MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. - The Long Island wrestling community has lost one of its biggest proponents over the past 70 years with the passing of Jerry Seckler, who tirelessly devoted his life to raising public awareness and appreciation of amateur wrestling.

In 1990, Seckler co-founded and became president of The Friends of Long Island Wrestling, and, along with Pascal Perri, helped grow it into a nationally recognized organization with over 2,000 members. Over the past 35 years, “Friends” has supported active ongoing amateur wrestling programs in our schools and youth organizations. It has also developed new programs and activities for amateur wrestling, and fostered and promoted a positive community identity for those programs.

In 1994, Jerry helped form the Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, which has recognized over 165 esteemed Long Island, New York City, and Westchester wrestling coaches, officials, and wrestlers with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling, Outstanding American and Medal of Courage awards.

Jerry was an outstanding wrestler who won two Long Island Championship titles while wrestling for Valley Stream Central High School, and a National Prep School Championship while attending St Paul’s School in Garden City. At Penn State University, Jerry had two undefeated seasons, and was selected co-captain of the varsity team his senior year.

Following his outstanding high school and collegiate wrestling career, Jerry transitioned into coaching, mentoring, and advocating for the growth of wrestling at all levels. He began his coaching career at Freeport High School and then moved on to Columbia College. He finished his coaching career at Columbia as president of the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Coaches Association. Jerry left Columbia to pursue an administrative career in Nassau County, where he created and administered the first summer wrestling tournament in the country at the Newbridge Road Park. During this period, he was also instrumental in creating the first double-dual college tournament in the nation and two USA vs Russia meets. Jerry received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1998.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Pat, three children, Frank, Jean, and Michael, and six grandchildren.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Downstate New York Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

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Jerry’s legacy as a wrestling champion, mentor, coach, and advocate for amateur wrestling will forever be remembered.