Wrester Lanny Poffo, Who Attended Downers Grove North, Dead At 68

© Shutterstock "Leaping" Lanny Poffo, also billed as "The Genius," was the brother of "Macho Man" Randy Savage and son of wrestler Angelo Poffo.

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Former professional wrestler and manager Lanny Poffo, who went to high school in Downers Grove, died Thursday at the age of 68, according to multiple news outlets.

During his time with the WWE, Poffo was billed as "Leaping" Lanny Poffo and "The Genius." He was the brother of "Macho Man" Randy Savage and the son of Angelo Poffo, who kickstarted the family's involvement in professional wrestling.

Before Lanny Poffo began his wrestling career, he played baseball at Downers Grove North, where he attended high school until graduating in 1973.

Poffo joined WWE in 1985 as "Leaping Lanny Poffo," known as "one of the first high-flyers in WWE," the wrestling organization wrote in a memorial to the athlete. He later gained fame as "The Genius," the haughty, graduation cap and gown-clad manager of Mr. Perfect.

"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan shared the news of Poffo's death on Twitter, writing, "With a very, very heavy heart, I've been asked to let everyone know about the passing of our friend and colleague Lanny Poffo, The Genius."

After the news broke, dedications poured out on social media from fans, colleagues and friends, including Hulk Hogan, who wrote on Twitter, "Still stunned over the passing of Lanny, talked with him very often, was laughing my butt off a couple of weeks ago with him over the phone, he is such a quality person, and was the full time ref between Randy and I love you my brother, R.I.P.Genius. [sic]"

Poffo was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Judy Poffo, and his older brother "Macho Man" Randy Savage, who died in 2011.

The article Wrester Lanny Poffo, Who Attended Downers Grove North, Dead At 68 appeared first on Downers Grove Patch.