Vito Fossella’s admission that he fathered a love child exposed another of his lies: He had told his girlfriend he was separated from his wife, the Daily News learned Friday.

Retired Air Force Col. Laura Fay told those around her recently that the Staten Island congressman had split with his wife, Mary Pat, one source said.

The source said Fay learned of the lie when a friend who saw a draft of Fossella's statement realized it didn't say he was separated.

Fossella, who has always stressed "family values," admitted Thursday in the statement that he fathered Fay's 3-year-old daughter during an illicit affair. ">“Fay thought - up until the release of the statement - that Fossella was separated,” said the source, who is familiar with the relationship.

The source said Fay learned of the lie when a friend who saw a draft of Fossella’s statement realized it didn’t say he was separated.

Fossella, who has always stressed “family values,” admitted Thursday in the statement that he fathered Fay’s 3-year-old daughter during an illicit affair.

The revelation came a week after he was charged with drunken driving in Alexandria, Va., and seemed to tear apart the family.