The Enduring Legacy Of Albert Bevilacqua Jr.: A Family Defined By Faith And Wrestling

Albert Bevilacqua Jr. Shared The Unbreakable Bond With His Wife, Catherine Helen, The True Head Coach Of Their Legacy

Catherine Helen Bevilacqua embodied quiet resilience, boundless affection, and unwavering belief in purpose.

August 13, 2026

This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on August 13, 2026

Albert Bevilacqua Jr., a USA Wrestling Leader, departed this world on Sunday, August 10. His existence revolved around family, spiritual conviction, and the realm of wrestling.

His spouse of six decades, Catherine Helen Bevilacqua, alongside his sibling Ralph, survived him.

In 2011, Al Bevilacqua and I jointly hosted the Living The Dream Medal Fund Telethon within Colorado Springs. To honor Al, these reflections capture moments from that evening and echoes from the late Al Bevilacqua, a tireless advocate for the sport.

— Jason Bryant (@jasonmbryant)

Albert "Al" Bevilacqua Jr. transcended mere coaching. He emerged as a pioneer, reshaping wrestling to mold emerging generations.

He secured admission to New York University (NYU) via a wrestling scholarship, achieving the family's first college graduation. His commitment deepened, cementing his status among wrestling's most influential figures.

His amateur wrestling achievements stood unmatched. Partnering his eldest son Chris, he became the inaugural father-son pair inducted into the United States Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Additionally, his mentorship cultivated six Olympic champions, expanding his global reach through connections with wrestling's elite.

Central to his legacy was influencing a pivotal Supreme Court decision enabling wrestling's separation from the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), fostering USA Wrestling's establishment.

Albert Bevilacqua Jr.'s Spouse Led The Household

Catherine Helen Bevilacqua was far more than a sports icon's partner. She was a nurturing parent, accomplished athlete, and the cornerstone of an extraordinary lineage.

Daughter of Bernard and Helen McLauglin, she entered the world on October 9, 1939, in Queens, New York.

Raised with steadfast faith and discipline, Catherine attended Sacred Heart Catholic Academy before thriving at NYU.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962 while excelling as an elite NCAA swimmer and AAU champion. It was during NYU that she encountered her future husband, Albert.

Married in 1962, they constructed a life anchored in familial bonds, spiritual conviction, and diligent effort. They nurtured six offspring in Massapequa, Long Island, fostering a nurturing environment reminiscent of classic community tales.

Catherine embodied domestic harmony, instilling confidence, appreciation, and tenacity in her children. Five progeny established enterprises, while daughter Nora attained a doctorate Albert pursued.

Their heritage spans eighteen grandchildren plus two great-granddaughters.

Albert often labeled Catherine as the ultimate "Head Coach" of their collective journey, playfully acknowledging himself as assistant. Her steadfast encouragement empowered his worldwide aspirations.

Beyond familial devotion, Catherine radiated generosity. An ardent animal lover, she cherished numerous companions throughout her years. Her compassion and moral clarity profoundly impacted every individual fortunate enough to know her.

Catherine departed September 27, 2026, aged 83, yet her spirit persists through descendants and countless lives enriched by her presence.

Albert Bevilacqua Jr.'s Relatives Grieve Profoundly

Albert "Al" Bevilacqua Jr., revered mentor, educator, and entrepreneur whose passion revolutionized wrestling, passed peacefully, leaving an immortal legacy.

His influence extended beyond arenas, shaping athletes and communities alike.

With sorrowful hearts, we announce the passing of co-founder Al Bevilacqua. His zeal for sport and commitment to BTS remain eternally honored.

— Beat the Streets Wrestling (@BeattheStreets)

Balancing teaching roles with entrepreneurial ventures, Bevilacqua pioneered Beat the Streets Wrestling, delivering sport access to urban youth nationwide.

His aspiration materialized through son Chris launching College Sports Television (CSTV) during early 2000s.

Chris amplified Olympic disciplines including wrestling and volleyball into American households. Al's teachings fostered perseverance, integrity, and empathy, inspiring generations of leaders and athletes.

The Bevilacqua clan invites those whose lives intersected with Al to commemorate his memory.

Fun arrangements occur at Massapequa Funeral Home (4980 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY), August 13, 2-4PM & 7-9PM; Catholic Mass at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church (2 Bayview Avenue, Massapequa, NY) August 14, 10AM; burial at Amityville Cemetery (56 Harrison Avenue, Amityville, NY).

A commemorative celebration organized with USA Wrestling plans a tribute event later this autumn.

The family requests memorial contributions to causes dear to Al's heart: , , or Friends of Massapequa Wrestling, C/O Vito Mundo, 16 Elm Street, Massapequa, N.Y. 11758.

May his legacy endure eternally.

Did You Know?

Albert Bevilacqua Jr., nicknamed Big Al, Mr. Bev, and Coach Bev served as Health Education and Driver’s Education instructor.
His crowning professional feat involved founding Beat The Streets Wrestling.
He championed mentorship without limits, embodying “never abandon hope in any child.”