Kenneth J. "Ken" Cerminara

Kenneth J. "Ken" Cerminara was born on August 27, 1954, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to John and Joan Cerminara. As a child, he lived briefly in Germany while his father served in the military and later in New York City before returning to Pittsburgh.
Ken's life was a long, colorful road filled with hard work, big laughs, and unforgettable stories. He was an usher at Three Rivers Stadium in the 1970s and had a front-row seat to Pittsburgh sports history. He spent many years as a motion picture projectionist, carrying on a family legacy with the IATSE union, and was among the last to run film reels before theaters turned digital.
To many, Ken was best known as "The Sicilian Beast." A fixture in the professional wrestling world for over five decades, he grappled in house shows, made appearances with the WWE in the 1980s, and became a mainstay in regional independent promotions across Pennsylvania and Ohio. He was inducted into the Cleveland Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2019 and the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2023. His last match in 2021, surrounded by family, friends, and his grandkids, was a celebration of his enduring passion for the sport and the people in it.
Beyond the ring and the projection booth, Ken worked as a care and support manager, helping adults with disabilities and mental health needs. He had a deep respect for people and believed everyone deserves kindness and dignity.
Ken was a lifelong collector, concert-goer, storyteller, and traveler. He made it to 45 of the 50 states, many of them with his beloved late wife, Cindy, by his side. His favorite band was Crosby, Stills & Nash, and he lived by their lyrics: "Rejoice, rejoice, we have no choice but to carry on."
He was an optimist, and a man who could light up a room with his one-liners and stories, some true and some just for the fun of it. He loved deeply and showed up fully for his brothers, his friends, and especially for his son and grandkids.
Ken is survived by his son Michael (Kathryn) Cerminara; step-children: Jonathan Espersen (Marleen), Jennifer Vecchio (Jeremy), and Jodi Voll (Ken); his grandchildren: Samantha, Kenzie, Tori, Jacob, Emily, Bella, Marissa, Jordyn, Alex, Anthony, and Julia; and her great-grandchildren: Gianna, Maria, Enelaya Grace, and Lyla ; and brothers John, Robert and Andre Cerminara. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Joan, and his wife, Cindy, who passed away earlier this year.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center. In lieu of flowers, honor Ken's memory by telling a good story, playing a Crosby, Stills & Nash song, or, as he might say with a grin, "clothesline somebody who really deserves it." To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth J. "Ken" Cerminara, please visit our floral store.