Sad news indeed. A true legend home to be with the angels... I guess that makes it less sad since he's in a better place.
I saw a link to the story on FOX Sports.com and just hope the mainstream media didn't try to tie in steroids, drugs, or the "Vince McMahon is the devil" ideal the media usually ties in with professional wrestling deaths.
Saw the news when I was watching the 'Bama game. Sad to hear.
source: chaoticwrestling.com
CHAOTIC WRESTLING:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Walter "Killer" Kowalski. He passed away last night with his wife by his side.
Information on funeral arrangements, memorials and tributes will be updated as we have them on Killerkowalskis.com and USWFwrestling.com
We ask that all wrestling fans respect the privacy of Walter and his family at this time.
Jamie Jamitkowski
CEO, Chaotic Wrestling
www.chaoticwrestling.com
www.chaotictc.com
www.killerkowalskis.com
978-852-8534
source: caulifloweralleyclub.org/
CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB:
Walter "Killer" Kowalski 08/30/08
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of Wladek (Walter) "Killer" Kowalski, a life member of the Cauliflower Alley Club and a Director Emeritus. Kowalski, aged 82, was one of the top villains of professional wrestling from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Kowalski, who is perhaps most widely remembered for the kneedrop that tore off part of Yukon Erics ear, was also a champion in several promotions throughout his career. A master of the clawhold, Killer had legendary battles against the likes of Bruno Sammartino, Whipper Watson, Yukon Eric, John Tolos and Mad Dog Vachon. Despite his in-ring persona of a killer, he was, in fact, a kind and warm person outside the ring. In the business of professional wrestling, there are very few people about whom one hears nothing negative; Killer Kowalski was one of those people.
In addition to wrestling, Killer was well regarded as a trainer of young wrestlers. Some of his graduates include Perry Saturn, John Kronus, Triple H and Big John Studd.
Kowalski was a strict vegetarian and credited his excellent physical conditioning and longevity to his diet. He was married for the first time in 2006 to Theresa who was his constant companion in his later years. With bad knees from his many years in the ring, he was confined to a rehabilitation center over the last period of his life.
Kowalski is one of the most decorated men in the history of professional wrestling, having been inducted to the WWE Hall of Fame (class of 1996), the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame (class of 2003), the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (class of 1996), the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame (class of 2007) and being the recipient of the 2002 Iron Mike Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club.
Please click here to visit our tribute page to Killer.
The Cauliflower Alley Club offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Walter Killer Kowalski. There will never be another like him.
source: myspace.com/thekazarian
FRANKIE KAZARIAN:
I was just woken up by a phone call that I have been dreading. My good friend Steve King just called and informed me that our dear friend and trainer Walter "Killer" Kowlaski has passed away. Anyone who knows me knows that I have always attributed Walter with all of my success in pro wrestling. He took in a 20 year old kid who had traveled 3,000 miles from southern California, and embraced him like a son. He was kind enough to pass on his extensive, and unique knowledge of this business to me. From day one, Walter became my trainer, and my friend. He guided me through every step of pro wrestling, but more importantly, taught me how to be a genuine, good person, and to treat others with respect, dignity and class. I owe so much to Walter, that I could never put it all in words. The time we spent together is and always will be some of the most precious memories I have, and I will keep it in a special place in my heart. So much of the best things that have happened to me are a direct result of his mentoring. The people I have met, the relationships I have made, and my success in and out of the ring are a direct result of him. Walter loved angels. We had many conversations about them on our regular trips to church that we both enjoyed on Sundays. To me, and anyone who knew him, Walter was an angel. He was a gentleman, friend, and honestly one of the best people to come into my life. Walter, I love you and I could never sing your praise enough. You set me on a path in this business, and in life, that has been in one word, a dream. Rest in the kingdom of heaven my dear friend, as you are now amongst the angels that you loved. Your student, friend, and brother in Christ, Frankie
Frankie Kazarian
The following was posted on KillerKowalski.com this morning:
All of us at Chaotic Wrestling, Chaotic Entertainment Group, and Killer Kowalski's School of Professional Wrestling mourn the passing of Walter "Killer" Kowalski on August 30th. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Information regarding services and donations will be forthcoming.
"Shoot for the moon - if you miss, you may hit a star." - Walter "Killer" Kowalski
Services for Walter will be held Wednesday, September 3rd at the:
Weir Funeral Home
144 Salem Street
Malden, MA 02148
Afternoon Services 2pm-4pm
Evening Services 6pm-8pm
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that wrestling fans send donations to:
Walter "Killer" Kowalski Memorial Fund
c/o Citizens Bank
876 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Thts quite sad a true legend is gone my best wishes to he family. May he rest in peace.
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