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OBIT: Olympic referee and wrestling leader Dick Torio, 84

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by USA Wrestling

USA Wrestling has received word that Olympic wrestling referee and longtime leader Dick Torio, 84, has passed away in Ohio.


Torio was a referee at the 1960, 1964, 1972 and 1976, and was a mentor and friend to many referees in the United States and around the world.


Torio received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1996.

TOLEDO BLADE: Dick Torio obituary


Torio competed at the University of Toledo, where he was a three-time All-American, all in different weight classes. In 1951, he placed third in the NCAA tournament at 177 pounds; in 1952, he took fourth at heavyweight, and in 1953, he placed third at 191.


He coached at the University of Toledo and mentored many athletes, including Olympian Greg Wojciechowski. He was very active in the Toledo community, running a popular health club there.


Torio is survived by his wife, Barbara Grochowski of Toledo; seven children, Mary Torio, Coady Torio, Sheila Torio, Gino Torio, Tony Torio, Angela Beauregard, and Theresa Torio; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann Cody, in 1977.


Arrangements are by Blanchard-Strabler Funeral Home, 1163 W. Sylvania Ave. in Toledo. The family will receive visitors at 9 a.m. Saturday at Gesu Roman Catholic Parish, followed by a Mass at 11 a.m.


In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Anne Grady Services, www.annegrady.org; Hospice of NWO, www.hospicenwo.org; or Parkcliffe Alzheimer's Community, www.parkcliffe.com.

TOLEDO BLADE: Dick Torio photo gallery

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