WESTCHESTER, N.Y. — The charasmatic former professional wrestler and manager Lou (Captain Lou) Albano died early on the morning of Wednesday 14 Oct 09 at his home in Carmel, NY.

Albano was 76 and suffered a series of health complications in recent years. He passed away at approximately 3:30 a.m., surrounded by his wife Geraldine and his family. He’s been married for 56 years.

The popular “Captain Lou” began his career in pro wrestling in 1953. He rose to international fame, mostly as a manager, with the World Wrestling Federation (World Wrestling Entertainment). He was in the first Wrestlemania at Madison Square Garden in 1986 and was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1996.

Albano paired with Cyndi Lauper in the 1980s. His role was appearing as her father in her “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” video. He later became her manager. He appeared all over film & television and was the voice and character of the first Super Mario Bros. cartoon and show!

The showman, sported a long beard and rubber bands all over his face. If you’ve got ESPN classic, you’ve got to check out the Cowboy Bill Watts’ UWF replays. At times, there are episodes where he does commentary and it’s great. He also manages and has his own interview segment. Always entertaining stuff.

“He was very gentle, giving and religious,” said his younger brother George Albano, who is a school principal. “He always carried rosary beads in his pocket.”