Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
BRUNO SAMMARTINO
BRUNO SAMMARTINO
Obituary
Guest Book
BRUNO SAMMARTINO Obituary
On Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Beloved husband of Carol Sammartino; father of David Sammartino, Daniel Sammartino (Cindy) and Darryl Sammartino (Holly); grandfather of Bruno, Anthony, Vince and Ashley Sammartino; brother of Maria DiMatteo and Paul Sammartino; brother-in- law of the late Don Teyssier. Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue, at Devonshire Street, on Saturday and Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral Monday, Mass of Christian Burial St. Sebastian Church at 10:00 a.m. (EVERYONE PLEASE GATHER AT CHURCH). Entombment will be private. The Sammartino family would like to thank the physicians, nurses and staff of UPMC Passavant for the compassionate care that Bruno has always received.
freyvogelfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frank Bellotto
April 18, 2025
I'm thinking of Bruno Sammartino, gone seven years ago today.
Gary F
April 14, 2024
Seeing him do push-up after push-up with 325 pound Jerry Graham sitting on his back
Daniel Auer
December 10, 2023
Bruno Sammartino, the true living legend of Wrestling. Nothing but respect for this great man. I will miss him forever. Bruno Sammartino is and will always be one of the all time greats! God Bless the living legend!
September 19, 2021
Love and prayers and rosaries,
Michel Polnareff
Ame Caline
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Frank Bellotto
October 6, 2019
Remembering Bruno Sammartino on his birthday. Won't forget his competitive spirit.
Russell Morgan
April 14, 2019
It's been a year since Bruno passed away, leaving a legacy that most sports figures can only dream to have...his dedication to his chosen profession and his love for the fans who paid to see him work, will never be seen again...he filled this heart of mine every Saturday after with excitement and awe as he pummeled the bad guys, and brought me and my dad closer at least for that one day every week. Some day, when I get to heaven, I will shake his hand and thank him for entertainment and encouragement in my walk of life. God bless his family and fans....
Joseph Azzara
October 19, 2018
i am in shock i had no idea. i grew up watching him at the civic arena. the best times of my life with my dad. rest in peace the living legand.
Bruno my friend
David Lehrman
May 18, 2018
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.
Gary Feilich
April 29, 2018
There are no words that can adequately express my sadness at this time. Bruno was a hero, a champion, a true role model for me and many of my friends. Since learning of his passing earlier today, all I can hear are the chants of thousands upon thousands of fans screaming BRUNO, BRUNO, BRUNO as he wrestled at MSG. The tears come so easily as a wonderful part of my life ended with his passing. God bless you Bruno, may you rest in peace.
ray hitchell
April 29, 2018
Bruno, my hero. Then, now, forever. The very definition of the word "Champion", and a true gentleman. R.I.P.
Bruno, my hero. Then, now, forever. The very definition of the word "Champion", and a true gentleman. R.I.P.
David Leary
April 26, 2018
I had the honor to meet Bruno and shake hands with him in 1986. He was a hero to me growing up. I will never forget him. RIP Champ and Godspeed!!
Matthew Schaukowitsch
April 26, 2018
Bruno is a true legend, not only in the wrestling world; but in life. He lived his life like a true champion. He was my Dad's hero and my grandfather's hero. He is probably the reason why brother and I got in to wrestling. My deepest
sympathy to the Sammartino family in this difficult time.
Daniel Falavolito
April 26, 2018
WE ARE EACH OF US ANGELS WITH ONLY ONE WING, AND WE CAN ONLY FLY EMBRACING EACH OTHER.
WE SEND OUR PRAYERS AS A LOVING EMBRACE AND HOPE YOU ARE IN THE ARMS OF THE ANGELS.
GOD SPEED BRUNO SAMMARTINO
DANIEL FALAVOLITO
PITTSBURGH & LAS VEGAS
April 24, 2018
Carol,
May I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family.
I know my father,Willie, will be waiting to promote one heck of a show up there in heaven. Plesse know that I never forgot you and Bruno, as you were such a large part of my childhood. My mother, Lillian, always had a special feeling for you both. I tried to contact you the last time I was in Pittsburgh.
Best of love and support,
Holly Gilzenberg
Daniel Falavolito
April 24, 2018
Bruno, R.I.P. Champ. The best of the best of the best!
Thanks for the memories, lunch and the pictures with you at The Viking 1970, weightlifting, bodybuilding and wrestling inspiration, and for being a roll model and part of my life.
You are truly blessed my dear friend.
Daniel Falavolito
Dianne and John Richey
April 24, 2018
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Sammartino family.
April 24, 2018
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Sammartino family.
Dianne and John Richey Oakmont , Pa.
RANDY Kerns
April 23, 2018
RIP Bruno one of the best wrestlers of all time.You truly are a legend of all time. it's hard to believe you are gone but you will never be forgotten.
Ida Murray family
April 23, 2018
R.W.G Mr. Bruno
We are keeping your family in our prayers. I remember when I was a little girl. You use to come visit us and my grandaunt Ida Jane Hill-Murray. I said to my dad who's that big guy. He said oh that's Bruno. Our aunt use to babysit him when he was a kid. We want you to know Mr.Bruno we always loved you. I never knew you were a legend. Fly High Mr. Bruno
Joyce
April 23, 2018
Our hearts are filled with sympathy for you. Can not fathom the pain.Remember those we love don't go away, they walk beside us in every way. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still love , still heard , still missed but always in our hearts and in our memories forever! Your spouse, your dad, your grandfather, made fond memories for me with my grandfather James Randolph. We watched Bruno wrestle for many years together. My grandfather met Bruno at the Polish Club. Mr. Sammartino, was a wrestler but he was a great man who live by his believes! Thank you for sharing him with me. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
Joyce
April 23, 2018
I met Bruno when I was a young aspiring pro wrestler. We became good friends and he was a tremendous influence on me and my future career. I will miss him. He was a kind and generous mentor. My warmest condolences to his family and friends and fans. God bless you and comfort you all in our loss.
Baron Von Raschke
Paul Ungerman
April 23, 2018
I met Bruno way back in the day as a Media Sports Intern at WIIC Channel 11 on the Northside( WPXI) and found him to be sincere, warm and the perfect gentleman. Bruno is a true sports Icon not only for Pittsburgh,but for the entire world and The living legend will never be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to the entire Sammartino family.
Paul "Ungie" Ungerman
Ross Twp, PA
Mark Porter
April 22, 2018
To the Sammartino family my deepest condolences to you all. Bruno I admired the man and respected his views. May peace be with you. Bruno you will be missed.
My dad Sandy and Bruno on the 58 Pgh Press story. I have many fond childhood memories of Bruno and his brother Paul.
Lou Kapner
April 22, 2018
That's me and my brother Mickey directly on top in this picture from the 1958 Press article. My dad Sandy Kapner was his mentor at the Y.Fond memory's
Lou Kapner
April 22, 2018
billy grout
April 22, 2018
i was lucky to meet bruno at thats entertainment in worcester mass 1998 , as i was excited to go see bruno and george steele together from 2-4 pm. my car battery was dead so i had to use my parents car to rush to see them and when i got there i was treated with such respect from bruno and mr steele. a memory i will always treasure amen
Michele Manjerovic
April 22, 2018
Thank you so much Mr.Sammartino for the wonderful fun years you gave to my Grandparents. My Grandmother especially never missed you on Saturday Night Wrestling with Bill Cardille. You gave her so many hours of pure enjoyment. No one could even talk to her when you were on tv. How truly special you were.
Russell Morgan
April 22, 2018
RIP Mr.Sammartino....Lord only knows how much your wonderful career over the years has inspired folks....especially mine....
Frank Bellotto
April 22, 2018
My sincere sympathy to the Sammartino family. I am extremely saddened by the loss of Bruno Sammartino. I'm a long time fan since 1963 when I was 13 years old. I saw Bruno when he came to Middletown to wrestle in 1966, and numerous times at MSG, and at Shea Stadium. Life isn't going all that well now. To keep a fighting spirit, I've been watching matches and clips of Bruno on the internet. With Bruno gone, the battle seems lost. Even with all the good memories, it won't be the same again.
Rocky C
April 22, 2018
My prayers to family, friends and fans.... RIP Champ and thanks for all your contributions! Your life served to help try and make this world a better place. May our Lord and savior hold you in the palm of his and as you enter eternity.
Fred Pollazzon
April 22, 2018
Dan so sorry for your loss. My sympathy go out to you, your mother and brothers.
