Saturday, July 12, 2025

Frank Gioia Jr. (Lucchese)

Source: Gang Land News
Frank Gioia Jr. was a Soldier in the Lucchese Family who became a cooperating witness around late 1994.

Born August 10, 1967 in Manhattan's Little Italy. Father's family from Canna comune of Cosenza, Calabria.

1970s

On April 21, 1978 the body of Louis Gioia (25y), Frank Jr.'s uncle, was found inside a steamer trunk at E 161st St and River Ave in Concourse, The Bronx. He had been shot multiple times with a .22 caliber weapon.

An FBI source reported that approximately two months prior to the murder, Louis had gotten into a shootout with a recently inducted Bonanno member at the Hippopotamus disco in Manhattan. The informant claimed that shortly after the incident, which resulted from a drug dispute, Louis was called to a sitdown and 'never seen again'.

On April 24, 1978 FBI CI reported: "[He] had heard that [redacted] of the deceased Louie Gioia, is a proposed member of the Lucchese Family. He has reportedly been told not to act [redacted]."

Frank Jr. later testified: "As I understand, my father took a nervous breakdown when [Louis] was killed. My uncle was shot 11 times, stuffed in a trunk. [My father] took a nervous breakdown since; he has been inactive."

Frank Sr. is believed to be one of the redacted entries in a July 1978 FBI list of approximately 70 Lucchese Family members and twelve suspected members.

There is some confusion in Frank Gioia Jr.'s available testimony as to his father's initial LCN affiliation:
"
Q: When you were growing up did you know a man named Nunzi Russo?

A: Yes, it was my grandfather.

Q: Did Mr. Russo have any connection to organized crime?

A: At that time [mid-to-late 1970s] he was an associate of the Genovese crime family.

Q: Was your father associated with organized crime?

A: He was also a made member, same Family, different crew.

Q: At some point did he become a member of the Lucchese Family?

A: Yes.
"

The above suggests Frank Sr. may have started out with the Genovese Family as well.

1980s

By the early 1980s Gioia Jr. was a Genovese Associate and involved in numerous crimes: "Shylocking, bookmaking, stealing cars, couple of stickups [and] lots of assaults."

Frank Jr.'s grandfather Nunzio Russo operated a social club on Grand St in Little Italy. Gioia Jr. testified: "I would frequent his club 3, 4 times a week...[It had bookmaking], gambling, shylocking, guys use to go up there, bet on a card game."

He began associating with others at the club including Genovese Associate Frank 'Frankie Bones' Papagni: "I met him at my grandfather's. He was related to Nunzi on one side, grandson on the other side...[Papagni] was an associate of the Genovese crime family though not in Manhattan, in Brooklyn...[We became] friendly, started going to Brooklyn, hanging out."

One of their hangouts was a Dyker Heights social club ran by Dominick 'Swaggy' Carlucci (1912-1993), identified in Gioia Jr.'s testimony as a Genovese Captain. (Carlucci's nephew was Bonanno Soldier Ronald 'Ronnie Mazzarella' Carlucci [1943-2020].)

Club regulars included Gioia Jr., Papagni and Associates George 'Little Georgie' Conte, Richard Pagliarulo, Joseph 'Joey Flowers' Tangorra, Joseph Truncale, George 'Georgie Neck' Zappola and Lester Ellis. (With the exception of Ellis all of those named were later made into the Lucchese Family. Zappola's father was Genovese Soldier George 'Georgie Rush' Zappola murdered in 1982.)

Around late 1986 some of Carlucci's associates, including Papagni, were released to the Lucchese Family. Gioia Jr.: "[The] Genovese Crime Family had their books closed for so many years. When I say their books closed, their books have to be open for them to take in new members, [the] Genovese Family were not making any new guys for about 15 years, Luccheses were, we had a brand new Boss, Underboss, and Swaggy transferred those guys over so they could become made members." (The new Boss was Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso who had succeeded Antonio 'Tony Ducks' Corallo that Fall.)

By the mid-1980s Gioia Jr. was also associated with the Lucchese Family and had expanded into marijuana dealing and the sale of illegal handguns: "[Johnny Soto], a firearm dealer, used to go back and forth down south, gets guns, bring them up. I used to buy a case off him [and] sell them wholesale, packs of tens and fives and stuff." Serial numbers defaced prior to sale.

Regarding his loansharking business: "[Interest rate] depends on the dollar amount. Could be anywhere as low as a point, could be high as 10 points, 15 points. [Sometimes] if they had a business you would have a piece of the business until they paid back, jewelry, you look at a guy's ability to pay, you determine what collateral you are going to need from the guy; some guys need no collateral. [If they don't pay you] start out by telling them you are going to bust them up; if that don't work you tell them you are going to kill them."
 
Also involved in credit card fraud: "We had people that would steal the credit cards through the mail. Also, you know, make them up, sell them, buy them, get them, bang them out in stores. People that I knew had jewelry stores, clothing stores, $500, $1,000 in their pocket, walk out with $5-$8,000 in stuff, depending on how much the limit was on there...[This lasted from] Mid-80's all the way up to the early 90's."

J. Petrucelli
FBI Wanted Poster
Around 1988 shot and wounded a bouncer on behalf of Lucchese Soldier John Petrucelli: "John Petrucelli was also a made guy, Lucchese Family. He was from the Bronx. I used to meet him for a drink in Westchester. One night we were in a club, one of the bouncers disrespected him, told him to leave early, told him he couldn't stay after hours...We wanted to hit him right there, John didn't think this was a good idea, said we will leave, we got in our cars and left...Shortly after [Petrucelli] came to Mulberry Street, come see me, said I know what time the kid is getting out of work, I don't want you to kill him, clip him in the leg so we send the kid a message. So, I went, got a gun, went up to Westchester, hang out a little bit, walked up to the kid with an umbrella, [Petrucelli] waiting in the car, walked up, shot him in the leg [and afterwards] I reached over, put the gun in his mouth, told him next time I was going to kill him, walked away, got back in the car. We drove away. After that the kid was admitted to the hospital, Petrucelli went to visit him pinched him on the cheek, said next time you ever throw me out of a club, you are going to be in chapel B."

C. Farace
FBI Wanted Poster
Petrucelli also enlisted Gioia Jr. in a plot to murder Bonanno Associate Costabile 'Gus' Farace: "Petrucelli did time with Gus Farace years ago in jail. After Gus got out, he was in trouble, on the lam from agents...[He] came out of jail, killed a DEA agent, they were looking for him, John Petrucelli was harboring him [and] all five Families in New York City catching too much heat, and basically they gave John Petrucelli an order to kill him. John Petrucelli called me up, had me go out to where he was harboring him to have him killed." Attempt unsuccessful and, in September 1989, Petrucelli was himself murdered on Lucchese Family orders for his failure to have Farace killed. (Two months later Farace was lured to a spot in Bensonhurst and shot to death by a Bonanno Family hit team.)

T. McLaughlin (L) / S. Gravano and D. Fama (Nov. 1989)
Gang Land News / Court Exhibit
Around 1989 Colombo Associate Thomas McLaughlin subject of a murder plot instigated by Gambino Associate Daniel Fama. Co-conspirators included Gioia Jr.: "At the time one of my partners was Danny Fama [who] was an associate of the Gambino Family, around Sammy the Bull [Gravano]. Me and Danny were doing business, drug business together, Danny had a brother named Lee Fama. [Lee] one night was out in Pastels, and McLaughlin basically stuck the punk. Danny Fama asked me a favor to help him kill the kid for his brother [and] I agreed to help him. We set up cars with guns and scanners, walkie-talkies, followed the kid out to Sheepshead Bay. They were on a motorcycle, he had a girl in the back, and decided not to do it because [girl] was too close to him, we thought, God forbid, if the girl got hurt. We passed on it [and later] in a sit-down among the Colombo Family and Gambino Family, squashed the whole thing." (Both Fama brothers have since been inducted into the Gambinos. Gioia Jr. noted in court that Daniel was involved in 'a lot' of murders during his time on the street.)

F. Papagni
Gang Land News
In October 1989 Gioia Jr.'s close associate Frank Papagni was inducted into the Lucchese Family.

1990s

By 1990 involved in cocaine and heroin trafficking. Partners included Gambino Associate Daniel Fama and Chinatown gang member David Chou (ph).

Around 1991 Genovese Associate Henry Motta target of Lucchese Family murder plot. Co-conspirators included Lucchese Soldiers George Conte and Joseph D'Arco as well as Associate Frank Gioia Jr. Motta, on-record with Dominick Carlucci, was lured to Carlucci's social club in Dyker Heights: "[Motta] walked in the club, Al D'Arco's son Joe D'Arco and George Conte, I don't know who [Motta] was, they said they had some work for me to do, hand me a gun, when this guy walks into the bar, hit him in the head. I was waiting with a gun. Swaggy [Carlucci] walked in, caught the move and called it off, said because [Motta] is my guy, he's paying me, if anybody is going to give orders to kill him, nobody checked with me, I am going to call it off." Plot called off for approximately one year.

Around 1991 participated in the assault of an unspecified towing company employee with ties to the Bonanno Family: "[Frank Papagni and George Conte] said there was this guy that was around [Lucchese Soldier Angelo Defendis], the guys from the Bonanno Family [broke] his arms and legs. So in return, to retaliate, they told me we should go back to the same place and bust a couple of their guys up...I went and got a steel pipe, along with all the other guys. Walked into the place. Cracked one guy's skull. He fell to the floor. I broke his arms and legs. Walked over to the other guy, cracked him in the head, let him fall to the floor, broke his arms and legs."

