sure his kindness was not overlooked by the One who matters most.
Gene George (Piacentini)
November 25, 2006
Dear Barbara
Although we are miles apart my deepest condolences I wish to express to you and Willie's family.
May he now rest in peace and the love and friendship of friends help you through this time of grief.
Love to you always dear friend
Suzanne Dollard
November 25, 2006
My dear Barb and all the family dear to Barb and Willie, my deepest
condolences. Willie was such a special person - I am so thankful to
have the honor to have known him. From the days in Hartford (Casa Loma)
to his last home in Wethersfield everything was okay with Willie. "Hey,
Kid" he would say which put you right at ease. Thank you, Willie Pep, for the
memories. With love for always, Suzy
Donald Morris
November 25, 2006
Nick & Irene:
We were sorry to hear about Willie's passing. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Don & Joan Morris
South Dennis, Ma.
EDWARD RED. LESSOR
November 25, 2006
NICK & PAPALEO FAMILY SORRY FOR YOUR LOST ITS BEEN A LONG TIME. JUST REMBER THE GOOD TIMES.
Audrey Winsor
November 25, 2006
Rest in peace Willie...you are forever in the history books..Gone but not forgotten.
Marcia Strause
November 25, 2006
Dear Barbara and family, Willie will be missed. Take comfort that he is in a better place. May the Lord grant you peace, dear Willie. The fight is over.
Marcia
bruno piretti
November 25, 2006
just mention the name willie pep says it all !an asset to youth, ct,usa & the world. thanks willie for giving it your all! he will be remembered for ever
Harvey Glass
November 25, 2006
Nick...I am so sorry that you have lost your brother. I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts at this sad time.
Michael Georgetti
November 25, 2006
Willie, you will be greatly missed.
Keep on punching.
Elizabeth Loomis
November 25, 2006
Between my father John Loomis and family friend Phil Piazza, I felt like I actually knew you while growing up in Hartford. It is sad to know an ERA in over. Rest in Peace, Beth Loomis, East Haddam
Jerry Sibley
November 25, 2006
To Nick, who I worked with many years ago, and the Papaleo Family
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Mr and Mrs Stuart Blackburn
November 25, 2006
Thanks for giving us so many unforgetable memories, over the years. We've watched you fight on TV
for many years. May you now rest in peace.
Lori H. Grace
November 25, 2006
Dear Family and Friends of Willie Papaleo, My heartfelt condolences regarding his passing. I will treasure the memories that I shared with him and his wife Barbara and their family.
Lori H. Grace
John Buonanducci
November 25, 2006
Your smile will always be with me
Rose Hill Funeral Homes Inc.
November 25, 2006
With deepest sympathy during this time of difficulty.
Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results
Make a Donation
in William Papaleo's name
Memorial Events
for William Papaleo
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Papaleo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
