‘Gorilla Monsoon’ Marella; Wrestler, TV Announcer

Former professional wrestler Robert “Gorilla Monsoon” Marella, one of the most beloved villains of the ring who became a television announcer for the World Wrestling Federation, has died at the age of 62.

Marella, who had suffered from diabetes and heart problems in recent years, died Wednesday at his home in this Philadelphia suburb, where he had been a longtime resident.

The 6-foot-6, 400-pound Marella began his wrestling career in the 1960s, competing in more than 8,000 matches before retiring in the early 1980s. He once shared a world tag team title with “Killer” Kowalski.

“Gorilla Monsoon was one of the best bad guys ever in the business,” Bill Apter, editor in chief of World of Wrestling magazine, wrote in a tribute.

Initially a villain who feuded with pro wrestling legend Bruno Samartino, Marella later became beloved among fans of the ever-growing entertainment genre. After retiring, he became a ringside analyst on WWF telecasts.

Marella was known for his on-air banter with colleague Jesse “The Body” Ventura--a former professional wrestler who is now governor of Minnesota.

“The loss of Gorilla Monsoon saddens me deeply,” Ventura said in a statement. “He was both a friend and a colleague, and I have many fond memories of the time we spent together. He will be missed.”

Marella grew up in western New York state. He began wrestling at the age of 8 in a YMCA. He later held New York scholastic records in the shotput and discus.

He graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in physical education and physiotherapy, and worked briefly as a teacher before a wrestling promoter offered him $500 to enter the ring.

Despite his fearsome appearance, Marella’s Willingboro neighbors remember him mainly as a loving father who prided himself on his lasagna.

Marella is survived by his wife, Maureen, a son and two daughters.