Hamilton football/wrestling legend Angelo Mosca dead at 84
Published November 6, 2021 at 2:31 pm
Angelo Mosca, a legend in Hamilton and one of the fiercest competitors in Canadian Football League (CFL) history, has died.
Reports indicate Mosca, 84, died today after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Originally from Massachusetts, Mosca attended the University of Notre Dame and after graduation turned down a chance to play in the National Football League, instead joining the CFL in 1958.
After playing for several teams, he settled in Hamilton where his career as a Tiger-Cat took off as he manned the defensive tackle position like few had done before him.
From 1962 to 1972 he was a five-time all-star and in his career he played on five Grey Cup winning teams, all the while earning the reputation has being one of the toughest players in the game.
He was embraced by Hamilton like few others before or since as he came to symbolize the gritty determination and resilience that residents of the city proudly display. The city’s nickname, The Hammer, was personified in Mosca.
Videos
When his football playing days were over he concentrated on a burgeoning wrestling career that brought a new level to his infamy and a generation of new fans.
Known as King Kong Mosca when he entered the ring, he carried on his mean reputation and quickly became known as everyone’s favourite bad guy, a wrestler the fans loved to hate. His son Angelo Mosca Jr. also had a wrestling career.
When he finally put his athletic career to rest, Mosca lived in and around the Hamilton area, a fixture at CFL events and Ti-Cat games, often living up to his tough guy reputation at events and appearances where his legendary stature continued to grow.
In 2015 he revealed he had Alzheimer’s and later that year the Tiger-Cats retired his number 68 football jersey.
A statement just released by his family confirms Mosca’s passing.
It reads:
‘It is with great sadness that the family of Angelo Mosca announce his passing on November 6, 2021, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Angelo was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather as well as friend to so many. Angelo was 84 years old. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time. More details will be shared when arrangements have been made.’”
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising