Beitelman decided to become a professional wrestler in 1951, after working out with Lou Thesz.[2] During his early career, he worked in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, appearing as "Don Curtis."[2]
In 1962, Curtis moved to Florida[2] and teamed with Joe Scarpa to win the NWA World Tag Team Championship (Florida version) from Kurt and Karl Von Brauner.[4] In January 1963, he won the title with Lewin from The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello and Roy Heffernan).[2][4] After vacating the title, Curtis and Lewin regained it in December from the Assassins.[4] Lewin left the team the following month, and the title was once again vacated.[4] In May 1964, Curtis teamed with Abe Jacobs to hold the title for the last time.[4] In Jacksonville, Florida, Curtis promoted shows and managed the coliseum.[2]
By the mid 1970s, he wrestled only part time until his last match in 1980.
Personal life and death
Curtis attended the University at Buffalo, where he played football and was an amateur wrestler.[2] He was the wrestling team captain during 1949 and 1950.[2]
After retiring from professional wrestling, Curtis worked in real estate as well as managing the Jacksonville Coliseum.[2] In 1980, he was inducted into the University of Buffalo Athletic Hall of Fame for wrestling and football.[5]
On February 26, 2008, Curtis suffered a "massive stroke", and his wife, Dotty, released a statement that it was "due to a blood clot breaking loose and hitting the left side of his brain." He was admitted into the Mayo Clinic Hospice facility that day, and died on March 6, 2008, at the age of 80.[5] In 2009, Curtis was posthumously inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum along with Mark Lewin (under the "Tag Team" category).[2]
^ abcdefghijklmOliver, Greg and Steven Johnson (2009). "Mark Lewin and Don Curtis". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on November 25, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
