R.I.P. Mike Matarazzo (1965-2014)

Mike Matarazzo was a IFBB pro bodybuilder.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, he moved to Venice, California to further his bodybuilding career. Formerly a boxer, Mike Matarazzo first won the 1989 Gold's Gym Classic in Massachusetts. He competed for the first time in the Mr. Olympia contest in 1991. Known primarily for his massive arms, his best placing (out of seven total appearances) in the Mr. Olympia competition was 9th, in 1998.

Matarazzo's last appearance in a professional bodybuilding event was the 2001 Mr. Olympia, where he placed 21st. He was forced to retire due to having open heart surgery on 2004 as a result of clogged arteries. At the time of his death he was residing in Modesto, California, and was last reported to be working as a bail bondsman. He was forced to stop working due to limitations on physical activity related to his 20% heart function. In 2007, Mike suffered a heart attack, his second cardiac-related problem since his surgery in 2004. In 2014, he was in an intensive care unit due to heart complication.

Sadly, he passed away yesterday, Sunday 17 August 2014.

Competitive History:

1991 NPC USA Championships, Heavyweight, 1st and Overall

1991 Mr. Olympia, Did not place

1992 Arnold Classic, 15th

1992 Ironman Pro Invitational, 5th

1993 Marissa Classic, 6th

1993 Night of Champions, 8th

1993 Mr. Olympia, 18th

1993 Pittsburgh Pro Invitational, 2nd

1994 Arnold Classic, 9th

1994 San Jose Pro Invitational, 8th

1995 Florida Pro Invitational, 7th

1995 South Beach Pro Invitational, 7th

1996 Grand Prix Czech Republic, 9th

1996 Grand Prix Russia, 9th

1996 Grand Prix Switzerland, 9th

1996 Night of Champions, 5th

1996 Mr. Olympia, 13th

1997 Canada Pro Cup, 2nd

1997 Grand Prix Germany, 11th

1997 Grand Prix Hungary, 10th

1997 Grand Prix Spain, 10th

1997 Night of Champions, 4th

1997 Mr. Olympia, 13th

1997 Toronto Pro Invitational, 2nd

1998 Night of Champions, 3rd

1998 Mr. Olympia, 9th

1998 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 7th

1998 Toronto Pro Invitational, 3rd

1999 Mr. Olympia, 11th

2000 Night of Champions, Did not place

2000 Toronto Pro Invitational, 6th

2001 Night of Champions, 5th

2001 Mr. Olympia, 21st