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Joe Rollino

January 12, 2010 by · Comments Off on Joe Rollino 

Joe Rollino:A New York strong man who once lifted 3,200lb (1,452kg) has died aged 104 after being hit by a car as he crossed a street near his Brooklyn home.

Joe Rollino sustained head and chest injuries, as well as a broken pelvis. He died hours later in hospital.

Mr Rollino, who weighed 10st 10lb (68kg) at the peak of his career, was one of the strongest men for his size.

A decorated World War II veteran and lifelong vegetarian, he could still bend coins between his fingers.

Mr Rollino started performing as a strong man in the 1920s, and was part of the Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen organisation.

He later made a living as a travelling boxer under the name Kid Dundee.

“He was known as the Great Joe Rollino, and he was great,” said Louis Scarcella, 59, who knew him from the Coney Island Polar Bear Club, New York’s oldest winter swimming club.

“He just had that humble confidence and strength. It shined,” he told the New York Times newspaper.

Police said neither speeding nor alcohol had been factors in the crash.

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