The Wrestling Historian World Loses A Great One

Ron Hutchison • April 28, 2023

"If wrestling history research was a jungle, Don Luce would have been at the top of the food chain. He'd be the tiger, or the elephant. F*ck ... he would have been King Kong. --- Steve Yohe"

The Cauliflower Alley Club is saddened to learn of the passing of our 2018 James C. Melby Historian Award Honoree, Mr. Don Luce.


Donald W. Luce Jr, 84 of Batavia, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital. He was born May 22, 1938 in Buffalo, to the late Donald W. and Ruth (Yager) Luce Sr. He is preceded in death by a sister Judith A. Murnan.


Don retired from Amax in Cleveland, OH. He was a Professional Wrestling and Baseball Historian, writing many articles in different publications. Don proudly served in the National Guard. He loved old TV shows, westerns and old west history. Don took great care of his family and he will be missed.


Don is survived by siblings, Marjorie (Rick) Dorman of Albion, Charles Luce of Batavia, two nephews, Ben (Kristine) Heintz, James Heintz and several great-nieces.


Friends are invited to call on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 10 to 11am at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00am Celebration of his Life will immediately follow. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.


In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 44, East Pembroke, NY 14056 or to Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.


The CAC extends its' sincerest condolences to Don's family and many friends at this, most difficult, time.


Share This Post With Others!

By nwaawa1 March 31, 2025
CAC Radio - Episode #88
By The David Difference March 20, 2025
1st Annual Legends Roast
By The David Difference March 16, 2025
Mick Foley to Receive the "Iron" Mike Mazurki Award at 59th Reunion
February 15, 2025
Remembering Col. DeBeers: A Legacy in Professional Wrestling
By The David Difference January 10, 2025
Richard "Black Bart" Harris 1948 - 2025
By nwaawa1 January 9, 2025
CAC honoree "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix talks about her career in WWE and much more!
By The David Difference January 2, 2025
Remembering "Mean" Gene Okerlund - 6 Years
By The David Difference December 30, 2024
Support the Cauliflower Alley Club with Your Year-End 501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Contribution
By The David Difference December 22, 2024
Rey Misterio Sr. 1958 - 2024
December 20, 2024
The C.A.C. has distributed nearly $70,000 in assistance since reunion
More Posts
Share by: