Ed Aliverti of Edmonds, Wash., 77, who established himself as one of the greatest wrestling announcers of all time, passed away on Wednesday morning, February 3. 

"Ed Aliverti changed the way wrestling was presented to the public. He was a pioneer and leader in professionalizing the presentation of the sport," said USA Wrestling Executive Director Rich Bender. "He was a constant ambassador for wrestling whereever he went. His passing leaves a big hole in our sport and our organization. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Shirley, the entire Aliverti family and all of his friends around the world."

Ed made a tremendous impact on USA Wrestling and the entire sport for many decades, setting the standard for those who handling public announcing at competitions. He worked all of the major events in our sport, from the youth level through the Olympic Games. He was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1994.

The following posting was placed on a blog today by the Aliverti family:

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to let you all know that my Dad, Ed Aliverti, passed away peacefully this morning at 5:48. 

He fought such a valiant fight. I am so proud of him. I love you Popsicle. You are my hero, today and forever. 

Today, take a moment to hug those you love and think back to a time you spent with Dad. I bet you'll smile. 

I will post a time and location for his party when that information becomes available. 

God bless you all. Thank you for everything. 

The Aliverti Family

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NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHY

Edward Gene Aliverti
Distinguished Member
Class Of 1994 
 
Establishing the standard of excellence for wrestling announcers across the country and around the world, Ed Aliverti has made his own unique contribution to the sport. From high school dual meets to the Olympic Games, he has been a leader in wrestling's vast army of volunteers for nearly four decades, and has brought a new dimension to the sport with his emphasis on spectator interest and crowd involvement. No longer is the announcer merely one who calls contestants to a mat, their efforts there too often obscured by a lack of identity. Aliverti helped turn the wrestling match into a total performance, the ultimate in competition before an informed, enthusiastic group of observers. His enthusiasm radiates throughout the arena, calling immediate attention to noteworthy performers and to rapidly developing situations. He accords every athlete the dignity many bestow only upon champions. Proper pronunciation of every name is the first law of his personal code. And he has added prestige and protocol to the presentation of awards. For every hour at the microphone, there are many of preparation. In high school at Walla Walla, Washington, and college at Washington State, Aliverti never donned wrestling togs, but concentrated instead on vocal music. That, too, is evident when he sings The Star Spangled Banner and the anthems of other countries to open wrestling events. He has been lead announcer of the NCAA Championships since 1973, and of the NAIA nationals since 1981. He so impressed international executives with his work at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles that his credits now include the Games of four Olympiads, more than a dozen World Championships and 100-plus national and international events. As a worldwide ambassador, Aliverti has seized every opportunity to hail wrestling as "The Oldest and Greatest Sport." For elevating the sport to a higher level, Edward Gene Aliverti is honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

WASHINGTON WRESTLING HALL OF FAME BIOGRAPHY

Ed Aliverti 
Inducted in 1994
Edmonds, Washington
  
Ed Aliverti is no stranger to anyone in the sport of wrestling in our state. As the "Voice of Mat Classic" he has earned the admiration of fans for his enthusiastic style.

Ed was born in 1932 in Walla Walla where he attended Walla Walla High School and graduated as Valedictorian in 1950. Attending WSU Ed graduated Cum Laude in 1955.

Ed's list of credits is every bit as incredible as he is and includes membership in the Edmonds School District Living Hall of Fame, the NAIA Wrestling Hall of Fame, he has been recognized for Meritorious Service by the WSWCA, has received the Dr. William Tomaras Award, has been selected "Man of the Year" by USA Wrestling in 1992, was presented an "Outstanding Service to Youth" Award by the WIAA, and has received a Gold Star for Meritorious Service from FILA. Most recently Ed was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Ed has been announcing wrestling events since the late 1950's. He has announced hundreds of high school and collegiate championships and competitions and has been announcing the Washington State High School Championships since 1964. He has been Master of Ceremonies at the WSWCA Hall of Fame since its inception in 1984. Ed has announced the NCAA Championships since 1973 and the NAIA Championships since 1981. On the international level Ed has announced an incredible number of events including the World Championships, Goodwill and Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles (1984), Seoul, Korea (1988), Barcelona (1992), Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000). Ed also serves as the announcer for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the NCAA Division I Awards Banquet.

During Ed's educational career he has worked at Edmonds High School, Mountlake Terrace High School, Lynnwood High School and Edmonds Community College.

Ed and his wife Shirley have three children; Jann, Leslie and Gina. Ed was nominated and inducted by long time friend Mike Hess of Edmonds. 
 
Family online blog concerning Ed Aliverti

WIN Magazine article: Alivertis honored upon their retirement from announcing