Pasquale "Pat" Pecora

Pasquale “Pat” Pecora, a towering figure in the world of collegiate wrestling and a beloved husband, father, nonno, and coach went to be with the Lord on September 8, 2024, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of excellence, mentorship, and dedication. He was 70 years old and passed peacefully with family by his side. Pat ‘The Cat’ was born in Pittsburgh on September 19th to the late Richard and Rose (Cortazzo) Pecora. He grew up in Monroeville and was one of five children.

Pecora's remarkable career spanned nearly five decades, during which he established himself as the All-Time Winningest Coach across all divisions of NCAA, NAIA, and Junior College wrestling. His tenure as the head coach of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Mountain Cat wrestling program began in 1976, following an illustrious wrestling career at West Liberty State College. Under his guidance, the Mountain Cats achieved unparalleled success, with Pecora amassing a record 661 career wins.

Throughout his tenure, Pecora’s teams achieved two NCAA Division II National Championships, 25 NCAA Regional titles, and eight consecutive Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championships. His coaching excellence was recognized with multiple accolades, including the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Coach of the Year honors in 1995, 1999, 2019, and 2022. He was named NCAA Regional Coach of the Year 22 times and received the NWCA Bob Bubb Excellence in Coaching Award in 2023-24. Pecora also had the honor of coaching the National All-Star Team, showcasing the best wrestlers from all divisions.

In addition to his success on the mat, Pecora’s teams excelled academically, leading the nation in NWCA All-Academic Wrestling Team selections from 1997 to 2000 and producing nearly 200 NWCA All-Academic members since 1990. He also guided his wrestlers to 38 Top-20 national finishes, 24 Top-10 finishes, and 11 Top-5 finishes, while mentoring 170 All-Americans and 15 individual national champions.

Pecora’s influence extended beyond the wrestling room. He served as Pitt-Johnstown’s Athletic Director from 2008, played a pivotal role on the NWCA Board of Directors, and was a two-term president of the organization. His impact on the sport was further solidified by his induction into nine halls of fame, including the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, PA Chapter, 2017, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame-East Boro Chapter, Cambria County Sports, and the NCAA Division II Wrestling Hall of Fame.

In remembering Pat Pecora, we celebrate not only his record-setting achievements but also his dedication to his family and athletes and his profound influence on the sport of wrestling. If you wrestled for Pecora you were part of “The Family” a brotherhood that spans decades and will continue to grow and touch untold generations.  The saying “Brothers for life” is a key phrase said among his athletes. It has a deep meaning of love and admiration for “The Family” and the way of life Coach Pecora had preached.  The men he mentored to become All-Americans and National Champions have carried forward his teachings, earning countless awards across all areas of life.  The bond among these men is held together by an unwavering commitment to the principles taught under Coach Pecora's guidance. 

Coach Pecora would ask the famous question, “Who would you want holding your rope if you were hanging off the cliff of a mountain?”  This way of thinking embodies how he strived to live his life.  He was a man you could trust to “hold your rope” A man of honor, loyalty, and integrity. A natural charismatic leader who had a gift to motivate, influence, and teach. Once he was in your corner, he was in your corner for life.  

In his final moments from a hospital bed, he continued to coach, teach, and fight with unyielding resolve. He miraculously overcame numerous near death medical emergencies.  In the end, he was teaching us to never give up.  He fought to hold on to that rope just a bit longer, striving to give closure to his family and boys. 

When asked about his fight against cancer he said, “God doesn’t allow us to go through anything without some sort of purpose.  No matter how uncomfortable the situation and how impossible the struggle, I challenge myself to embrace it.  The journey is about how God wants to use me and what he wants others to learn through me.  When I think of the journey in that way, I consider whatever I’m going through an honor that God has chosen me to do his will.” 

In addition to coaching and time with his family,  Pat enjoyed studying the Italian language, watching Saint Francis Football and the Steelers. He was a true man of God and a member of St. Benedict’s Parish.

Pat is survived by his beloved wife, Tracy (Zimmerman) and their four children: Cristina and husband Cory Yacynych, Marco and wife Niki (Cognigni), Marina and husband Caleb Vescovi, and their youngest son, Nico. He was also a proud Nonno to eight grandchildren, Mila, Micaiah, Matteo, Milo, Vincenzo, Lucio, Cecilia and Nino who were a source of immense joy in his life.  Also survived by Sister Antoinette and husband John McNamara, brother Richard and wife Veronica (Samsa), Sister Janice and husband Richard Dowd and numerous nieces and nephews.  Pat is preceded in death by brother Ernest Pecora. 

Family and Friends will be received at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Sports Center September 15th and 16th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Family and Friends will be invited to attend a Funeral Mass on September 17th at 1:30 p.m at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, Geistown with Fr. David Peles and Fr. Brian Warchola. Interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements through Duca Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to the  Mountain Cat Wrestling Club https://mcatwc.org/.

Pat's impact on the sport of wrestling and the lives he touched will remain a lasting testament to his remarkable career and character. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor to know him. To know him truly was to love him.
 

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