Gilberto Melendez "Gypsy Joe"

December 2, 1933 - June 16, 2016

Gilberto Melendez, well known professional wrestler, also known as Gypsy Joe, age 82, and a resident of Manchester, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016 at Centennial Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 26th at 4PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Rick Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Eternity in Maury Memorial Gardens, adjacent to Heritage Funeral Home. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on December 2, 1933 in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, Gilberto was the son of the late Celestino Hernandez Melendez and the late Ramona Figueroa De Melendez. His career as a professional wrestler expanded over seventy years and included multiple tours in Japan. He held over fifty NWA Central States Championships, and WWE named him the oldest living hardcore wrestler. He received many other honors and recognitions over the years, the most recent being inducted by Mick Foley in to the Tennessee Wrestling Hall of Fame. Gypsy Joe was loved by many fans all over the world and the day he passed was trending over 67,000 times on social media. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his daughter: Jenee (Eddie) Beal of Murfreesboro; grandchildren: Brad (Rebekah) Beal of Springfield, Bryce Beal of Murfreesboro; and many fans and friends.

Pallbearers will be: Mickey Dunn, Yukon Jack, Hammer Jack, Mickey Woods, Anthony Ingram, Larry Cartwright, Bobby Lowe, and Chris Kern.

Gypsy Joe’s professional wrestler family will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the many wrestling friends, family, and fans for your love and support during this time.