R. Guiga
Gang Land News
Around Summer 1991 Bonanno Associate Richard Guiga target of Lucchese Family murder plot. Co-conspirators included Lucchese Captain Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco, Captain (?) George Zappola, Soldiers George Conte and Frank Papagni and Associates Eugene 'Boobsie' Castelle and Frank Gioia Jr: "Rich Guiga was going out with a girl named Cindy Speer from Bensonhurst...When Guiga went away [to NYS prison], [Zappola] started going out with Cindy. Rich Guiga got out of jail started knocking on Cindy's door. Zappola said grab the kid, tell him to stay away. Guiga didn't listen. [Zappola] said we have to kill the kid, he's disrespecting my girl. We set out, us and an Associate in the Family, set out to kill him...[Plan ultimately unsuccessful because] he had a lot of friends out there tipping him off, guys we thought we could trust, Sally Palmeri, Sally was going back, tipping him off, watch your back, all these guys are looking to kill you, Gioia, Conte, Bones. Basically 2, 3 times people gave us up, we were trying to kill him." (Sally Palmeri is possibly referring to Lucchese Associate Salvatore Palmieri [1955-]. Guiga served time from approximately August 4, 1986 to January 2, 1991. In 1997 he was stabbed to death by Bonanno Associates Nicholas 'P.J.' Pisciotti and Michael DiMaria in an unsanctioned killing.)

Induction

On October 1, 1991 Gioia Jr. was contacted by Lucchese Soldier Frank Papagni: "The night before I was to be straightened out, [Papagni] beeped me on my pager, I met him by his house in Bensonhurst, he says George Neck [Zappola] wants me to relay a message for you, official captain of his crew, if you want to become a made guy with us...I told him I will accept. He said be at the house tomorrow at 1:00."

The following day Gioia Jr. met Papagni in Bensonhurst:
"
[We] went around the corner, met George Conte, went back to Bones house, waited until everybody got ready to go...[It was] myself, Bones, and Conte, then at one point Richie, the Toup, Pagliarulo came up to visit...We are talking about [the] witnesses that came into cooperate, and at that time Al D'Arco was missing, we didn't know where he was, we assumed he already went with the government, we looked downtown, there was cars, no sign of his family, whole house was dark.

...Basically we just had an acting boss who we knew went in and flipped; [Former Captain] Fat Peter Chiodo had cooperated with the government. Richie Pagliarulo says how do we stop all these rats. He said Pete Chiodo, I think he is in the Army base out in Bay Ridge. We should get someone from the Family terminally ill, wrap a bomb around him, run in, give Fat Pete a hug.

...[Afterwards] I drove in the car with Frank Bones Papagni and Little George Conte [out] to Howard Beach, Queens...Walked up to the house, Frank Lastorino is the one who answered the door. I was told to go upstairs, wait in the room with four other guys that were waiting.
"

Those present to be inducted were Gioia Jr. (24y), Jody Calabrese (29y), Gregory 'Whitey' Cappello (33y), Thomas 'Fat Tommy' D'Ambrosia (47y) and Joseph 'Torty Jr.' Tortorello (32y).

S. Avellino
Gang Land News
Gioia Jr.:
"
I was the last one to be called down, walked down to, there was like ten guys sitting on a couch, poker table, at the head of the table was Sal Avellino, Captain in the Family. Anthony Baratta, we used to call him Bowat, Sal Avellino and Big Frank [Lastorino]. Seated also was George Conte, who was due to be my Acting Captain, was Acting for George Neck Zappola, official capo regime who couldn't be there, was on the lam, he was wanted by the FBI.

...I was told to sit next to George Conte, took a seat, says give me your finger, pricked my finger with a little pin, put on a tissue paper, crumpled it up, put it in my hand. Before he lit it, Sal Avellino was the voice of the Lucchese Family, he says repeat after me, he says, I, Frank Gioia Jr., if I ever betray my brothers in this room, may I burn like this piece of paper in my hand. I repeated, dropped the piece of paper in the ashtray, everybody started congratulating me, took me to the other room, introduce me to the other made guys.

...After that, they basically explained how the Family is structured, they had a panel, that panel was going to consist of Al D'Arco, Sal Avellino, Anthony Baratta, Frank Lastorino. Being Little Al went to the FBI, there were three left. They act as one. I am now a member of Vic Amuso's crime family. I have any beefs, I go to them. Go to your captain, don't lie to your captain. It involves everything, gambling, shylocking, bookmaking, unions, if you have a beef with another Family, relationship with the Bonannos, Genoveses, Gambinos, we will take care of it politically if we can. You can't deal drugs; you can shake down drug dealers.

...[The Underboss was] Anthony Casso; used to call him Gaspipe...Same day, George Conte was promoted to acting capo regime from Soldier [and] Richie Pagliarulo was elevated to official capo regime. That day they broke Little Al D'Arco as acting boss down to the panel, Al was missing, the other three guys acting as a panel. (Alfonso D'Arco stated he was taken down as Acting Boss by Vic Amuso in July 1991. Pagliarulo took over Peter Chiodo's crew.)
"

C. Furnari (1985)
Re the Family's Consigliere: "For a time we didn't run with Consigliere because Christie Tick was Consigliere, and we showed him respect not to fill the spot. Eventually we did have a Consigliere." (In January 1987 'Christie Tick' Furnari was sentenced to one-hundred years in the Commission case.)

G. Zappola (L) and G. Conte
Gang Land News
Gioia Jr. was assigned to the Zappola - Conte crew which numbered '8 to 10 made guys'.

As of October 1991 made members of the Zappola crew included George Conte (Acting Captain), Frank Gioia Jr. and Frank Papagni.

L. Daidone
Gang Land News
Shortly after Gioia Jr.'s induction a Family dinner was held with Acting Captain George Conte and Anthony 'Tony Blue Eyes' Santorelli, 'another acting captain from the Bronx'. Others present included Lucchese Acting Captain Louis Daidone, Lucchese Soldier Patrick Dello Russo and one of the Argentina brothers. Topics of discussion included the imminent fallout from Alfonso D'Arco's cooperation: "[Daidone] said, Frank, my days are numbered, our crews are going to get hurt the worst, his crew [meaning] the Canarsie crew, when Al D'Arco, before he became Acting Boss was official Captain of that crew, these guys had a lot of day-to-day stuff with Al D'Arco, Louie felt because he was so close to him, and his crew was so close, he was going to hurt them first."

J. Baudanza
Gang Land News
That Fall Colombo Associate John Baudanza subject of murder plot due to his past abusive behavior towards an ex-girlfriend who was then dating Gioia Jr: "[Baudanza] used to sell Christmas trees by a stand, Mill Basin, somewhere in Brooklyn. I set up on him. He wasn't there that night. Went back another night. Bones [Papagni] knew. Told Neck [Zappola] what I was trying to do, and they sat me down, said not to do it because the uncle is a made guy with the Family, his father was...I decided not to listen, went back anyway to kill him [and the] Colombo war broke out [so plot aborted]." (The uncle was Joseph Baudanza [1944-], a Colombo Soldier and later Captain. John Baudanza was later transferred to the Lucchese Family and inducted under Joseph DeFede's leadership in the mid-1990s.)

In December 1991 Lucchese Captain Richard Pagliarulo hosted a Christmas party at a 'topless place' in New York. Attendees included Pagliarulo, Acting Captain George Conte, Acting Captain Louis Daidone, Soldiers Ray Argentina, Frank Gioia Jr. and Frank Papagni and Associate Michael Spinelli.

The topics of discussion again included D'Arco's cooperation: "[There] was a point when there was a threat on Al D'Arco's life where we didn't know where the hit was coming from. We would drive Al to certain restaurants, places where he had to do something...We were all talking how we used to protect the guy, Lou [Daidone] turned around, says had we known the guy was going to go into the government and rat, we would have pointed the guns at him."

M. DiLeonardo (L) and F. Fappiano (R)
Gang Land News
Around 1992 Gambino Soldier Frank Fappiano borrowed $30,000 from Lucchese Acting Captain George Conte. Fappiano falsely claimed he was borrowing the money on behalf of his brother-in-law, Gambino Acting Captain Michael DiLeonardo. After Gioia Jr. defected DiLeonardo confronted Fappiano over using his name. (DiLeonardo and Fappiano both became cooperators themselves in the early 2000s.)

In the early morning hours of February 9, 1992 Gambino Associate Frank 'Frankie the Blond' Mariconda (31y), a member of Captain George DeCicco's crew, was found shot to death at 16th Ave and 79th St in Bensonhurst. The murder was solicited by Lucchese Soldier Frank Papagni and authorized by Underboss Anthony Casso. Co-conspirators included Gioia Jr. and fugitive Captain George Zappola:
"
Frank Bones Papagni had a girl named Louise. She was out in the club one night, Pastels. Frankie the Blond [made] a pass at her. She told Bones. Bones came to my girlfriend's house and said, you know Frankie the Blond made a pass at my girl, disrespectfully, I want to kill him. I said I wouldn't help unless we got permission from the captain George Neck...Vic [Amuso] was in jail, Gaspipe on the lam. George Neck asked Gaspipe for permission, Gaspipe okayed it. [Zappola] told Bones take Gioia with you and leave the kid in the street.

We started surveillance on him with guns and silencers that I have, followed him around 2 weeks. Finally one night we caught him up in a bar where he was drinking, went in the bar, started talking with him, drinking with him. He walked to his car, we follow him. He stopped at a light on 18th Avenue. Basically we told him, you know any place to go. He said after-hours about five blocks down, told him we will follow you. We follow him to the after-hours place.

...The plan was for one of us to talk to him and divert his attention while the other one would shoot him. I volunteered to shoot him. Bones said let me shoot him, my beef, his problem. I agreed to do it, got out of the car, started talking to Frankie the Blond and just trying to keep him busy. Bones [got] out of the car, pulls a shot at him with a silencer, hit him in the stomach. Frank figured out what was going on, started running toward the middle of the street. I ran after him started kicking, punching him for Bones to catch up.

