Al Tomaini

Aurelio "Al" Tomaini (February 25, 1912 - August 30, 1962), was once the world's tallest person. Tomaini claimed a height of 8 feet, 5½ inches; however, he was really 8 feet, 4 inches.

Al Tomaini
Born
Aurelio Tomaini

(1912-02-25)February 25, 1912
Long Branch, New Jersey, US
DiedAugust 30, 1962(1962-08-30) (aged 50)
Gibsonton, Florida, US
Resting placeSamford Cemetery in Riverview, Florida
NationalityAmerican
OccupationSideshow performer
Height8 ft 4 in (254 cm)
Board member ofChamber of Commerce
Spouse(s)
Evelyn Jeannie Smith Tomaini
(
m. 19361962)
Children2 adopted daughters
Parent(s)Santo Tomaini (father)
Maria Bossone (mother)
RelativesAlex Tomaini (grandson)
P. J. McDonnell (grand nephew)
J. P. McDonnell (grand nephew)
John Tomaini (brother)
John's wife- Arline Frances Tomaini
their daughter Sharon Ann Welch Marcey

Tomaini was the son of Santo Tomaini and Maria Bossone. At the age of 12, he was taller than his father, who stood 6 feet, 3 inches tall. He had a great-grandfather in Italy who was also of abnormal height. His parents consulted a physician who, through the use of X-rays, discovered the cause of his giantism to be an over-active pituitary gland.

Tomaini was a sideshow performer. He was working in a circus at the Great Lakes Exposition in Cleveland in 1943, when he met his future wife, Jeanie Smith. After eloping from the circus, the couple settled in the circus community of Gibsonton, Florida. There he became active in community affairs. He was owner and operator of Giants Camp lodge and Fish Camp, a television repair shop, and a tourist trailer court. He weighed 357 pounds and wore size 26 shoes. He died in 1962.

References


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