Gene Tunney

AKA:

The Fighting Marine

Birth Name:

James Joseph Tunney

Birth Date:

May 25, 1897

Birth Place:

New York City, New York

Death Date:

November 7, 1978

Place of Death:

Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, Connecticut

Age:

Cause of Death:

Circulation Ailment

Cemetery Name:

Long Ridge Union Cemetery

Claim to Fame:

Sports

Gene Tunney, born James Joseph Tunney on May 25, 1897, in New York City, was an American professional boxer and world heavyweight champion from 1926 to 1928. Raised in a working-class Irish-American family, Tunney developed a passion for boxing at a young age and turned professional in 1915. Known for his intelligence, disciplined training, and tactical style, he earned the nickname “The Fighting Marine” after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War I. Tunney rose to prominence in the light heavyweight division before moving up to heavyweight, where he achieved his greatest fame by defeating Jack Dempsey in 1926 to win the world title. Their rematch in 1927, known for the controversial "Long Count" when Dempsey failed to immediately go to a neutral corner, remains one of boxing’s most storied bouts. Tunney retired undefeated as heavyweight champion in 1928, having lost only once in his entire career. After boxing, he led a successful business life and maintained a private family life with his wife, socialite Polly Lauder. Tunney died on November 7, 1978 and was buried at Long Ridge Union Cemetery in Stamford, Connecticut.

Fun Facts

Gene Tunney was a highly educated, “scientific” boxer who twice defeated Jack Dempsey for the heavyweight title, had a career-defining moment in the “long count” rematch, and retired undefeated as champion. He served in the Marines during WWI, where he won a championship, and later became a successful businessman and WWII veteran who directed the U.S. Navy’s physical fitness program. He was also a lifelong intellectual who lectured on Shakespeare at Yale University and was friends with authors like George Bernard Shaw.

After retiring from boxing, Tunney had a successful career in business and the arts. He was the author of two books: A Man Must Fight (1932) and Arms for Living (1942). Tunney also had a brief acting career, starring in the 1926 movie The Fighting Marine. Unfortunately, no prints of the film are known to exist today.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Long Ridge Union Cemetery

154 Erskine Road

Stamford, Connecticut, 06903

USA

North America

Grave Location:

Section G, Tunney Family Plot

Grave Location Description

As you are driving down Erskine Road with the cemetery on your left, drive past Lake Windermere Road on your right (their is a cemetery entrance on your left but keep driving) and take the next entrance to the cemetery on your left. Drive straight ahead to the end of the road and the final resting place of boxing legend Gene Tunney and family is on your right.

Grave Location GPS

41.148247096102835, -73.59700535535603

Visiting The Grave:

Photos:

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FAQ's

Gene Tunney was born on May 25, 1897.

Gene Tunney was born in New York City, New York.

Gene Tunney died on November 7, 1978.

Gene Tunney died in Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, Connecticut.

Gene Tunney was 81.

The cause of death was Circulation Ailment.

Gene Tunney's grave is in Long Ridge Union Cemetery

Videos Featuring Gene Tunney:

The Story of the Fighting Marine

The Technical Genius

Gene Tunney talks about his brutal first fight with Harry Greb!

A 'New York Game Changers' Story

The Relationship Between Boxer Gene Tunney, and the Playwright George Bernard Shaw

Gene Tunney