A Lovely Video Tribute To Leo Coladonato, Carroll Gardens' Much Loved And Missed Deli Man

Joe's Superette at 349 Smith Street the way it was until the summer 2011

"This is not the story of a famous man, a figurehead or even a powerful man. It is just a simple tale of a man who worked hard and cared about others more than himself"  begins this lovely tribute to Leo Coladonato, Carroll Gardens' most famous deli man.

Leo was the owner of Joe's Superette at 349 Smith Street. He had taken over the Italian deli from Joe, his former boss, in 1985. Though Leo was known for his amazing hero sandwiches, which he prepared with a big smile,  it was his deep-fried rice balls and prosciutto balls that made him famous. At lunch time, customers would wait patiently in a long line to place their order. If they came in for a sandwich, they would invariably add: "And give me some prosciutto balls with that."

(My kids used to call them yum-yum balls and my favorite Leo sandwich is still the Italian tuna with mayo, tomato and shredded lettuce on a hero.)

Sadly, Leo passed away in May 2011, his store closed shortly afterwards and the wonderful old store sign that even predated him is long gone. Many in the neighborhood still miss him. I know I do.

That's why I was so delighted to find out that his niece Christina made a short film about her uncle. It not only tells of his move from Italy to this country at age 15, and his time as a Brooklyn deli man, but includes wonderful interviews with Joe Alameda,  Joanne Rizzuto,  Peter Demetrio, and Charlie Benevento, who knew Leo for most of his life.

Thanks for sharing this, Christina. What a  beautiful tribute to Leo.

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Former Joe's Superette On Smith Street Becoming A Greek Eatery?

I must admit that every time I walk past the former Joe's Superette at 349 Smith Street,  I think of Leo Coladonato and of his incredible sandwiches. When the deli man passed away in May of this year, the door to his Carroll Gardens institution was closed forever.  Gone were Leo's famed deep-fried prosciutto and rice balls.  Gone were those delicious hero sandwiches. (My personal favorite was the Italian tuna in olive oil with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato. To die for.)
As long as the iconic 1960's blue sign with the yellow lettering is still up above the storefront, I have been able to pretend that Leo's place is not really gone from the neighborhood.  But, as we all know, time always marches on.
Behind the old metal roll-down gate, the former deli has been gutted (without permits and at night, I may add) and a new door now leads to the back yard. The old store sign will probably come down soon. 
Word on the street is that a Greek eatery will be taking over the place.  A worker in the place told me that the place will be opening in the next two or three weeks.
May the new eatery be a worthy successor to Joe's.

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Sad News! Carroll Gardens Deli Man, Leo Coladonato, Passed Away This Morning

Leo Coladonato

Very sad news to report. The owner of Joe's Superette at 349 Smith Street, passed away this morning. It was just this past Monday that the doors to his beloved deli were closed for good.

Leo will be much missed by many here in the neighborhood. My own kids have never known a Carroll Gardens without Leo, the Superette and the delicious sandwiches and prosciutto ball.

***Update***

Funeral arrangements have been made at Aievoli Funeral Home, 1275 65th Street (and 13th Avenue), Phone Number: (718) 331-2100

You can pay your last respects to Leo on Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 PM and from 7-9 PM

In front of Joe's Superette:

Thanks to Manny Simone for sending me the photos above.

Related Reading:

The End Of An Era: Joe's Superette Closes After More Than 50 Years In Carroll Gardens

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