Richard Kocian
April 22, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family of Bruno. While I can really only say I was one of his Numerous fans, as my good Uncle Pete took his own sons and myself to many Civic Arena matches, I did have one unique experience with Bruno and his family at their Ross Township home. I was a 10 year old Altar boy at Saint Nicholas, Croatian North Side Church, and was on our annual Christmas Home Blessings for our Parishioners, with Father Bruno Nizic, when Father said we had a special home to bless, the Bruno Sammartino home. What a surprise for me. I knew Bruno was Catholic and Italian, but not a member of our Croatian Church. Unbeknownst to me, Bruno called Father Nizic, and asked him to Bless his home. What a great day for me. I knew Bruno was an Upstanding man as a Wrestler, and this day I met the Real Man. Thank you Bruno, and family. And Bruno, Rest in Peace, with Jesus. Rich Kocian, North Side Pittsburgh and McDonald Pennsylvania.
Mark Limpert
April 22, 2018
A childhood hero of mine and a good and ethical man his whole life. Rest In Peace Bruno!
Bruno Will Be In Our Hearts And Souls Forever!
Ira Katz
April 22, 2018
Bob Appel
April 21, 2018
Seen Him work many times at the arena and on t.v. Rest in Piece champ!! Prayers to the Sammartino Family!
Louise Carlino
April 21, 2018
Mrs Smmartino and Family:
We are sending our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. Our families will keep you and your family in our prayers. May God grant peace at this difficult time. Your husband and father Bruno, rests in peace with God. He will always be remembered as a dear family friend of our families. His memories are our cherished memories forever
The Carlino and Randazzo Families
Richard Williams
April 21, 2018
Bruno was a American success story. The true Charles atlas ad. What a man can do when he puts his mind to make his dreams come true. Their will Neve be another Bruno. You brought joy too all your fan around the world. When Bruno retired from wrestling I lost my interest in it. And I agree with many of Bruno's views of what wresting has become. In closing may God Bless you and now your in the Gods kingdom with your Mom and Dad. Thank you for all the great memories. Rest in peace.
Richard Berr
April 21, 2018
Watched Bruno everytime I could either at the Philadelphia Arena or at the Spectrum. He was the best at what he did and helped make wrestling what it is today. He was also a great human being. I only have one authgraphed picture, and that is of Bruno. He will be missed. God Bless You.
Frank Chillemi
April 21, 2018
Bruno was my hero growing up. I attended many of his matches in the Old Boston Garden. My grandmother would watch with me on tv and would translate for us as Bruno would end his interview with a few words in Italian. Bruno passed on the same day as my Dad, April 18. Gos Bless you, Bruno. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Great Man, true gentleman . Thank you for the memories. God Rest your soul .
Michael Shupin
April 21, 2018
Bryan Kecks
April 21, 2018
Meet Bruno when I worked at Sols Sporting Goods on McKnight road and was always nice to everyone .
April 20, 2018
May our Lord comfort the entire Sammartino family during this difficult time.
Mr. Sammartino has been an inspiration and role model to me for over forty years.
You will be missed!
Gary Gravener
Phil Pusateri
April 20, 2018
Bruno made an appearance for us at the Penn Hills Police Train Display several years ago. It was the biggest crowd for one night that we ever had. He kept telling me, "I can't believe all these people are coming out just to see me!" He was truly a gentleman and one of the nicest people I ever had the pleasure of speaking to. God Bless you Bruno!
April 20, 2018
You have our deepest sympathies. We pray in your behalf, and we look forward to the day when we will welcome back our loved ones on a Paradise earth. Psm 37:29
Linda Kelly
April 20, 2018
May God comfort you during this difficult time on the passing of a Pittsburgh legend Bruno You are in my prayers
Robert Okraszewski
April 20, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to the Sammartino family on the loss of a great man.
Like most of Pittsburgh I grew up watching Bruno both on TV and at the Arena each month when he wrestled.
He was one of the best boyhood idols a kid could ever have.
To the entire family my wish is that each of you STOP....take a deep breath....and remember just how much you were loved, and STILL are!!! Just one favor Bruno, when you meet Jesus give Him one of your famous bearhugs as He also gives you one in return.
Sleep in heavenly peace now Champ...sleep in heavenly peace!
Thank you for the great memories of my youth. <3
Ted Kopczyk
April 20, 2018
I met Bruno while caring for him during his hospitalization(s). Despite his illness he was always pleasant and courteous to staff and ALWAYS very appreciative to those who helped care for him. When his name was mentioned among staff the unanimous response was "He is such a nice man." He was indeed a delight and joy to know and even though it was brief, I am very glad that I was able to know him.
Marie Scotty
April 20, 2018
My deepest sympathy and Prayers. God Bless
Jack & Sis Cooley
April 20, 2018
Our condolences to the Sammartino family. We will keep Bruno in our prayers.
