Assembly Resolution No. 223
BY: M. of A. Norris
MOURNING the death of Richard J. Beyer, renowned
professional wrestler, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Richard John "Dick" Beyer of Akron, New York, known
throughout his professional wrestling career as "The Destroyer" and
"Doctor X," died on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, Born July 11, 1930, in Buffalo, New York, Richard J. Beyer
was a four-sport athlete at Seneca Vocational High School who earned a
football scholarship to Syracuse University playing right tackle and
defensive guard; and
WHEREAS, It was during his time at Syracuse University that the
5'10", 230-pound Richard J. Beyer also made a name for himself on the
wrestling team as heavyweight in the early 1950s; he competed at three
Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships as
well as at Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) wrestling events in freestyle
competition; and
WHEREAS, Richard J. Beyer was a 1952 AAU Niagara District Champion
and a three-time letter winner for Syracuse University (1951-1953); he
was named Syracuse Athlete of the Year in 1953 for his performance on
the wrestling mat and football field; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Richard J. Beyer served as an Assistant
Football Coach throughout the 1950s to head coach Ben Schwartzwalder;
and
WHEREAS, In 1954, Richard J. Beyer launched a professional wrestling
career that spanned four decades and 8,000 matches; he was best known by
his ring names, "The Destroyer" and "Doctor X," in the Minneapolis-based
American Wrestling Association (AWA)
WHEREAS, The first American to compete in All Japan pro wrestling,
Richard J. Beyer worked extensively in Japan, and in 2017, he was
awarded one of the country's highest honors, the Order of the Rising
Sun; and
WHEREAS, In early 1963, Richard J. Beyer wrestled three sold-out
matches against Shohei "Giant" Baba at the Olympic Auditorium in Los
Angeles, and in May of the same year he traveled to Japan for the first
time to compete against Rikidozan in a match watched by 70 million
television viewers; and
WHEREAS, Richard J. Beyer returned to Los Angeles in June of 1964,
during which time he defeated Dick the Bruiser for another WWA Title;
and
WHEREAS, Beginning in 1973, Richard J. Beyer wrestled in Japan for
six straight years with Giant Baba and NTV of Tokyo; during his tenure
in Japan, he had a feud with Mil Mascaras which resulted in a series of
seven matches; furthermore, he was instrumental in the promotion of All
Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) for Giant Baba, and established himself as a
television personality in a late-night TV show called Uwasa No Channel;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to his professional wresting career, Richard J.
Beyer served as a Physical Education teacher from 1984 to 1995, in the
Akron Central School District, where he also coached football, wrestling
and swimming; and
WHEREAS, The proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades,
Richard J. Beyer was welcomed into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz
Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2002; he also received the 2014
Zunic Award from Syracuse University; and
WHEREAS, Richard J. Beyer is survived by his wife, Wilma; four
children, Patti (Marc), Kurt, Mona (Chris) and Richard (Amy); eight
grandchildren, Lisa, Kelly, Laurene, Brent, Garrett, Grace, Grant and
Lucy; a great-grandson, Charlie; and a sister, Shirley; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard J. Beyer leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Richard J. Beyer, renowned professional wrestler,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Richard J. Beyer.
