Dick Torio, longtime referee and part of the team behind the original Wrestling World Cup, has died. He was 84.

Torio refereed the 1960, 1964, 1972 and 1976 Olympics. In 1968 he led the American Greco-Roman squad as Team Leader and helped with coaching duties.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame awarded Torio a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996.

"He was one of the earliest teachers of wrestling to officials. He was one of my teachers. I would not have gotten to where I did as an official without his guidance and teaching,” said Rick Tucci, Olympic referee and President of U.S. Wrestling Officials Association. “He loved working with young officials and helping them develop in international wrestling.”

On the mats Torio was known for his calming presence. No matter how a situation looked, how excited people were about it, Torio was known to keep passions under control. A talent he often taught younger referees.

In addition to his refereeing duties, Torio, along with Joe Scalzo, was instrumental in bringing the Wrestling World Cups to the United States. The original meets were held in Torio’s hometown of Toledo.

“He was respected around the world,” said Tucci. “He will be missed.”

Mr. 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.

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