God bless!
April 20, 2018
I`m sorry to learn of your loss,Bruno San. Your father was a leader in the City of Champions who conquered death a few times. May the souls of the faithfully departed reat in peace,Amen. Den Kirby"373".
Tony Garofalo
April 20, 2018
You were a great wrestler, man and ambassador for the City of Pittsburgh as well as the Italian - American community.
Rest in Peace.
Fred and Carol Randolph
April 20, 2018
Thinking of you as you grieve the loss of this wonderful man. He was strong and yet gentle. May he rest in peace.
victor cadicamo
April 20, 2018
He was in irreplaceable gentleman and will be missed. Heaven has another angel now.
Chris Maze drawing (2018-04-18)
Jim Maze
April 20, 2018
Mark Edwards
April 20, 2018
Growing up in Western Pa. my biggest sports heroes were Roberto Clemente and Bruno Sammartino. Bruno showed what hard work and perseverance can do and despite his fame he kept his humility. He was always there for his fans and he loved Pittsburgh as much as Pittsburghers loved him. Thank you Bruno for all of the great memories.
Eddie & Lisa Elnikar
April 20, 2018
Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire Sammartino family especially to his wife and grandson Bruno, my former student at Frazier Elementary. God bless you all
April 20, 2018
Dan and the Sammartino Family,
Ray and I send our deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. We will keep you all in our prayers. God bless you - love you buddy!
Ray and Nancy Killian
Ron Parrish
April 20, 2018
Deepest condolences to the Sammartino family. I remember many Saturday evenings watching Bill Cardille, Ring side Rosey,, anxiously waiting to see Bruno's Match,, A Pittsburgh Icon will never be forgotten...Rest in Peace
Deana Pirollo
April 20, 2018
To the Sammartino Family:
Bruno was a Pittsburgh icon and my family had the pleasure of meeting him after Dan worked for my father several years ago. My grandparents welcomed Bruno and Carol to their home many times and they enjoyed speaking Italian to each other and sharing stories about life in the old country. As many of us were saddened to learn of Bruno's passing, my grandmother, Antoinetta talked very fondly of the times she spent with Bruno and Carol. My deepest sympathies to you at this difficult time. It's the memories you hold dear that help warm your heart during this sad time. May each of you lift each other up during the days ahead.
With deepest sympathies.
Carole Voitko
April 20, 2018
My deepest sympathy to the Sammartino family. I grew up near him. He and his Mom always had a joke and a zucchini for us or a piece of crunchy celery.
The Carole Voitko family
April 20, 2018
I was the fan club president of Bruno's for many years.I was picked up at Pittsburgh airport by Bruno at a very young age taken to lunch visited his family at his home.later taken to the Arena where Bruno had match vs George the Animal Steele.after the match Bruno took me back to the airport.I then went to Boston to see Bruno at the Boston Gardens the next day.I saw Bruno at his hotel in NYC before he lost to Ivan Koloff at MSG.Had dinner with Bruno many times in NYC and other towns.I picked Bruno up after many shows and drove him to NYC.I saw him when ever he came to New York after he stopped wrestling.He we be missed!
RIP
Mike Medugno
Glen Cove,NY
Bruce Jackson
April 20, 2018
Deepest sympaties to the entire Sammartino family. Bruno was my childhood hero. I grew up in Oakland just as Bruno did. His sister, Mrs. DeMatteo worked in an Oakland store and knew I was a Bruno fan and gave me a personalized picture of Bruno almost 50 years ago. It still hangs in my gameroom. My Dad took me to many matches and we sat ringside.
Bruno showed the entire world what the what class truly meant.
GOD Rest My Friend and neighbor.
MADGE HAMEL
April 20, 2018
CAROL, I'M SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR LOSS. THE GENTLE GIANT IS GONE AND WE ARE ALL WEEPING. HE WAS A WONDERFUL ROLE MODEL FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION. I LOVED THE WAY HE WAS WITH YOU AND HOW SWEETLY HE SPOKE TO YOU. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO SPEND TIME WITH HIM WHEN I REPRESENTED HIM IN A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY. FONDLY, MADGE HAMEL
Joseph Skubis
April 20, 2018
RIP Bruno. Your legend will live on forever.
John I.
April 20, 2018
My deepest condolences and prayers to the Sammartino family. Bruno was a true champion to us all.
Riposare In Pace Campione Bruno.
Ed Patrick
April 20, 2018
Bruno was everything to Professional Wrestling. There will never be another man like Bruno in the sport. I've seen him wrestle many times at the Civic Arena.
My sympathy and prayers to the Sammartino family. May God grant you peace at this difficult time.
RIP Champ.
Bob Nagel
April 20, 2018
Sympathy and prayers to the Sammartino family.
Bruno was a local hero who never let down his fans by losing his sense of humility and graciousness. God bless him for all the fun filled Saturday afternoons watching Studio Wrestling.
Scott Shaw
April 20, 2018
Mr. Sammartino, thank you for being part of my childhood, sir. You were a class human being. R.I.P.
Mari Devenyi
April 20, 2018
I always enjoyed watching Bruno when I was young, and was pleased to see that he refused an honorary award a few years ago because wrestling is no longer for family viewing. I enjoyed his tribute to his mother on Mother's day, when he went back to their hometown in Italy. He was an American success story and I have always had great respect and admiration for his accomplishments. RIP Bruno and sympathy to his loved ones. A neighbor on Goldsmith Road.
Mara Haschets Kratsas
April 20, 2018
Deepest sympathy from my family to yours. Memory Eternal
Carl Van Dyke
April 20, 2018
I believe. He was the greatest wrestler that ever lived.INever missed a match when he was in the ring.
April 20, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rich Mazer
April 20, 2018
April 20, 2018
To the Sammartino family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Bruno was a true gentleman and a Pittsburgh icon. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him (RIP)
Ernie, Kelly and Ashley Sarver
McCandless
Ron & Mary Ann Tkach
April 20, 2018
Sorry for your loss. You have our deepest heartfelt sympathies. My Grandmother would lean forward in her chair and get as close as she could to the TV when watching Studio Wrestling. She would yell " Yoi, don't hurt that man". She always worried about Bruno. I bet she met Bruno at the pearly gates, to welcome him to Heaven. I seen Bruno at the first cage match at the Civic Arena. He will be missed by many. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Champ and May God Bless.
Michael Damavoletes
April 20, 2018
To the greatest wrestler of all time, you will be truly missed.
Your a part of Pittsburgh that will stay in our hearts.
God be will you all.
April 20, 2018
My Sympathy to your family.
A piece of my childhood is gone along with Bill Cardille and Pie Trainer saying "Who can, American"
John Neil, Glenshaw.
Simon Noel
April 20, 2018
Bruno was one of the luminaries that made Pittsburgh The City of Champions. He will always be with us in perpetuity.
Diane Grzybek Heasley
April 20, 2018
My sisters and I watched him with my grandpa when we were little girls. About four years ago, we got to meet him again at the hospital before my oldest sister passed away. He was such a gentle spirit and good man. Fly with the angels Bruno!!!! I will be praying for your family in the days to come.
Paul Quolke
April 20, 2018
To the Sammartino Family,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Bruno. He brought a lot of enjoyment to his fans and was a great role model. We will keep him and all of the family in our prayers.
Paul, Hope and Emily Quolke
April 20, 2018
Bruno Sammartino will never be forgotten he was a true inspiration and a true meaning of the word respect.My deepest condolences to Carol,Danny,and Daryl. Please stay strong for Bruno was one of the greatest men to grace this world.
Ron Carroll and family
April 20, 2018
Darryl, I can't tell you how saddened I was to learn of your father's passing. I remember whenever you spoke about him, the love and respect you had for the man was so obvious in your voice. It may take a long time, but rest assured that some day the pain you are experiencing now will be replaced by fond memories. Please know that you will be in my prayers always. Bernie Connolly
the Murrays
April 20, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Bruno. RIP Champ.
THE PENTLAND FAMILY
April 20, 2018
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY & CONDOLENCES, TO THE ENTIRE SAMMARTINO FAMILY. TAKE SOLACE KNOWING THAT BRUNO WILL ALWAYS BE THOUGHT OF AS A GENTLEMAN & A WELL RESPECTED MEMBER OF THE PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY. A GREAT PERSON FIRST & A GREAT ATHLETE SECOND, WHO CREATED SO MANY FOND MEMORIES.
YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS & IN OUR PRAYERS.
Paul Fisher
April 20, 2018
Sammartino Family, What a wonderful and caring human being Bruno was.All
of Pittsburgers loved him. GOD BLESS
Showing 1 - 90 of 90 results
4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Make a Donation
in BRUNO SAMMARTINO's name
How to support BRUNO'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 BRUNO SAMMARTINO'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
