Orval Borgialli
Orval Borgialli
Orval was born Jan. 9, 1936, in the milk house at the family homestead Southwest of Newcastle, the son of Carlos (Charley) Borgialli, an Italian Immigrant and Rena Ann (Michael) Borgialli of Novinger, Mo.
Orval attended the rural Borgialli School along with his 12 nephews and nieces. Upon the death of his father, he and his mother moved to town where he attended grade school and Newcastle High School. He graduated from Chadron State Teacher's College with a Bachelor of Science in education degree. In August 1964, he received a Master of Arts Degree from Colorado State College of Ed. (UNC)
Orval began his career as an industrial arts instructor and wrestling coach at Niobrara County High School in Lusk. He was head Wrestling Coach for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 1964-1978. From 1978 until his retirement in 1997, he served as Administrative Coordinator for the Bob Devaney Sports Center. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame for outstanding Contributions to Nebraska Wrestling in 1985. In November 2004, the University Of Nebraska Athletic Department honored him for his years of exemplary service.
He became a member of Christ United Methodist Church after moving to Lincoln and for the past several years has attended New Covenant Community Church.
In 2003, he developed a T-cell abnormality and was treated for A-plastic anemia. He was diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma and underwent a stem cell transplant. He passed away on Feb. 27 after facing all possible treatment options head on.
Orval was an intense competitor in everything he did. He had one speed, full steam ahead. His intensity also demonstrated itself in his commitment to his wife and family and all his friends. He supported his family in unlimited ways and spoiled them tremendously. If anyone had a need, Orval did his best to meet it.
Orval leaves his wife, Carol, his daughter Susan (Greg) Thomsen and their daughters, Katie, Hannah and Morgan of Lincoln, a son Merlen (Connie) Borgialli and son Nickolas of Marquette, Mich. and a son Mike Borgialli of Lincoln and many relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers (Joe and Charley) and grandson Nathan.
Services were held at 10:30 a.m., March 6 at New Covenant Community Church. Burial was held at Lincoln Memorial Park.
The family requests memorials be made payable to the University of Nebraska Foundation in care of Husker Wrestling Club Endowment Fund, 117 S. Stadium, P.O. Box 880154, Lincoln, NE 68501-9988.