Bones was yelling my gun is jammed. I am trying to hold him. He fired another shot, missed him, hit him. The next shot was in his face. Frankie was dizzy, starting to fall, finally fell face forward. Bones started to walk away. I pulled Bones back, said hit him again, make sure he is dead. He hit him again, heard the last gasp. That's when we knew he was done. We got in the car and left...Got the silencer, threw it down a sewer 2 blocks away, went back to my girl's house, got undressed, put the clothes in the back to go back to burn them.

...Truth is, I went to Nathan's had a hotdog [then] we went back to make sure the coroner was there [and] confirmed him dead.
"

J. Tangorra
New York Daily News
On March 14, 1992 Genovese Associate Henry Motta wounded in shooting outside his Brooklyn residence. Gioia Jr. testified: "About a year, year and a half [after previous plot], [Motta] did pay Swaggy [Carlucci]. Now Swaggy wanted to kill him. I sent Joe Tangorra, Joey Flowers, same guy, to kill him and Lester Ellis...What happened, the hit went down, they went to his door, they shot him, he bolts down the steps, Ellis on top of the staircase, continues to [fire]." Motta shot twice in back and taken to hospital in serious condition. Tangorra, wounded during incident, apprehended following arrival at hospital approximately half hour later. Gioia Jr.: "[So Motta] is in the hospital. Swaggy is worried about him flipping. He had a cousin on Monroe Street, around the courthouse, cousin named Beansy, they knew he had a cousin, they knew, I knew him myself, and Bones and Pagliarulo went down to relay the message, keep your mouth shut, we won't go any further." (Beansy may be referring to John 'Beansy' Campanella Jr. [1942-2010], son of Genovese Soldier John Campanella [1915-1996] and brother of Bonanno Soldier Joseph 'Joe Beans' Campanella [1938-2007].)

In June 1992 Gioia Jr. and Frank Papagni were arrested in Brooklyn on CPW charges: "One day we really had [Bonanno Associate Richard Guiga] set up [and] I prepared to have guns and silencers for the hit. Bones and Boopsie, Eugene Castelle, was supposed to get the hit car the night before. They stole the car, had it hidden. I was going to meet them in Bensonhurst to load up, get the hit car to go. When Bones, I don't know where the car is, I am driving, I got a gun in the car, I am driving Bones, and agents were already there. They were there on the hit car following from the night before. I didn't know that at the time. There were agents all over the car, pulled us over, arrested us." Case against Gioia Jr. dismissed. Papagni pleaded guilty and served three to four months.

On July 23, 1992 Richard Taglianetti (32y) shot to death outside his apartment building in New Springville, Staten Island. Murder authorized by Underboss Anthony Casso. Co-conspirators included Zappola, Acting Captain George Conte, Soldier James 'Froggy' Galione, Soldier 'Fat Frankie' Giacobbe, Soldier Frank Gioia Jr., Soldier Frank Papagni and Associate Mario Gallo. Gioia Jr. later testified:
"
Richie Taglianetti, he was going out with George Neck's wife's sister. George Neck's wife was by the house one day. Rich Taglianetti, he abused himself with drugs. [Came] out, he smacked her around. After we learned he smacked George Neck's wife, we decided to kill him. Prior to that, he was responsible for killing Angelo Defendis' son, made guy in the Lucchese Family years ago. That was a beef, fight between them. Taglianetti shot and killed him. There was no revenge ever taken for it. So coupled with George Neck's wife and Angelo Defendis' son, we decided he needed to go...[Zappola] called us out, basically sat me, Conte and Bones down, said this kid made it to the top of the priority hit list. Split up in two crews, do 24-7, 24-7, don't come home until you get him. We split up, me, Bones, couple of other guys, Conte split up his guys. We did 24-hour surveillance outside his house with guns. We put in our 12-hour shift; as we are pulling away, the next shift came in. We wound up catching him a couple of hours later; he was machine-gunned.

...Gaspipe [Casso] thought it would be a good idea if we went to his wake to basically make a mockery out of his death, so we all got [dressed] up, wore flowers, walked into his wake...We visited his relatives at one time. He had a cousin that we heard was peeping around, trying to locate Taglianetti before we killed him. We went to his house to send his family a message to tell them if they had a problem, they had a problem with the whole Family, knocked on their door, went there with about ten guys. (The cousin may be referring to Bonanno Soldier Joseph 'Joe Curly' Taglianetti [1933-2016].)
"

Around Summer 1992 involved in murder plot against Colombo Associate John Dunn: "Frank Bones [Papagni] had a hot spot, marijuana spot on Bay 23 for a long time. John Dunn with a couple of new up-coming kids decided they wanted to take over that spot. Bones and [George] Conte figured it would be a good idea to send a message...We heard [Dunn's] uncle was a made guy with the Colombo Family, they squashed it, settled the whole beef with us, said I will make the kids go away. Eventually he did go away, never seen him again, figured that was enough."

J. Calco (L) and T. Reynolds (R)
Gang Land News
On October 18, 1992 Vincent DePippo (42y) and Neil Nastro (21y) were shot to death inside Nastro's auto at Cropsey Ave and Bay 8th St in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. Nastro shot once in back of head and DePippo once through left cheek. Murder unsanctioned and carried out by Bonanno Associates Joseph Calco and Thomas 'T.K.' Reynolds. Gioia Jr. later testified: "[Calco and Reynolds] started out with us, Lucchese Family associates, then wound up being Bonanno Family associates...These two kids were involved with shooting a few people from the neighborhood, they had to go on the lam, couple of wiseguys looking to help. They came in one night, killed [DePippo and Nastro] in the car one night. [Victims] were paying me, not directly, indirectly giving $500 a week to use my name for protection to deal coke in the neighborhood...To show I felt disrespected, the kids going around with my name, I set out to kill [Calco and Reynolds]. George Conte was in touch with them by pay phone. I was asking Conte for help to get them in, set them up, Bones [Papagni] also, but [they] didn't want to help."

By 1993 made members of George Zappola's crew included George Conte (Acting Captain), Michael DeSantis, James Galione, Frank Gioia Jr. and Frank Papagni. (This information came from a summary of Former Lucchese Associate Thomas Carew's testimony posted on The Black Hand Forum.)

By 1993 partners with Valentin Becerril (25y) in heroin operation. Gioia Jr. earned approximately one million dollars through his involvement: "I reinvested about 300, 400 grand, tried to make a $2 million deal, it didn't go down, lost that money. After partying, champagne, going out, eating, having a good time, getting arrested, got indicted on a state case, on a federal case, hired a few lawyers. After I got done with my legal fees, everything else, basically lucky if I had enough for commissary."

Around early January 1993 Gioia and Lucchese Soldier Frank Papagni involved in shooting at Stringfellows in Manhattan: "[Papagni]'s girl got up to go to the bathroom and there was a crew of guys, and made a pass at her, and when she came back, you know, we walked over to the guys and said, you know, They're with us, what are you doing? And they started arguing with us...I called up one of my Chinese friends who was head of one of the Chinese gangs down here in Chinatown. Called him up for a gun; gave me a .357 magnum. I walked backed into the place, walked over to the table. Basically gave the guy an option: You want a punch in your face or do you want a bullet in your head? He says, Go ahead, put the bullet. I pulled the gun out, shot at him [but missed because] the girl pushed my hand away...After that, they all had guns on them. We found out later it was a Colombian cartel. They went to the back of the VIP lounge, threw the tables over, started throwing shots back [so] I threw whatever shots I had, we ran out of the place, got in the cars and left...[After] that incident, they wouldn't let us back in the place...We took it as an embarrassment. And I drove away and then I went back [and] sprayed the place with a machine gun." Following shooting Gioia Jr. attempted to shakedown the owner for $500 a week. (In subsequent questioning Gioia Jr. stated it was his own girlfriend, not Papagni's, that was disrespected.)

In or around early 1993 sought to have cooperator Clifford Williams murdered. Offered $5,000 to $10,000 to an associate but no further action taken.

J. DeFede
On March 17, 1993 the NYPD raided a horse betting parlor recently purchased by Lucchese Soldier Joseph DeFede. Following raid DeFede and two others met with previous owners and attempted to get money back, as it was felt the parlor was under police surveillance at the time of sale. During the confrontation Louie (Charlie?) 'The Albanian' LNU pulled pistol on DeFede. The argument immediately ended and DeFede went to his crew leader Nicola 'Nicky Edkins' DiCostanzo for permission to murder the Albanian. DeFede and two Unsubs were assigned by DiCostanzo to search Astoria but the victim was unable to be located.

Soon after, the Albanian was summoned to meet with DeFede at a Brooklyn social club owned by Lucchese Soldier Angelo Defendis. Others present included Acting Captain George Conte and Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. Gioia Jr. later testified: "[DeFede said] I'm going to call the guy in. The guy wants to apologize. If I take his apology sincerely, we'll call it off. If not, he said, we'll kill him. So we set it up that day in Angelique's club [and we were] behind the bar drinking coffee, waiting with guns and silencers. Joe DeFede was facing us while Charlie was apologizing to him...Joe accepted the apology and basically gave us the nod that, you know, he didn't want to go through with it."

Around mid-1993 involved in plot to murder unspecified painters union official: "George Neck [Zappola] said that there is a guy that has to go up in the Bronx, and told me to meet him. One day while I was on the lam, went to the Bronx, Westchester area, went to the building, took the guy's plate, description of the car, and left, said we would come back another time [but] from what I understand, [Zappola] said it was passed off because he figured if we got guys in the Bronx and Westchester, they are the ones should do the work up there."

