Sammy Luftspring
Name: Sammy Luftspring
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died: 2000-09-27 (Age:84)
Judge: Record
Referee: Record
Pro Boxer: Record
Amateur Boxer: Record
Officiating Record: Referee
Photo #2
Sammy Luftspring was of Hebrew heritage. He was in line for a title fight with Henry Armstrong for the welterweight world title when he suffered an inoperable eye injury in a fight with Steve Belloise that ended his career. He was ranked as high as the number 3 welterweight in the world in 1939 by The Ring, and as the number 7th welter in the world in their 1938 annual rankings. Luftspring later became a boxing referee, primarily appearing on boxing programs in Toronto. He is a member of the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
Obituary
Toronto Globe and Mail
LUFTSPRING, Sammy Peacefully in the presence of his family at age 85 on Wednesday, September 27, 2000 at Toronto East General Hospital. Sammy Luftspring beloved husband of the late Elsie Luftspring. Loving father of Brian, and Orian and Norty Feldman. Cherished grandfather of Cheryl Luftspring and Christopher Wark, Tracy Luftspring, David and Jill Feldman, Kymmie Feldman, and great-grandfather of David Luftspring Wark, and Jaymie Feldman. Sammy will be sadly missed by siblings Rosie Luftspring, Freda Eisen, Jean Kaplan, and Syd and Rose Luftspring. At Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West (1 light west of Dufferin) for service on Thursday, September 28, 2000 at 12:30 p.m. Interment Slipia Synagogue Section of Dawes Road Cemetery. Due to the Holy Days shiva will be observed at 70 Windsor Court Road, Thornhill concluding Friday, September 29, 2000 at noon. The family will be at home to see visitors following the Holy Days Sunday evening through Tuesday evening. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Sammy Luftspring Memorial Fund c/o The Benjamin Foundation, 3429 Bathurst Street, Toronto, M6A 2C3, 416-780-0324. He will be remembered as a great Canadian Boxing Champion and Referee a member of Canada Sports Hall of Fame. A dear friend to all who knew him and always heard him say ?Call me Sammy.?