BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh Athletics Hall of Fame member Dr. William "Billy" Stuart '66 passed away last Friday. An NCAA Champion and two-time All-American at Lehigh, Stuart went on to a distinguished professional career as an emergency medicine doctor, while also remaining engaged with Lehigh wrestling as a member of the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club's Board of Directors.
A national champion in 1965 and an NCAA third-place finisher in 1966 at 137 pounds, Stuart along with Joe Peritore '67 and Hall of Famer Mike Caruso '67, made up the Terrific Trio that was featured in Sports Illustrated and Newsweek in 1965. The Terrific Trio (L-R): Mike Caruso '67, Joe Peritore '67, Billy Stuart 66
After graduation, Stuart wrestled at the New York Athletic Club and was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Eastern AAU Championships in 1967 at 136.5 pounds.
Stuart graduated from Lehigh in 1966 and worked towards his master's in biochemistry at Penn State prior to going to medical school. He eventually earned his M.D. from Maryland-Baltimore Campus in 1971 before embarking on a lengthy career in the medical field.
In addition to his medical work, Stuart helped train wrestlers for the Olympics in the 1970s and in his later years mentored wrestlers through the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club.
Stuart is survived by his loving family including his wife Colleen and their children. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions may be made in his memory to the Lehigh Valley Wrestling Club, and mailed to P.O. Box 1902 Bethlehem, PA 18016 or online at www.lehighvalleywrestlingclub.com/billy.