Around mid-1993 Gioia Jr. and Associate Frank Smith plotted the murder of construction worker Joe Izzo: "At that time I was dating Kim Smith [and her] father used to work on the same construction site with Joe Izzo...One day cops came to the door told her her father was found dead at the construction site. They believe he fell through one of the elevator shafts they were working on. Myself and Frank Smith, her brother, believed different; we believed [he] was killed [so we tried] to find out who the guy was, where he lived, who he is related to, if he was with anybody, find out what was going on, reason why, trying to find out where the guy was to kill him." Plot abandoned after Gioia Jr. indicted in September. (In the early years of his cooperation Gioia Jr. withheld information on Smith's activities. Smith himself flipped around 2001.)

A. Casso (1993)
Around mid-1993 the Lucchese Family formulated a plot to break Underboss Anthony Casso out of Federal prison. Co-conspirators included Captain George Zappola, Acting Captain George Conte, Soldiers Jody Calabrese, Gregory Cappello, Joseph DeFede, James Galione, Frank Gioia Jr., Frank Papagni and Associates Frank 'Skippy' DiPietro and Mario Gallo. Gioia Jr. testified:
"
Basically Gas wanted us to -- while he was being transported from prison to court, we were supposed to go and hit the vehicle he was in. He had a handcuff key around his neck, and we were supposed to take him into the car and [escape].

...[Zappola] told me to go pick [guns] up and bring them to him...I remember the Neck, that's what we used to refer to [Zappola] as, telling me to get him bulletproof vests, to go do the job. I told him, why are we going to wear a vest. He said so we don't get shot. I said it's a suicide mission, you are probably better off dead if [you're] going to attempt to do this...If my Captain gave me an order to do something at that time I would have done it. Did I, Frank Gioia, have an idea to break in to get Gaspipe out of jail, no. Did I, Frank Gioia, think about doing any harm to any marshals or government people, no. Did my boss, yes. Did my Family, yes. Did my Captain, yes. If I was told to do something back on the street back then, I would have done it. Did I want to do it internally, not inside, no, no, it was suicide.

...It was called off [after] other Families got wind of it. Basically told Joe D, you know -- because there was 10 of us -- and said not to do it; it would cause too much heat. And thought it was just absolutely crazy, which it was...We were all called in and basically told [if] we even talk about it or even attempt or even think about it [basically] we would all be killed. So it was just called off.
"

Some time prior to September 1993 Gioia Jr. attempted to kill his drug partner Valentin Becerril: "He owed me about 300 grand, there was no sign of him paying it back, and I was mad, wanted to kill him...One night I had it set up, I was going to kill him, he was driving in the car, told him [pull] over, well, he never did pull over, caught the move, got out of the car, started running in the streets of Brooklyn...I started throwing shots at him with the gun I had on me, started to run after him, throwing shots, went to the car, started chasing him, nowhere to be found."

Around September 1993 committed arson on beauty salon: "My sister had a beauty salon, and there's another beauty salon opened up about three blocks away that was causing competition. I decided to set it on fire...I waited one night until it was closed, threw a [Molotov cocktail] through the window, watched it burn, went to the corner, called the fire department...[I] was right across the street watching. And thereafter they closed up the business and there was no more competition."

V. Amuso
Gang Land News
Around September 1993 Lucchese Family Captains called in for questioning to ensure loyalty to the imprisoned Boss. Those involved in questioning included Captain Robert Amuso, Soldier Joseph DeFede, Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. and Associate Oscar Ansourian. Gioia Jr. later testified:
"
The original structure with Vic and Gas, the Boss and Underboss, both of them had to go on the lam...Vic gets arrested, Gaspipe's on the street. Eventually, Gaspipe gets arrested. Then there's all kinds of things on tapes and stuff that there might be a demise in the Family. So Vic went to the other Families for help, and basically he broke everybody down and put Joe D [DeFede] as Acting Boss of the Family.

...To protect Joe D, we knew there was Big Frank [Lastorino] and Anthony Gaspipe on the tapes. There were a couple of other people involved in the tapes, but we couldn't pin exactly who they were. So as we're trying to figure it out, it's Vic's brother [Robert], Oscar Ansourian and Joe D and myself. [We're] meeting them trying to figure out who are the guys trying to plot...Vic said, Call in all the captains. I want you to ask them all a question: Am I still your Boss? And I call the captains. A lot of captains showed; two didn't show: George Conte and George Zappola. [Zappola] used the excuse he was on the lam. Conte was paranoid. And we figured out who the guys were, and then we were plotting to have them killed...I was arrested right after [the initial plotting]. Bones [Frank Papagni] was relaying messages to me, telling me that basically all the captains came in. [Zappola and Conte] was shelved [and] they were worried for their lives. And everything came out [about the plot].
"

O. Ansourian
Press
Lucchese Associate Oscar Ansourian made a suggestion during one of the meetings: "[Oscar] was a longtime friend of Vic Amuso -- wasn't a made guy because he was Lebanese or Syrian, whichever the case was -- and he says, Hey, look, let's get them all together in a club. He says, I got a rocket launcher. We'll just drive by and rocket-launch the place. We can get them all at once...I didn't believe that he had a rocket launcher on him. And when I walked away, I says, How can he -- he's talking about missiles and rocket launchers and stuff like that. Meanwhile, about a year and a half, two years later, I'm in the can, and ultimately he got arrested for it, you know, rocket launchers, all the stuff he was talking about using, he got arrested for. So obviously, he was serious about it."

On September 23, 1993 Gioia Jr., Valentin Becerril and twenty-five others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Boston on heroin trafficking charges. Gioia Jr. was ordered held without bail and immediately remanded to Westchester County Jail in Valhalla, New York.

R. Pagliarulo
Gang Land News
On January 21, 1994 he was transferred to FCI Otisville, New York. Others incarcerated at facility included Former (?) Lucchese Captain Richard Pagliarulo: "[We talked] Quite a bit...It was on the tier, in units you have tiers, I was on the top level where we had our cells, leaning over the tier, he started talking about all this stuff in the Family, really talking out of bitterness...Richie was going on about the past, how we got all guys walking into the government cooperating, one was Fat Pete Chiodo, Al D'Arco, and the reason why he was in jail was because of Fat Pete, Al D'Arco. He is talking about how he had regrets killing people, stuff like that...One regret he had he says, Frank, we get word this guy's a rat, we got to do the work...[It] was Gaspipe [Casso]'s paranoia, here I am standing to do life, all these other people are going to get hurt." (Pagliarulo was convicted that July of Federal racketeering charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. He died behind bars in 1999.)

By July 1994 incarcerated at MCC Brooklyn.

Around mid-July 1994 the recently demoted Anthony Casso was target of an aborted murder plot. Co-conspirators included Acting Boss Joseph DeFede and Soldiers Anthony 'Bowat' Baratta, Frank Gioia Jr. and Frank Papagni. Plot canceled after Vic Amuso refused to give permission. Gioia Jr. later testified: "At the time I bumped into Gas [at MCC and he] was bitter with the Family because they busted him down to a Soldier. There were tapes that came out with him, Big Frank Lastorino, and other members that they were plotting to take over the Family. So they demoted him. He was bitter with the Family about Vic [and Joe DeFede]. He was bitter with [Baratta], Sally Avellino, wanted to kill everybody. He was sending messages about money that he used to get that he don't get anymore." Information related by Gioia to Frank Papagni. Gioia testified: "[Bones] says they were talking about killing Gas in jail. And Bones volunteered to Joe D, he says, look, [Gioia]'s in there. He'll take care of it. And I told Frank, Why did you do that? And he says, Well, we were talking about it; he has to go. And they went up to Vic and asked him if it was okay to do it because it was me and [Baratta were] there on the floor with him. We were talking about if the Family asks us to do it, we'd have had to do it...Joe D went up to see Vic and Vic said he would never put one of his guys in that position, to kill somebody in jail like that because he knew [it'd be] a suicide mission, probably get caught, get locked down somewhere, and you know, get life." (Casso subsequently made a failed attempt to cooperate. Baratta, demoted at the same time as Casso, may have been involved in the plot to regain favor. He remained on the shelf until sometime after his September 2012 release.)

By Fall 1994 returned to FCI Otisville.

Defection

V. Salanardi
Gang Land News
Around November 1994 Gioia Jr. was visited at FCI Otisville by Associate Vincent Salanardi:
"
After I got a visit from my cousin, Vin, they called him Egghead, he came up to Otisville, sat down next to me, after 2 months of abusing my family, ripping pay phones out of my mother's restaurants, abusing them in the street like they are nobodies, I told them a few times, why don't they stop it, act like men, leave everything as it is. They kept going doing. They didn't want to stop. Egghead came on a visit, sat down, said, Frank, sit down for this one. I said what it is now, I got an ulcer in my stomach, I am thinking what else could they do. They want to kill your father. Why do they want to kill my old man. Bones [Frank Papagni] going to Joe D [DeFede], everybody else, trying to get permission to kill my parents. I said what do I do Vinny, what do I do. He says pull a Sammy the Bull or pull a Gaspipe [meaning] cooperate with the government...I gave him a kiss, I says, Cuz, I will see you, went to the cell, decided to do it, decided to cooperate, plead guilty after that.
 
...My main concern was, I thought, figured I had two choices, either sit there, everybody else is flipping, they go in they find out things I did, didn't do. I get indicted, I wind up doing life, my family gets abused in the street, or cooperate with the government, put them all in the program, get them away from these people. Secondly was less time and coverage in case everybody else went in, told them what I did, I didn't, you know...[There] was murders and murder conspiracies that I was involved with that the government didn't know about, other members of the Family did, so, the way everybody was going to the government, cooperation, I am thinking Bones [Papagni] is going to flip, [George] Conte, somebody is going to cut a deal and I am the one that's left standing. 
 
...[When] your Underboss flips and your Acting Boss flips and your Captain flips, you got guys in the street, what are they thinking, they're thinking the same thing. [But the] main reason was for them trying to kill my father. That's what pushed me over the edge to cooperate. (Gioia Jr.'s cousin Vincent Salanardi made a failed attempt at being a witness himself in 2003.)
"
 
One of Gioia Jr.'s first acts of cooperation was aiding in the capture of fugitive Captain George Zappola, apprehended at the corner of Second Ave and E 12th St in Manhattan's East Village: "[Zappola] was all over the news and basically on the show, America's Most Wanted show a lot; they were looking for him very aggressively...I knew where they were harboring George, and I worked along with the FBI agents and they worked on it and caught him and George Conte...The plan was to use my father's semi-cooperation to help catch the two Georges."

On April 27, 1995 signed formal Cooperation Agreement.

P. Dello Russo
Gang Land News
On June 2, 1995 debriefed by US Government. Topics of discussion included Lucchese Soldier Patrick Dello Russo: "CW [Gioia] first learned of Patrick Dellorusso in the winter of 1990-1991. CW was with Frank Papagni at Pastels in Brooklyn when Louie Daidone and Dellorusso entered the club. Papagni pointed out Dellorusso and informed CW that Dellorusso had done some work for the Family. He explained further that Dellorusso had murdered Larry Taylor in Taylor's car. Taylor was allegedly planning to avenge the death of Bruno Facciolo. Facciolo had been murdered by the Luccheses on an earlier date. Papagni also informed CW that Dellorusso also handled the airport with Anthony Calagna." (This particular excerpt was read into the record in open court; the remainder of Gioia Jr.'s 302s are unfortunately not available.)

In December 1995 involved in altercation while housed inside the MCC's Cooperating Witness Unit: "The fight originated over a telephone. And I figured before he went to his cell and got a pool stick and cracked me over the head when I wasn't looking, I decided to hit him first [and broke his jaw]."

On February 3, 1997 the New York State Organized Crime Task Force conducted a search at 106-13 101st Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. Property owned by associate of Gambino Captain John Gotti Jr. Seven induction lists were found in the basement: three Lucchese, two Bonanno and one each for the DeCavalcante and Genovese Families.

One of the Lucchese lists, likely from the latter half of 1991, had in its proposed members column Peter Argentina, Jody Calabrese, Gregory Cappello, Thomas D'Ambrosia, Gerry Del Sorbo, Frank Gioia Jr., Enzo Napoli and Joseph Tortorello. Thomas 'Big Tom' DiDonato and seven others were in the deceased column. (Subsequent membership lists do not mention Argentina, Del Sorbo or Napoli.)

In 1998 Gioia Jr. was sentenced by USDC Boston Judge to seven years Federal imprisonment.

He testified in April and September of that year, the latter case being that of Lucchese Soldier Michael Spinelli.

M. Spinelli
Gang Land News
Spinelli, convicted of racketeering charges that included the attempted murder of CW Peter Chiodo's sister, was given thirty years.

Around September 1999 testified in New York State trial People v. Tony Francese. Defendant convicted and sentenced to approximately twenty-five years.

Sometime that year Gioia Jr.'s Federal sentence was reduced to time served. About a month later he was released into the Witness Protection Program.

On March 6, 2003 debriefed by US Government.

On January 15-16, 2004 he testified for the final time in the SDNY racketeering trial of Lucchese Acting Boss Louis Daidone. Gioia's testimony linked Daidone to the murder of former Lucchese Acting Captain Bruno Facciolo. Other witnesses included Former Lucchese Acting Bosses Alfonso D'Arco and Joseph DeFede. Daidone was convicted and sentence to life imprisonment.

Friday, July 11, 2025

Vincent Sarullo (Gambino)

1960s
Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo was a made member of the Gambino Family's Traina crew.

He was active in Staten Island as both a club / trucking company owner and as a heavy participant in local gambling and loansharking operations.

Born March 29, 1917 in Manhattan to Biaggio (Barber; 21y) and Theresa Bellina (19y). Father from Ribera comune of Agrigento, Sicily. Mother from Province of Palermo.

At the time of Vincent's birth the Sarullos were residing at 440 East 13th St in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood. 

Around 1920 they moved to South Beach, Staten Island.

On March 25 of that year Dr. Vincenzo Campisi (32y) and Lorenzo Sarullo (28y) were found stabbed to death at 496 Lorimer St in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Both resided in Elizabeth, New Jersey at the time and the press speculated the murders were an outgrowth of gang violence in Newark. Sarullo's body was identified by his younger brother Vincenzo. Four years later Vincenzo was found at the city dump with his throat cut. (It's possible these Sarullos were relatives of Jimmy Sarullo. The murder victims' parents are listed as Francesco and Ninfa Gagliano.)

By 1931 Jimmy Sarullo and family were residing at 18 Balfour St in South Beach.

From 1937 to about 1941 he worked on the assembly line of Ford Motor Company in Edgewater, New Jersey. Vincent's father was foreman at the Knickerbocker Construction Company in Manhattan.

On April 27, 1940 married Genevieve Sorrentino (21y) in Staten Island. Bride's family from Cava de' Tirreni comune of Salerno, Campania.

V. Sarullo (1940s)
Around 1941 started employment as reel shop supervisor with General Cable Company in Bayonne, New Jersey. He left around 1946 and spent several years as a longshoreman with various stevedoring companies on the Manhattan piers.

In 1953 opened Club Trio located at 227 Sand Lane, about a block away from the family residence in South Beach.

By 1958 Sarullo was a made member of the Gambino Family and reported to Joseph Traina.

J. Traina
FBN Mafia Book
Made members under Traina included Vincent 'Jimmy' Amato, Louis 'Fat Louie' D'Agostino (Traina's step-brother), Pietro 'Little Pete Lombardo' Giallombardo, Joseph Giardina and his sons Joseph Jr., Louis 'Red' and Salvatore 'Teddy' Giardina, Philip LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri (Philip's son), Angelo Mannino, Samuel Mannino (Angelo's son), Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo, Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo, Salvatore 'Sam' Tirone and Mario 'Red' Traina (Joseph's son).

Probable crew members included Charles LiCastri (another of Philip's sons) and Paul SanFilippo's father Joseph.

All of the known Traina crew members from the time period were Sicilian. The majority traced their origins to Palermo, either the city itself (Amato) or neighboring communes Marineo (the LiCastris), Torretta (the Manninos) or, like Traina, Belmonte Mezzagno (Giallombardo).

Non-Palermitani who reported to Traina included the Giardinas from Mussomeli in Caltanissetta, the SanFilippos from Sciacca and Vincent Sarullo, as yet the only known local member from Ribera, Agrigento not with the DeCavalcantes.

In March 1961 Sarullo began operating Benigno and Sarullo Inc., a trucking company at 179 Jefferson Ave in Midland Beach, SI.

P. LiCastri
He first came to the attention of the FBI in March 1963. CI Gregory Scarpa, a Colombo Soldier, identified the owners of both the LiCastri Bakery and the Trio Club in Staten Island as Gambino members. In summarizing Scarpa's information, the FBI added that 'various sources' identified Sarullo as an active participant in the local numbers business. (LiCastri Bakery was owned by Philip LiCastri [1887-1968]).

An investigation was opened in May 1963.

John (L) and Alex D'Alessio
Press
On June 14, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that both Vincent Sarullo and Philip LiCastri are partners in the operation of the Club Trio, although the latter's name does not appear as one of the owners. He stated Sarullo has been handling policy, horse bets, bets on sporting events and in addition has been doing a heavy loan shark business. He noted Johnny Dee [D'Alessio] for one, is heavily indebted to Sarullo, reputedly for $18,000. Johnny Dee was in such bad financial straits, the local sheriff had orders to seize his vending machines and he was saved by a loan from his brother, [Alex aka] Pope Dee. He noted in addition to the operation of the Club Trio and his gambling operations, Sarullo also has a profitable trucking business son Jefferson Ave." [John (1912-1994) and Alex D'Alessio (1914-2015) were Gambino Soldiers.]

On November 21, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo], who is more commonly known as 'Jimmy', is friendly with the Dee [D'Alessio] brothers and with Joseph LaForte, and he is a heavy bettor at the race tracks, particularly the trotters...[CI] also noted that at one time Sarullo was the shop steward for the Carpenters Union at the Brooklyn Army Base. He stated he believed this was during the late 1940s."

On January 21, 1964 the New York Police Department advised the FBI's New York Office: "[Detective] advised Vincent Sarullo is engaged in loansharking operations at the Club Trio but this office has no information he is involved in the gambling rackets."

Over the next decade an FBI source close to Sarullo provided updates on his activities and also passed along various bits of LCN-related gossip.

On January 21, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Vincent Sarullo continues to operate a loansharking racket in addition to running a book on horse bets and sporting events. He stated he has no information Sarullo is currently involved in policy. He noted Sarullo's operations are conducted out of the Club Trio and this tavern is a hangout for local gamblers."

On January 21, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated Vincent Sarullo is still doing a large loanshark business out of the Club Trio, but he has no additional information on his gambling activities."

On January 27, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is still active in loansharking but he has no info that he is involved in any of the gambling rackets. He advised he has also learned Sarullo has a warehouse located in the Elm Park area, about a block off Morningstar Road, but he has been unable to locate the specific address. He stated he is also endeavoring to determine whether the warehouse is used legitimately as part of the trucking operation or whether it is for illegal purposes."

On March 11, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is loaning money to local gamblers at the usual loanshark rates, and is also participating in taking bets on horse racing and sporting events."

