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2003 Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction
Ilio DiPaolo & Dick “The Destroyer” Beyer |
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| Ilio DiPaolo and Dick “The Destroyer” Beyer will receive the New York State Award from the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame. The New York State Award is given in recognition of wrestlers, one living and one posthumous, who have brought dignity and honor to both the State of New York and the profession of wrestling. The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction Dinner was held on Saturday - May 17, 2003 (Schenectady, New York). |
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The posthumous award will be given to late Ilio DiPaolo, a wrestling legend from Italy who settled in Blasdell, New York. DiPaolo held many titles including the Canadian Tag-Team Championship with Whipper Watson and the All-Asian Championship in Japan. He retired in 1965 due to ankle injury and then opened a restaurant in Blasdell, New York. The restaurant, which bears his name is managed by his family, has established itself as one of the finest dining facilities in the region. The Buffalo Bills football team frequents the restaurant on a regular basis. A line of food products bearing Ilio’s name has proven to be successful. Like Beyer, DiPaolo has been recipient of many community involvement awards. A tragic motor vehicle accident ended his life prematurely in 1995. |
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Dick “The Destroyer” Beyer of Akron, New York will receive the living award for his contributions to his community and to the field of wrestling.
Dick holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Syracuse University and co-captained their football team in the early 1950’s.
He gained immense fame in the United States, Japan, Australia and Europe wrestling under a mask as “The Destroyer.” Dick states that he plans to be present in Schenectady to accept this award. |
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