In addition to serving as the “unofficial mascot” and ringside attendant at events where his father Bucky Palermo served as an official authorized by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission, Eugene Palermo, who passed away on August 7th, was much more.
He was well-known in Pittsburgh.
Eugene Palermo, who was born on July 10th, 1965, was a dazzling, joyous soul who instantly made everyone around him happier.
He served as the real-life model for Nick Dinsmore’s “Eugene” character in the WWE, however, the latter’s portrayal couldn’t be more dissimilar from Palermo.
The legendary wrestlers who visited the Greater Pittsburgh region were fond of Eugene.
Eugene’s niece Sabrina Riccelli wrote in an email: “He was truly the best uncle, always smiling.
Along with his father Bucky, who was recognized in 2013, Eugene Palermo was added to the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2016.
Even after his father passed away, Eugene Palermo occasionally went to a wrestling match and frequently showed up at neighborhood gatherings like the Pittsburgh Memorial Day Parade.
In the same Lawrenceville area for many years, Bucky Palermo owned, ran, and maintained a store where he repaired shoes, including wrestler’s boots.
More about the Legend
At the age of 57, Eugene Palermo passed away on Sunday.
Palermo’s father introduced him to the world of professional wrestling.
For more than three decades, Pittsburgh and the surrounding environs were home to referee Bucky Palermo, who passed away in 2017.
Even though Eugene Palermo had Down syndrome, he continued to participate in wrestling.
Years of watching WWF events in the Pittsburgh region allowed him to work on them as a ring boy, securing entrance gear from wrestlers and carrying out other tasks.
He was well-liked and well-recognized throughout the Pittsburgh area’s independent wrestling community.
He was honored with a spot in the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame in 2016.
Resemblance helps
Dinsmore claims that despite numerous attempts, he had little luck in pitching the persona to WWE backstage producers.
The idea wasn’t accepted until Dinsmore had the opportunity to present it directly to Vince McMahon.
As a direct result of WWE staff members’ memories of Eugene Palermo visiting events, the moniker “Eugene” was chosen.
In WWE, Dinsmore played “Eugene” from 2004 until 2007.
Even though some fans found the figure unsettling, Dinsmore recalls many nice encounters with followers who said it inspired those with special needs. I want to be that kind of person.
This year, Dinsmore has been performing the Eugene persona as part of a “retirement tour.”