On March 16, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he has determined the Benigno & Sarullo Trucking Company, Inc., which is partially owned by Sarullo, has about five or six trucks and they do most of the trucking for the Ansbacker-Siegle Corp and the Sun Chemical Corp. He noted Sarullo's associate in this business is [Redacted] who actually takes care of the trucking operations and is considered a hard working, industrious and honest type of individual. Sarullo, on the other hand, takes no active part in the management of the company."

On March 18, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Vincent Sarullo continues to be one of the most active loansharks on the South Shore. He stated he has observed a number of the local bookmakers and gamblers hanging out in the Club Trio, which Sarullo operates."

1960s
On May 15, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is still active in the loanshark racket and is probably the biggest operator among the gambling element in Staten Island. He noted Johnny Dee [D'Alessio] is reported to be still heavily in debt to Sarullo. He noted Sarullo's trucking operation appears to be a legitimate business and there is no indication he is engaged in any other illicit activity."

On May 22, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is still active in handling bookmaking and also wagers on sporting events. He noted [Redacted] is one of his active runners. He stated Sarullo frequents the tracks and in particular the trotters."

On September 16, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is still engaged in loansharking, but he has no info he is involved in any other criminal activity. He stated that Sarullo's tavern, the Club Trio, is a hangout for gamblers and bookmakers, and it is mainly to this type of individual Sarullo has been making usurious loans. He noted Johnny Dee [D'Alessio] is still deeply indebted to Sarullo as a result of heavy losses at the racetrack which made it necessary for him to borrow from Sarullo to keep his creditors from seizing his vending machine business."

On September 17, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] continues active as a loanshark and gambler, operating out of the Club Trio...He stated Sarullo's gambling activities are principally concerned with sporting events but he has some horse betting rackets going for him, principally in the South Beach and East Shore areas."

On November 25, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is the biggest loanshark in operation in the Staten Island area. He noted that Sarullo's customers include gamblers as well as local businessmen."

On December 11, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is engaged in the operation of a numbers racket between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey with individuals who have been identified: [Redacted List]."

By 1965 subject of an interstate gambling investigation.

On January 11, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Jimmy Serillo [is] undoubtedly Jimmy Sarullo, aka Vincent Sarullo, who operates the Club Trio [across] from Crocitto's Tavern." (Crocitto's was owned by Mario Crocitto [1918-1990] from Bari, Puglia. In April 1975 Gambino Associate Thomas Bilotti was identified as the 'undisclosed owner'. In February 1976 it was reported that John D'Alessio frequented the location 'from which is run a gambling operation and other criminal activity'. A Gambino Soldier, named redacted, owned the business. In October 1980 Bilotti, then a made member, used Crocitto's auto when bringing Gambino Boss Paul Castellano to a meeting with the Bonanno Family.)

On March 9, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[He] has determined additional information regarding Vincent Sarullo's operation of the loan rackets in Staten Island. He noted that an applicant for a loan is referred to Sarullo, who questions him closely regarding his financial matters and purpose of the loan. Sarullo does not give the applicant any final answer, but refers him to one of his front men, such as [Redacted]. The latter in the meantime has received his instructions from Sarullo and when the application has been approved by Sarullo, he will instruct his front man to give the applicant his money. The payments on the loan are then made to the front man who gave the borrower his money in the first instance. In no case does Sarullo actually pay out the money to the borrower or accept payment. CI stated Sarullo's rates are lower than the usual loanshark, and he usually is content on 1% per week. He noted that many of the individuals who have bought dump trucks and bulldozers have had Sarullo finance the operation."

J. LaForte
On April 1, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised there is every indication that the LiCastris will take over control of the numbers racket from Joseph LaForte. He noted that about a year ago, the LiCastris appeared to be replacing LaForte, but the latter had too strong backing and was able to retain his position. However, [CI] noted LaForte has been bothered by a bad heart condition and in addition he was very close to Tony Bender, and with the latter's disappearance he has lost one of his biggest supporters. On the other hand, Vincent LiCastri has been very friendly with Peter Ferrara and with others in the Gambino Family. He has also teamed up with Jimmy Sarullo, another member of the Gambino Family, and the report is that the LiCastris will assume control over the entire numbers operation in Staten Island within the near future." (Joseph 'The Cat' LaForte [1917-2016] was then a proposed Associate under Captain Joseph Gennaro. After Gennaro died in 1968 LaForte was reporting directly to Underboss Aniello Dellacroce. He was inducted after the books re-opened in 1976.)

On June 16, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he still has not been able to resolve the question of whether Vincent Sarullo has taken control over all of the policy racket in Staten Island from Joseph LaForte. He stated that he has spoken to a number of bookmakers and has received conflicting answers...He said it appears Charles LiCastri has the most authority, and it will be he who will run the Staten Island policy if Sarullo is successful in driving LaForte out of this racket. [CI] further stated that he has heard Charles LiCastri has acted as the guarantor of several loans made recently by Jimmy Sarullo but LiCastri will not loanshark in competition to Sarullo. He stated these two are close friends and are reported to assisting each other wherever possible."

A. DiBrizzi
FBN Mafia Book
On October 5, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[He] has just received reliable info that Alex DiBrizzi recently borrowed $5,000 from Jimmy Sarullo, South Beach loanshark. He stated he has no information why DiBrizzi should be hard pressed for money at this time, but will make further inquiries and will advise if any info is developed." (Alex DiBrizzi [1892-1981] was another made member active in SI.)

On December 13, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is the leading figure in the local loanshark racket, and [Redacted] fronts for him in loaning out money and collecting payments from borrowers."

On December 13, 1965 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] further advised that [redacted] the Club Trio, 272 Sand Lane, South Beach where many of the hoods from the Lower East Side [of Manhattan] gather every Sunday afternoon. He stated this club is run by Jimmy Sarullo, local loanshark, and [Redacted] frequented this tavern."

On December 17, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] aka [Redacted] has been working for Vincent Sarullo as an enforcer [redacted]. He noted [Redacted] has a criminal record for gambling and handling illegal alcohol."

On December 17, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] does not take an active part in running [trucking company] and the business is all handled by [Redacted]."

On December 22, 1965 FBI CI reported: "...With reference to [Redacted], CI identified him as [Redacted] who works for Jimmy Sarullo in his loanshark operation at the Club Trio."

On February 9, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] has been picking up bets at the Rosebank Club, 521 Tompkins Avenue. He stated [Redacted] is an associate of Jimmy Sarullo and can frequently be seen in Sarullo's [club]."

On July 19, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[CI] noted [Vincent Sarullo]'s residence is within a block of [Club Trio]. He advised that Sarullo continues as an active loanshark and is in fact the biggest shylock in the Staten Island area. He said that Vincent LiCastri is a close associate of Sarullo, and LiCastri is active in the local policy rackets and is the son of Philip LiCastri, who is also reported to be a button man in the organization."

On July 21, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] continues as a partner in the operation of the Benigno & Sarullo Trucking Co., with a warehouse at 558 Granite Avenue...He noted, however, while previously Sarullo was content to let his partner run the operation, lately he has been taking a more active interest in the business and has been trying to build up the company. He stated Sarullo has been insisting the profits be put back in the company to purchase new trucks and to modernize the warehouse and other equipment. He noted a major part of the business of this company comes from Ansbacher-Siegal Corp, Chestnut Avenue, SI."

On October 31, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] reported to be a button man [and] is also known to be loansharking in this area, his front man being [Redacted] at the Club Trio. [CI] advised [Redacted] has been accepting bets on sporting events, [redacted] is very careful to accept wagers only when there are no strangers around, and [redacted]. [CI] stated Sarullo is very friendly with Vincent LiCastri, and he has heard the latter is either a button man, or his father is in the organization. He noted further [Redacted] formerly worked with Sarullo as an enforcer in his loanshark racket, but [Redacted] has not been around in recent months."

On March 2, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[18 Balfour St] has been the [Sarullo] family residence for years, and is located in a lower middle class neighborhood, only a block from Sarullo's tavern. [CI] noted Sarullo continues to be friendly with Vincent LiCastri, son of Philip LiCastri, reputed to be a 'button man' in the Gambino Family."

On March 3, 1967 NYPD advised FBI: "[Detective] advised that Vincent Sarullo is reported to be friendly with Vincent LiCastri, Mario DiGiorgio and [Redacted]. He stated Mario DiGiorgio is the former operator of the Silver Dollar Tavern, 2481 Richmond Road, SI, which was a meeting place for local hoodlums, and also has [criminal record]."

On March 8, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is definitely a button man with LCN, and has been operating as a loanshark for at least ten years. He stated that [Redacted] at the Club Trio, Sarullo's tavern, is Sarullo's contact man with regard to loans, Sarullo himself does not handle any money, and accordingly no one can ever testify against him. He said [Redacted] accepts bets on horses and sporting events in the tavern, but does not operate on a big scale. He stated despite Sarullo's shylocking operations, he is very well regarded around Staten Island, since he will not push for payment if he feels the borrower does not have the money, and will also waive any accumulation of interest when the debt is not repaid on time."

On July 10, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[He] has observed Vincent Sarullo and his wife dining at the Mark Chinese Restaurant, 1816 Hylan Blvd [and] he has heard a report that Sarullo has an interest in this spot. He said he has not been able to verify this report up to the present time. He said he has also heard the proprietor of this restaurant formerly operated in Chinatown, Manhattan and his place was a hangout for hoods from the Lower East Side. He said the proprietor is [Redacted]. He stated he has also heard Paul Castellano and James Failla also hang out at the Mark Chinese Restaurant, in addition to Sarullo." (Earlier that year Castellano was appointed Gambino Acting Boss. At the same time Joseph Gennaro's crew was split, with about half going to the newly promoted Failla.)

