Leo "The Lion" Nomellini, a star tackle for the 49ers from 1950-63 and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, died yesterday from complications following a stroke, family members said last night.

Nomellini, 76, died at Stanford Hospital, where had had been for the past three weeks.

"It's just a shock. We all thought he was coming back," said former 49ers offensive tackle Bob St. Clair, who had visited his longtime friend last week.

Nomellini, a two-time All- American at the University of Minnesota, was the 49ers' first-ever NFL draft choice (1st round, 11th overall) in 1950. He stood 6-feet-3 and weighed 260 pounds, and his play quickly became popular with the Kezar Stadium crowds. He was known for both his strength and quickness.

Nomellini was a two-way (offense and defense) player for part of his pro career. He was named All-NFL six times, four times on defense and twice on offense.

He had overcome heart problems and a hip surgery in recent years, friends said.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969 with former 49ers fullback Joe Perry, the gregarious Nomellini also performed as a pro wrestler, an occupation he took up in the offseason.

He once wrestled Lou Thesz for a world championship at then-Civic Auditorium. "It was something else. I was in his corner," St. Clair recalled. "Thesz won because he was the only one left standing."

After his football career, Nomellini worked for more than 30 years at an East Bay title insurance company. He also was an active member of the NFL Alumni Association. He enjoyed golf and swimming.

Former 49ers quarterback Y.A. Tittle, a Nomellini teammate from 1951-1960, said, "Let's just put it this way: Leo was one of the kindest, gentlest, biggest tough men you'd ever want to meet. He was big and strong, a weightlifter.

"More than that though, he was just a great human being. He never had any bad things to say about anyone. He wasn't a gossiper. . . . He was a guy you could poke fun at, and he'd poke fun at you. He's a friend I hate to see go.

"He was a loyal 49er. Every (home) game, he was at the (49er alumni) barbecue. I just can't say enough good things about him."

St. Clair had a particularly close friendship with Nomellini. "We were close, very close," St. Clair said. "You know, he was born in Lucca, Italy, and raised by his grandmother in Chicago. Every time we'd go to play the Bears, we'd go over to the house and they'd stuff us with good Italian food. We'd end up on the living room floor, we were so stuffed."

Former offensive end and placekicker Gordy Soltau, who played with Nomellini both at the University of Minnesota and with the 49ers, said, "He was a great teammate and one of the best linemen we ever had. He loved to play, and he loved people."

Former 49ers broadcaster Bob Fouts said Nomellini was "really a down-to-earth guy, good-hearted. I think you could call him a gentle giant."

Fouts told a story of a night he and Nomellini were speaking to a father-and-son group on the Peninsula. A boy asked Nomellini which was tougher, pro football or pro wrestling. Nomellini said pro wrestling. The boy asked why. Nomellini said, "Because in pro wrestling, you have to drive to Modesto, drive to Stockton."

Nomellini is survived by his daughter, Lane Nomellini; his son, Drew; a sister, Leona Carlson of Chicago; four grandchildren -- Ashley and Tyler Molinaro and Dane and Kai Nomellini -- and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Leo J Nomellini