Robert "Bob" Joseph Guzzo

Born on May 8, 1944, in Easton, Pennsylvania, Bob was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth Butchko Guzzo. He grew up in Easton and attended Wilson High School before continuing his wrestling career at East Stroudsburg State College. There, he became a national champion, winning the 1966 NAIA National Championship at 123 pounds — the beginning of a lifelong legacy in the sport he loved so deeply.

Bob began his teaching career at Wilson High School before moving on to the State University of New York at Canton, where he coached wrestling and taught physical education for five years. In 1974, he arrived at NC State, where he would build one of the most respected wrestling programs in the country and dedicate more than 30 years to the university and the sport he loved.

In his very first season at NC State, Bob was named National Rookie Coach of the Year, setting the tone for a remarkable career. He tirelessly worked to grow the sport of wrestling in North Carolina, helping establish a strong wrestling culture in a state not traditionally known as a wrestling powerhouse. Over the course of his career, he coached 86 individual ACC champions, 24 All-Americans, and four national champions, while mentoring countless student-athletes whose lives were forever changed by his leadership, passion, and belief in them.

His achievements were many, including induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the NC State Athletics Hall of Fame. But for those who knew him best, Bob’s legacy extended far beyond championships and accolades. He was known for his infectious laugh, unforgettable stories, fierce loyalty, and legendary rivalry with UNC Wrestling — a rivalry he embraced with unmatched passion and humor.

Above all else, Bob was devoted to his family. He was the best dad, a proud husband, and a constant source of love, encouragement, and strength to those closest to him.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Janis Fish Guzzo of Easton, Pennsylvania; his daughters, Kristi Guzzo (fiancé Steve Deschenes), Gina Guzzo, and Valerie Guzzo Derks (husband Keaton Derks); and his son, Robert Guzzo. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Guzzo and Elizabeth “Betty” Butchko Guzzo; his brother, Marian “Sonny” Guzzo; and his sister, Joyce Ehrie.

Bob Guzzo’s legacy will live on in the countless athletes he mentored, the wrestling community he helped build, and the family and friends who will forever cherish his laughter, stories, and unwavering love.

The Guzzo family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

A memorial service will be held at 5:00pm on Monday, June 8, 2026 at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum, 2411 Dunn Avenue, Raleigh. The family encourages those attending to wear Red and White.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bob Guzzo Wrestling Scholarship at the NC State Wolfpack Club, which provides scholarships for wrestlers and supports the future of the sport Bob devoted his life to growing ( https://gopack.evenue.net/www/ev_ncsu/ss/ev/DonationEntry?donationCd=END-WR-GUZZO&siteId=ev_ncsu&locale=en_US&linkID=ncsu&orchBypass=1 ).

The service may be watched at https://vimeo.com/1199588121

Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, is serving the Guzzo family.