On July 12, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] continues very active in the loanshark rackets and [Redacted] has been handling some of these loans on the waterfront. He said [Redacted] has been fronting for Sarullo on some of these loans."

On July 24, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] noted that Philip LiCastri's two sons, Vincent and Charles LiCastri are close friends of Jimmy Sarullo, and are frequently observed in the latter's tavern, the Club Trio."

On October 16, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] continues as the biggest figure in the local loan shark racket, and [Redacted] has been acting as his front man in this racket. He stated [Redacted] handles a great deal of betting on sporting events [redacted]."

On November 21, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is active in the loanshark racket, and shylocks to local businessmen, gamblers and individuals in the contracting line, especially builders. He noted that Johnny Pietracatella, who works in the construction line, fronts for Sarullo, passes out the money and makes the collections so there will be no legal evidence connecting Sarullo to the racket." (Pietracatella [1940-2004] was Sarullo's son-in-law.)

On August 1, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Daniel] Maschietto owes $800 to Jimmy Sarullo...Maschietto was on a bat for eight days and no one knew where he was during this time, and Sarullo has started to press him for the money. He said he does not know if Maschietto has handled any loot, [redacted]."

On August 1, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised [redacted] stated Vincent Sarullo has indicated to him that he has about $250,000 outstanding in loans in his loansharking operation, including $20,000 to Pope Dee [Alex D'Alessio], $15,000 to Anthony DeSimone, operator of the Marlin Ship Storage, Inc., 34 Prospect St [and] $12,000 to the operator of Curly's Restaurant, Bay Street, Staten Island. [CI] said that Sarullo has told him that he has loaned money to three doctors in Staten Island and also to unidentified police officers in this area. He said Sarullo is the owner of the National Amusement Co., 278 Sand Lane, a vending machine company, but operates this company through a front. He stated Sarullo is also the owner of the Benigno & Sarullo Trucking Company [run] by [Redacted], but has complained [Redacted] is holding out on the profits, [redacted]. With reference to Pope Dee's loan, [CI] said this loan is in default, and he expects Sarullo to take some action against Pope Dee within the next week or two unless arrangements are made within the near future for payments. He advised Sarullo recently attempted to buy the Towne House Restaurant in [SI], but the deal fell through because the current owner was insistent on getting all cash on the line at the time of purchase whereas Sarullo wanted to put off part of the payment."

On August 12, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is the biggest loanshark in Staten Island, and he continues to be a close associate of Vincent and Charles LiCastri, who operate a policy racket out of [LiCastri Bakery] which is located within a block of Sarullo's tavern." (The LiCastris' father Philip died that March.)

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.

On October 14, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo], Vinnie and [Redacted] were in partnership in booking football games but their losses up to a week ago were over $40,000. He said while they continue to accept bets on football games, they now turn the proceeds to someone from the Brooklyn area."

On October 14, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[He] has definitely determined that Joe 'The Cat' LaForte, boss of the numbers racket in Staten Island, who formerly operated under 'Joe the Wop' Gennaro, is now working for Aniello Dellacroce. [CI] said his source for this information is Jimmy Sarullo, a [Gambino] button."

On December 11, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is reportedly considering selling the Club Trio and buying a bar or a restaurant in Manhattan or one of the other boroughs. He stated that Sarullo was also said to be interested in the Skyway Lounge at [JFK Airport], but he does not know if he has made a specific offer for this place."

On January 13, 1969 Sarullo was interviewed by FBI Agents: "He advised he has been residing at his current residence for the past 48 years. He attended Public School 39, South Beach, graduating in 1932. He was then a student at Curtis High School for about one year, and has had no further education...Sarullo explained he has owned the Club Trio since 1953 but has devoted full time to its operation only since 1960...He advised this arrangement has been set up for the operation of his tavern. His father opens in the morning and handles everything until noon, when he personally takes over. The night bartender, [Redacted] aka [Redacted] comes in about 6:00 PM, and remains until closing time. He stated he, Sarullo, usually stays around the tavern all afternoon and evening. He denied any affiliation with organized crime and specifically denied membership in the Gambino Family of La Cosa Nostra. He stated that he did not know a Carlo Gambino, Paul Castellano or Pete Ferrara, but he admitted being friendly with Vincent and Charles LiCastri who he said operate a bakery near his tavern. He denied knowledge that they were involved in the policy rackets."

On March 4, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is still reported to be considering selling the Club Trio and buying a bar in Manhattan or Brooklyn. He noted Sarullo feels he receives too much attention from LE agencies in SI, whereas if he moved to a more populated area of the city, he would be lost in the crowd."

On April 2, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Despite] the fact Sarullo charges usurious rates, he is considered by his clients to be a legitimate operator in that his rates are moderate as compared to other loansharks, he has never used intimidation to force payment, he will not press anyone for payment if he feels the debtor is making an honest effort to live up to his obligations, and he will help individuals who cannot obtain credit elsewhere. He stated Sarullo has been responsible for carrying many businessmen over periods of temporary financial crisis, and thus enable them to retain their businesses when otherwise they might have been wiped out."

On April 4, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] continues to operate his loanshark racket out of his tavern, and he has about $250,000 outstanding in loans at this time. He said Sarullo has told him he is worth over a million dollars. He noted Sarullo's closest associates are Vincent & Charles LiCastri, who operate a policy racket out of their bakery...He noted Sarullo has been talking about selling the Club Trio and buying a tavern in Manhattan or Brooklyn, because he receives too much attention from the local police in Staten Island. He stated Sarullo is reported to have a financial interest in a laundromat in the South Beach area."

On April 23, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Jimmy Sarullo informed him that Alex D'Alessio still owes him $18,000, he has repeatedly granted him extensions of time but D'Alessio still has not paid up. Sarullo noted that D'Alessio is not protected, that neither he nor his brothers, Mikey and Johnny Dee, are members of the LCN, and he therefore will not have to sit down with anyone to discuss repayment of the debt. [CI] stated although Sarullo appears to be angry with D'Alessio, he has not mentioned taking any action against him." (Various government reports and charts over the years have listed the D'Alessio brothers as members.)

On May 14, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] has learned that Vincent Sarullo is the owner of the Staten Island Amusement Company, 59 St. Marys Ave...He stated he learned of his interest in this company when Sarullo told him he was having trouble with LaMorte's Music Service, Inc., who have been trying to take over some of the stops of the Staten Island Amusement Co. He stated Sarullo also told him Pope Dee [D'Alessio] has still not paid up on his $18,000 debt, and is making no effort to pay."

F. Tieri
On June 10, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Jimmy Sarullo, button in Gambino Family, informed him that Frank Tieri had been designated as Boss of Genovese Family. According to Sarullo, a celebration was held last week at an unknown location, at which all the top members of LCN were present."

On September 22, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] has determined Vincent Sarullo's Capo is Giuseppe Traina, who lives on 76th Street, between 11th and 12th Avenue [in Brooklyn]." (An FBI member source reported in September 1968 that Traina's son Mario had replaced him as Captain.)

On October 1, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] uses the Club Trio to push shylock money and make book. [CI] said Sarullo has a lucrative shylocking operation on Staten Island and reportedly has 100- 200 thousand on the street in loans. CI said Sarullo has a bodyguard, [Redacted] (LNU), [redacted]."

On October 16, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Vincent] and Charles LiCastri are friends with Jimmy Sarullo and are frequently seen at Sarullo's Club Trio. [CI] said the LiCastris are making book near the Club Trio."

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.

On February 16, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised Vincent Sarullo, [Redacted] (ph) who is [redacted] Charles LiCastri, and Red Traina, son of Giuseppe Traina, are in the process of buying the Intermission Cafe in Brooklyn. He noted the purchase will probably be made under someone else's name, but as yet no decision has been made on that front." (The cafe was formerly operated by Traina crew member Paul SanFilippo who died in 1968.)

A. Meli
On March 16, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[Angelo] Meli has been hanging out in the Silver Dollar Restaurant, 2481 Richmond Road, [with] [Redacted] and Mario DiGiorgio, the owner of the Silver Dollar...DiGiorgio owes money to Jimmy Sarullo on a shylock loan, and another individual who owes money to Sarullo is [Redacted]." (Angelo Meli [1930-2014] was a Soldier in Olympio 'Lilo' Garofalo's crew.)

On April 9, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] again advised that Frank Tieri has been selected as head of the Genovese Family. He noted this information has been verified by both Jimmy Sarullo and Edward Consalvo, both buttons in the Gambino Family." (Edward 'Ottawa' Consalvo [1920-1981] was a Soldier in Michael 'Mike Tali' Caiazzo's crew.)

A couple of days later Joseph Traina's son Joseph Jr. died at his desk in Manhattan's Garment Center.

The wake was held April 15 at the Gambino-linked Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home in Gravesend. Attendees included Joseph Traina, Mario Traina, Vincent Sarullo and fellow Staten Island resident Ignazio 'Ralph' Pantano (1907-1989). (In July and September 1980 Pantano's auto was observed at Bonanno Captain Cesare Bonventre's Caffe Roma in Bensonhurst.)

On April 15, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[Vincent] and Charles LiCastri use Vincent Sarullo's Club Trio as a hangout. He said the LiCastri's have a bakery on [SI] where money is taken from gambling operations and counted, and they are also operating a card game at this bakery. [CI] also advised that although Sarullo is shylocking, his customers would not give him up, inasmuch as Sarullo does not resort to the use of 'muscle' to claim repayment. [CI] said Sarullo is known to give numerous extensions of time on a given loan, without vig, if a victim is in a financially insolvent position and as a result, maintains excellent rapport with his customers."

On May 5, 1970 FBI reported: "[Sarullo] is very security minded and will not discuss his shylocking business over the telephone, making use of authorized electronic coverage of his telephone useless. The NYPD has in fact had coverage of Sarullo's telephone on several different occasions within the past few years but has found them unproductive."

