Frank A.. Bettucci

Frank A. Bettucci, age 87, passed away Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport, TN.

He was born in Ithaca, NY to Mary and Joseph T. Bettucci Sr. and was the third of six children.

He will be remembered as an extreme wrestler; beginning locally at Ithaca High School and continuing a distinguished career at Cornell University and beyond.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Carmella Root and Mary Ridell. Frank is survived by daughters: Marie Bettucci, Judi Cooper, Kim Bettucci and son Michael. Also surviving are Frank's brother Joseph T. Bettucci, and sisters Christina Muzzy and Barbara King, with numerous nieces and nephews.

As an outstanding wrestler, Frank was a three time section 4 champion at IHS and a three time 147 pound Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) champion, finishing his Cornell career by winning the 1953 NCAA title. He wrestled 48-3, with a 33 match winning streak. In 1957 and 1960 he won national Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) championships. He earned a place on the 1956 Olympic men's freestyle team, reaching the Olympic team again in 1960, to compete in the finals. He was also an assistant coach at Cornell. Frank's lengthy and extensive participation in wrestling earned him many honors. He is a member of the New York State Wrestling Hall of Fame, Cornell University Athletic Hall of Fame, Eastern Intercollegiate Hall of Fame and was ultimately inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a distinguished member in 2015. Frank served his country with the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army; spending most of his career overseas with the Agency for International Development (USAID.)

Burial with be 9:30 am Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Calvary Cemetery in Ithaca. Following, the family will greet at the Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva Street, Ithaca for a 11:00 am mass. A reception will be held after mass at 12:30 pm at Cornell University.

Bangs Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements; please contact them for any further information and confirmation, 607-272-1922.