Olympic Gold Medalist and Distinguished Member Jeff Blatnick Passed Away
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 bachelor's degree in physical education from Springfield College in Spring-field, Mass. 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 an 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.
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 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church. 73 Midline Road (Route 146 A) Ballston Lake. Calling hours will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. Interment will be inMost Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jeffrey C. Blatnick to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Wrestling Scholarship Fund. Mail contributions to BH-BL Booster Club at 5 Beverly Court, Glenville, NY 12302.
Online condolences may be send to the family at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com
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 bachelor's degree in physical education from Springfield College in Spring-field, Mass. 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 an 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.
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 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church. 73 Midline Road (Route 146 A) Ballston Lake. Calling hours will be from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 28, at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. Interment will be inMost Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Niskayuna.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jeffrey C. Blatnick to Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Wrestling Scholarship Fund. Mail contributions to BH-BL Booster Club at 5 Beverly Court, Glenville, NY 12302.
Online condolences may be send to the family at www.glenvillefuneralhome.com
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