Theodore James Petty, pro wrestler
Published in the Courier News on September 24, 2002
MIDDLESEX -- Theodore James Petty, 50, died Saturday (Sept. 21, 2002) at the Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth.
Born in Somerville, he had resided in Middlesex all his life.
He received a master's degree in education from Rutgers University.
He was self-employed as a professional and collegiate wrestler, winning many state, national and All-American Wrestling awards.
Teddy was known for doing things his way. He performed many different trades over the years as a teacher, boxer, wrestler, coach and construction worker, to name a few. Teddy will surely be missed by his loving family and friends.
Surviving are his life partner, Jeanne Durso of Middlesex; his father, James T. Petty Sr.; his brother, James P. Petty Jr.; three sisters, Vita and husband Darryl Dworkin of Oceanport, Joann and Gregory Rymer of Princeton; and Toni Petty of Bedminster; nieces, Ronnie Bobbitt, and Nicole and Jacquiline Rymer; and nephew, Kevin Bobbitt.
Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road, Middlesex. Interment will be at Lake Nelson Memorial Park in Piscataway.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.