It isn't Thanksgiving without ...

By The Tribune-Review Sunday, November 22, 2009

Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with traditions. From the foods we eat, to the football games we watch, to the people we spend time with, there is a reassuring comfort to returning to the same patterns year after year. It may even be one of the things we're thankful for. But each family is different, and so are their traditions. While one might cherish spending Thanksgiving afternoon on the couch, the other is ready for any pitfalls that exotic holiday travel brings. Below, local personalities offer the one thing they wouldn't be without on Thanksgiving.

Bruno Sammartino, former pro wrestler

Retired world champion wrestler Bruno Sammartino, 74, of Ross loves turkey but wouldn't want to miss dessert on Thanksgiving.

He says that his wife, Carol, -- they met in high school -- "absolutely makes the best pumpkin pie."

The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year by taking a June trip to the Riviera and visiting his Italian homeland.

The Sammartinos plan to share Thanksgiving dinner with two of their three sons -- twins Daniel and Darryl -- and a few of their four grandchildren.

As he grew up, Sammartino realized that nothing is more important than family, he says.

"For Thanksgiving, the most special, special thing is to be with my wife, my sons and grandsons, and to be together as a family," Sammartino says. "Thanksgiving gives me the opportunity to reflect and thank my God for allowing me come to this great land and have a wonderful family," he says. "As far as food, give me my turkey, and my wife makes the best pumpkin pie in the world."

— Deborah Deasy

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