[In Memorium] Leo Garibaldi (1929-2008)

Legends Championship Wrestling was saddened to hear of the passing of legendary wrestler Leo Garibaldi.

Garibaldi was the son of the late, great Gino Garibaldi and grew up with 4 uncles, included Chick Garibaldi, that were also pro-wrestlers. All friends and relatives of the Garibaldi family were somehow involved in pro-wrestling. As a child, he traveled with his father and sat at ringside watching wrestling greats, like Jim Londos, Ray Steele, Paul Jones, Joe Savoldi, Yvon Robert and of course, his father Gino Garibaldi.

Garibaldi graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1947 where he was captain of the school's wrestling team. At the age of 18, he was thrown into the professional ring as a substitute for a wrestler that didn't show up.

"It was great watching all the old timers who were young men in the late '40s, but even more fun to compete and make money."

Garibaldi was billed as "The Teenage Idol from California." He wrestled such greats as Gorgeous George, Red Berry, Freddie Blassie and Danny McShane. He was well on his way to fame and fortune when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. When he returned, Garibaldi captured the World's Junior Heavyweight Championship from Billy Varga. Six months later, he lost the title to Baron Leone.

Garibaldi suffered a broken shoulder in the Leone match and hung up his wrestling boots for good per doctor's orders. NWA President Sam Muchnick immediately snapped him up. Muchnick tabbed Garibaldi as his top "troubleshooter" and personal representative. So began a second mat career for Garibaldi, this time as an enforcer of rules for the NWA, as a top referee in crucial championship contests, and as a man sent to the far corners of the earth whenever Muchnick encountered a sticky wicket.

Garibaldi eventually bought into the Australian promotion and he and his wife June moved to Australia for a few years. Then they decided to return to America and bought a home in California.

For a more detailed look at Garibaldi's legendary career, click here to read an incredible article by Slam! Sports' Greg Oliver.

Legends Championship Wrestling would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Leo Garibaldi.