[In Memorium] Capt. Lou Albano (1933-2009)

From wwe.com:

World Wrestling Entertainment was saddened to learn of the passing of one of the company’s most popular and charismatic legends, “Captain Lou Albano.” WWE extends its deepest condolences to the Albano family.“

Captain Lou” was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1996. He performed for WWE from 1983 to 1996. Albano began his storied career with Vincent J. McMahon in the 1960’s as one half of “The Sicilians” tag team with his partner, Tony Altimore. He will be greatly missed by the WWE and his fans.

In Legends Championship Wrestling, Albano spent some time during the early days of LCW as a manager and leader of the group "Albano's Army." LCW Founder Christian Calaway said of Albano's time in LCW, "He was an integral part of our early years and it wouldn't have been the same without him. He made a tremendous impact not only on this company, but all of wrestling. He was a truly a legend in every sense of the word and he will be greatly missed."

Tonight's episode of LCW Showdown will be dedicated in memory to Capt. Lou Albano.

UPDATE: A private wake will be held at Balsamo-Cordovano Funeral Home in Carmel from 2PM to 4PM and 7PM to 9PM Friday. A funeral Mass will take place at 11AM Saturday at St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to WrestlersRescue.org. WrestlersRescue.org is still collection donations to be forwarded to the Albano family for remaining medical and funeral expenses. Any money left over will be going into a fund for a donation to an alumni in need through Wrestlers Rescue in Albano's name.

Albano recently released his autobiography, "Often Imitated, Never Duplicated" (review) with a foreword by Cyndi Lauper, who used Albano in her popular "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" music video. Albano's involvement with Lauper brought publicity to pro wrestling during the "Rock 'n Wrestling" era of the early 1980s as Vince McMahon took WWE national with the first WrestleMania.

For more on Albano's passing and his legendary career, check out these sources:

Slam! Wrestling
PWInsider.com
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Times
CBS News
MTV
Newsday

Howard Finkel's Captain Lou Albano memorial article.