Hi, I'm Pete.
     On Sept. 22, 2012 a beautiful 22' high 4,000lb. statue of Rocky Marciano which was a gift of Mexico's WBC was proudly unveiled at Marciano Stadium. Rocky was a deserving recipient of this award as is his family and the citizens of Brockton whose pride swelled at this event which drew 7,000 people. I couldn't help but think, however, about an old friend of mine from Brockton who was equally successful in his chosen sport but somehow escaped receiving any accolades.
     The last time I saw Al Turner was at Shaw's supermarket and I went over and happily shook his hand. I said"Al, how are you?" He responded, "I have leukemia." Both my jaw and demeanor dropped. Sensing this, Al said"It's all right; I can still kick your ass!". That's how I like to remember Al; tough and defiant in the face of one of nature's worst killers- leukemia.
    This obituary was previously published in Iron History.com and in Denis Reno's Weightlifting Newsletter.

Arm Wrestling Legend, Al Turner Passes Away
by Peter Vuono
     Arm wrestling has always been a dichotomy. It never achieved the type of notoriety that other sports have gotten and yet it's practiced by everyone from school children to pro athletes. On June 4, 1998, one of arm wrestling's greatest legends, Al Turner passed away at the age of 67 from a year long battle with leukemia.This unique sport which he dominated for so many years spawned only a few legendary figures. Mac Batchelor, Moe Baker, Cleve Dean and Jim Dolcini were among them. Al was certainly part of this prestigious list. The former Marine who sparred with Rocky Marciano, won the world arm wrestling championships 11 times! Just amazing was the fact that he did not start competing until he was 41!. Al was by no means s "back yard" competitor. Many of his titles were won outside New England and the United States. In 1979 his world title was won in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1980- Brazil and in 1981- back in Canada. Al won hundreds of titles and hosted the nationals in Brockton in the late 70's. Also, in 1978, Al had a full length feature published on him in Sports Illustrated.Although Al is sadly gone from us he left behind the memory of his unparalleled raw strength and courage.