V. Gigante (c. 1970)
On May 25, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] has been told by Jimmy Sarullo that Vincent Gigante is trying to take over the bookmaking operation among the construction workers at the site of the NYS Mental Hospital in [South Beach]. Sarullo indicated he believes this will be a lucrative piece of action, and he believes he should be entitled to it because of its location in his territory. Sarullo also stated it may be necessary to have a 'sit-down' to settle this dispute." (Vincent 'Chin' Gigante [1928-2005] was at the time a Soldier in the Genovese Family's Greenwich Village crew.)

A few days later the same informant reported a failed attempt by one of Sarullo's associates to use a deli located near the construction site as a headquarters to 'line up' customers.

On June 22, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[He] has learned title [of Intermission Cafe] will be taken in the name of [Redacted] as he has no criminal record and no obvious hoodlum connections. CI noted that [redacted] but this is not well known."

On July 10, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] has obtained his license from the State Liquor Authority to open up the Intermission Cafe in Brooklyn...[CI] also stated that Vincent Sarullo has lost out on the bookmaking operation at the site of the NYS Mental Hospital...CI stated this would have given Sarullo a clear field to handle all the bookmaking among the construction workers on this project. However, 'Chin' Gigante received the right and will control this bookmaking operation."

A. Marinelli (1964)
On August 19, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[He] questioned Jimmy Sarullo regarding Gus Marinelli, and Sarullo stated that Marinelli does not have any illegal rackets going for him at this time. According to Sarullo, Marinelli has a good job through his union, and appears to be satisfied with this setup at the present time." (Accursio 'Gus / Swifty' Marinelli [1911-1983] was a Soldier in Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao's crew. Corrao took over from Joseph Gennaro after the latter's death in September 1968.)

On October 18, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] has the Club Trio up for sale, but does not appear too anxious to dispose of it. He noted that he has received several offers which he has rejected on the basis the offers are too low."

On November 25, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Angelo Meli has been hanging out with [Redacted] in the Silver Dollar Restaurant...He noted Meli is very friendly with Mario DiGiorgio, operator of this restaurant, who has done time for handling narcotics. He stated further DiGiorgio and [Redacted] at [redacted] SI, both owe money to Jimmy Sarullo, the shylock who operates the Club Trio."

On May 24, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] has pulled out of the operation of the Intermission Cafe. He noted [Redacted] actually has been the holder of the liquor license, but after a few months of operation, it became obvious [Redacted] was mishandling the finances, and Sarullo decided to sell out his share. [CI] also advised that Sarullo has been running a racket every Saturday night, featuring Italian food, at $5 a person. He noted that Sarullo is insistent on all his associates being present, and apparently does very well financially as the bar does a rushing business during these affairs."

On October 21, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[All] sports play on Staten Island goes to Vincent 'Jimmy' Sarullo according to [Redacted]. [Sarullo] is in partnership with Charles and Vincent LiCastri also of South Beach. [CI] states Charles LiCastri handles the horse and sports action while Vincent LiCastri handles the policy. [CI] states Sarullo is a partner in all the action and the LiCastri's are also partners with Sarullo in loanshark activities on Staten Island and Charles LiCastri can okay shylock loans. [CI] stated [Redacted] tried to place a man in [redacted] but he was chased out because the territory belonged to [Redacted]. [CI] stated Sarullo and LiCastri's are presently using [phone] to take horse and sport action." (On the basis of this information a gambling investigation was opened on Sarullo and LiCastri brothers.)

On November 19, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Contact] with a bookmaker working for John Pate indicated all sports action was still going down the beach to the LiCastri's and Jimmy Sarullo. [CI] stated Charles LiCastri was handling horse and sports while Vinnie LiCastri ran the numbers and Sarullo ran the loanshark activity. [CI] stated Anthony LiCastri is out of the operation because he is considered too irresponsible...[CI] also advised that John Pietracatella, son-in-law of Sarullo, also works for Sarullo. [CI] stated Pietracatella is a former football player and is used mostly to collect on shylock loans. [CI] also advised [Redacted] handles policy and shylock loans for the LiCastri's and Sarullo in the South Beach area." (Anthony LiCastri [1929-1991] was a younger brother of Charles and Vincent. John Pate is believed referring to either the father or son of the same name, both of whom were Colombo Associates under Captain Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella. John Pate Jr. was inducted into the Colombos after the books opened in 1976 and became a Cooperating Witness in 1993.)

L. Guiga (1969)
On December 9, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[He] has observed Louis Guiga, a button in the Carlo Gambino Family, in the Club Trio talking to Sarullo. He noted that Guiga was discussing his problems with the IRS and indicated he is facing a six year jail term. [CI] also stated Sarullo is still engaged in shylocking activities and one individual who is pushing out shylock money for him is Louis Conte of Jersey Street, Staten Island. He noted Conte operates a market at 402 Jersey Street, and is considered to be a good producer for Sarullo." (Louis Guiga [1927-1980] was a Soldier in Vincent Corrao's crew.)

In January 8, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised [Redacted], who owed Vincent Sarullo $3,000 in loanshark money, skipped to Florida and Sarullo has been canvassing his friends to see who is heading to Florida so they can collect the debt from [Redacted]. He stated that Sarullo will always give his customers an extension of time if he feels they deserve it, but always sees red when somebody tried to beat him out of his money."

On May 25, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] has been very quiet in recent months and has said he will lay low for awhile until the IRS has discontinued the investigation into his activities. He noted Sarullo has complained about Federal men watching his place of business off and on over the last six months."

On June 9, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] is a close associate of both Charles LiCastri and his brother, Vincent LiCastri, who are active in the gambling rackets in Staten Island. [CI] noted while Sarullo is still handling shylock money, he has greatly reduced his activities [redacted]."

On July 13, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] was in Florida last month, looking up one of his customers who left New York without clearing up a shylock loan. [CI] stated this customer is known as [Redacted]. According to Sarullo, the customer when he saw him, almost passed out expecting a beating, but when told he had 24 hours to raise the amount of the loan, the customer immediately got the money together and paid him off the next day."

On September 11, 1972 Sarullo was interviewed for a second time and gave Agents a rundown of his family and employment history.

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members.

On December 11, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] has curtailed his loansharking activities [and] will now do business only with individuals he knows well or those who come highly recommended."

On February 22, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[Redacted] who is employed by [redacted] is pushing shylock money for Vincent Sarullo. [Redacted] gets the money from Sarullo at 2 points, and puts it on the street at the normal 6 for 5 rate. CI said [Redacted] drives Sarullo to Brooklyn regularly on Friday nights or Saturday mornings, at which time Sarullo meets with wise guys in Brooklyn."

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.

On October 25, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[Sarullo] can be seen almost daily hanging outside the Club Trio on the corner of Olympia Blvd and Sane Lane [which] is only two blocks from Sarullo's home."

An article published in the Staten Island Advance on April 28, 1974 included Sarullo in a list of local LCN members.

In April 1975 an FBI spot check on Club Trio observed a vehicle registered to John Motola (26y).

In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members.

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 195 identified Gambino Family members.

An FBI report compiled on May 11, 1977 noted: "According to sources, Sarullo is only involved in loansharking activities on a limited basis. Sarullo is said to do business only with individuals known personally by him or that are highly recommended. Sarullo is also reportedly running books on horse bets and other sporting events...Sarullo was selected as a target for development as a potential Top Echelon Informant in a case opened in 6/1972. Sarullo was interviewed several times and although he spoke freely about his own background, he denied any direct knowledge of LCN and refused to discuss any specifics. (Note: Sarullo maintained a warm, friendly attitude towards FBI Agents)."

In November 1980 Vincent Sarullo attended the wedding reception for Sicilian Mafia Member Giuseppe Bono in Manhattan. Many members from New York Families, as well as from Canada and Sicily, were present. During the reception Sarullo was photographed at a table with Gambino Soldiers (and Traina crew members) Louis Giardina, Charles LiCastri, Joseph Marino as well as Gambino Soldier Anthony 'Tony Lee' Guerrieri and Gambino Associate Salvatore Reale. (The photograph and subsequent identifications were posted on The Black Hand Forum.)

Around 1983 sold Club Trio and retired.

He is included in the April 1988 Senate Chart of Gambino Family membership.

A. Capo (Sept. 1989)
In December 1989 Anthony Capo was inducted into the DeCavalcante Family. After the ceremony Capo was told that introductions to members of other Families would be put off for awhile due to his recent involvement in a murder. Capo later testified: "[Because] of the scrutiny I was under of law enforcement for the Fred Weiss homicide, they decided I could only meet Jimmy Serillo [Sarullo], who's a Soldier in the Gambino Family, God father to my wife, or Johnny Pate, the captain of the Colombo Family. We were going to keep it under wraps for awhile, six months at least."

M. Traina
Court Exhibit
By 1990 members under Mario Traina included Joseph Giardina Jr., Louis Giardina, Salvatore Giardina, Charles LiCastri, Vincent LiCastri, Samuel Mannino, Joseph Marino and Vincent Sarullo.

By the early 1990s moved to Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island.

In June 1993 included in the FBI's list of 209 identified Gambino Family members.

A Govt chart compiled in May 2000 indicates that at least a couple of Traina's crew members (the Giardina brothers) had since transferred to the Arcuri / Franco regime. Sarullo was not included in the chart.

He died March 29, 2002 at his Fort Wadsworth residence and was waked at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals in Eltingville, SI.

Frank Gioia Jr. (Lucchese)

Source: Gang Land News Frank Gioia Jr. was a Soldier in the Lucchese Family who became a cooperating witness around late 1994. Born August 1...