Smiles, big appetites at restaurant owned by Gambino informant's wife

BY MATTHEW LYSIAK and BILL HUTCHINSON
DAILY NEWS WRITERS

Monday, February 11th 2008, 4:00 AM

The only sign of mobsters Sunday at the Staten Island restaurant owned by Trisha Vollaro, the wife of mob rat Joseph Vollaro, were the photos on the walls.

A mug of Robert De Niro, who played Al Capone and a young Vito Corleone, was prominently displayed next to one of Joe Gannascoli, who played the gay "Sopranos" mobster.

Customers of Docks Seafood Pasta in Tottenville seemed more interested in the chicken parmigiana and zuppa di clams than the proprietor's link to the downfall of the Gambino crime family.

Murals depicted a peaceful Italian fishing village, but behind the scenes, federal authorities contend, Joseph Vollaro has left the Gambinos crashed on the rocks.

Just days after the feds revealed Vollaro was the informer who helped build the case against the top bosses of the Gambinos, it was business as usual at Docks.

At least 100 people showed up for a baby girl's christening, ordering 16-ounce New York strip steaks and fillet of sole.

A copy of Sunday's Daily News with Vollaro and his wife, Trisha, on the front page sat folded near the bar. Several customers inquired about the welfare of Trisha Vollaro, who is pregnant with twins. Her trucking company owner hubby vanished on her last week, likely into the witness protection program. Her family told The News she knew nothing of her husband's mob ties.

The Vollaro drama did little to dampen the spirits at Docks last night as the place bustled with the sound and laughter of 17 babies and toddlers on hand for the party.