Many people from across the nation have contacted USA Wrestling concerning an opportunity to make memorial donations for 1984 Olympic champion Jeff Blatnick, who tragically passed away at age 55 in Schenectady, N.Y. on Wednesday.

The Journeymen Wrestling Club, a USA Wrestling chartered club, provides an outstanding wrestling program to athletes from the community surrounding Albany, N.Y., where Blatnick grew up and lived. The club has begun to raise money to provide to Jeff Blatnick’s family.

Jeff leaves his wife Lori and teenage children Ian and Niki. 

100% of the donations received by the Journeymen Wrestling Club will be provided to the family.

“Since Jeff was an intricate part of our club, I feel it is incumbent on us to lend back some support,” said Frank Popolizio of the Journeymen Wrestling Club. "We’d really like to help Jeff's children in particular.”

Donations will be collected up until the 10th annual Journeymen /ASICS Northeast Collegiate Duals, which will be held November 24, 2012 in nearby Troy, N.Y. This is one of the nation’s top college wrestling dual meet events every year. A special tribute will be held there in Jeff Blatnick’s honor, and the memorial donations will be given to the family.

Those that would like to support this effort should make out donations to:
Journeymen Wrestling Club, LTD 
(Memo line - Jeff Blatnick)
2220 Balltown Rd.
Niskayuna NY 12309.  

Online condolences can be sent to the family at 
http://www.glenvillefuneralhome.com

Obituary for Jeffrey Blatnick

Jeffrey Blatnick, 55, Motivational Speaker, and Sports Commentator passed away peacefully October 24, 2012.

Born in Niskayuna on July 26, 1957, he is the beloved father and husband of his wife,Lori,his children Ian and Niki, his mother,Angela (Geotes) Blatnick of Niskayuna and the late Carl Blatnick, his brother Andrew, and several nieces and nephews. Jeffrey was also predeceased by his brother, David.

He was a class of '75 graduate of Niskayuna High School and received his  bachelors degree in physical education from Springfield College in Springfield, MA in 1979. 

Jeff was recognized by all of America and beyond by his touching "One Happy Dude" quote when he won the Gold Medal in Greco Roman Wrestling at the 1984 Olympics. He never let his celebrity status overshadow his humility and  his love of helping others with his experiences in life. Jeffrey had a strong will to live life the best he could.

Jeff worked as analyst for NBC Sports and other venues over the years that followed. He was proud of his Motivational Speeches made to literally thousands of aspiring athletes that someday conquer the mats themselves. Jeff  was an assistant Varsity Wrestling Coach for BH-BL High School and a Journeyman Wrestling Club Coach. See related stories on ESPN, NBC 13...

Jeffrey and Lori Nowak Blatnick united in marriage on July 8, 1989 in Massachusetts. The couple settled in Ballston Lake and began raising their children, Ian and Niki. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 29, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church. 73 Midline Rd. (Route 146 A) Ballston Lake. Calling hours will be from 2 PM to 6 PM on Sunday (October 28) at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. Glenville. Interment will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna