Wrestler 'Killer' Kowalski dead at 81

EVERETT, Mass., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Professional wrestler Walter Kowalski, known for his hated "Killer" wrestling persona, has died at the age of 81 in Everett, Mass., his wife says.

Kowalski's wife, Theresa Ferrioli, was by the popular wrestler's side when he was taken off life support Saturday after suffering a major heart attack, The Boston Globe reported Sunday.

Jamie Jamitkowski, who runs the Killer Kowalski's ProWrestling School in Massachusetts, said Kowalski was always more dedicated to teaching his skills to others than celebrating them in media appearances.

"Walter was one of the first guys to do wrestling training. Up to and until his last day at the school, we would have fans and students show up the days he was there," Jamitkowski said. "Walter would turn down paid appearances to appear around the country because he would say he had to work on Saturdays at the school."

Kowalski officially retired from the wrestling world in 1977 and was inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment's Hall of Fame in 1996, the Globe said.

The newspaper said in addition to his wife, Kowalski, born Wladek Kowalski in Windsor, Ontario, was survived by a brother.