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| 1962 |
Joseph Miranda was the Underboss of the DeCavalcante Family and briefly served as the Family's Acting Boss in the mid-2000s.
Born December 7, 1923 in Lodi, New Jersey to Joseph (47y), a pool room operator, and Paola Speciale. Family from Partinico comune of Palermo, Sicily.
By April 1930 the Mirandas had moved to Manhattan's Upper East Side, residing in a tenement building at 1486 2nd Ave.
In August 1932 the elder Joseph Miranda died in what the New York Daily News called a fire 'of suspicious origin' that broke out in an apartment building two blocks south at 330 East 76th St. (Across the street was 311 E 76th, an address linked to the Arcuris and Giacobbes of the Gambinos and DeCavalcantes respectively, also site of the Victory Star Social Club frequented by members from both Families. In later years Gambino Captain Joseph Arcuri served as liaison between the two.)
By April 1940 the Mirandas were living a few doors down at 342 E 76th.
Joseph attended Public School 30 located on 88th St. FBI later reported: "[Miranda] was characterized by the teachers as being indifferent to studies, irregular in attendance, and frequently disorderly in class. The teachers said that he desired to gain the reputation as a 'tough guy'. Although he was estimated to be of high average intelligence, he had to repeat four grades in school [and he] failed to complete 8th grade." Subsequently attended Murray Hill Vocational High School for two months and Metropolitan High School for three weeks.
His first arrest came on September 13, 1940, when he was picked up by the NYPD's 19th Squad in Manhattan on charges of felonious assault and attempted extortion (coercion) charges. Around July 31, 1942 convicted and given an indefinite term at the NYC Reformatory. Paroled May 25, 1943.
On February 11, 1944 arrested by the 23rd Precinct in Manhattan on burglary and grand larceny (auto) charges. Around March 17/20 convicted on a final charge of grand larceny, given a suspended sentence, then returned to the Reformatory for parole violation. Paroled April 17 of the following year.
Another arrest by the 19th Squad on April 11, 1946 was dismissed the same day.
Miranda was then working as a presser with Judy Sportswear at 558 8th Ave in Midtown.
On June 29, 1946 married Marie Panzica (23y) in Manhattan. Bride's father believed from Lercara Friddi in Palermo.
By Fall 1947 they resided at 400 E 78th St on the Upper East Side.
On October 17 Joseph was arrested at his residence by Agents with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics and charged with possessing 247 grains (1/2 to 3/4 ounce) of heroin. Released on bail three days later.
Around January 15, 1948 convicted on possession and sentenced to ninety days imprisonment at FCI Danbury, Connecticut. Released April 17.
By 1949 listed occupation as presser with R & B Manufacturing Company at 246 West 26th St in Chelsea.
By April 1950 worked as bartender at an unspecified bar and grill.
On July 6, 1950 Miranda and Henry Svec (26y) were picked up by the 18th Squad on grand larceny charges for looting subway coin boxes. Around February 7, 1951 pleaded guilty on final charge petit larceny and given an indefinite term at Rikers Island Penitentiary. (The prior year Svec was hit in the neck by a 'sniper's bullet' while walking along E 72nd.)
An October 1950 arrest for grand larceny (from truck) was dismissed the following month.
On February 8, 1951 received at Rikers Island Penitentiary to serve the indefinite sentence for petit larceny.
Miranda was associated with the DeCavalcante Family by 1957.
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L. LaRasso
Source: FBN Mafia Book
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From June to October of that year, eleven phone calls were placed between his Manhattan apartment and the Linden, New Jersey residence of Family Underboss (Captain?) Louis LaRasso. (The latter was apprehended at the
Apalachin meeting that November.)
Miranda was affiliated with the Family's Manhattan - Queens faction, which included Anthony Carubia, Pietro Galletta, Joseph Lolordo, father and son Lorenzo and Joseph Giacobbe as well as Lorenzo's younger brother Emanuel, a suspected member who later returned to Sicily. (Aside from Miranda, all listed were from Ribera in Agrigento.)
On December 21, 1962 arrested by the NYPD's 5th Squad in Manhattan on a burglary charge. On July 19, 1963 given suspended sentence.
By then the Mirandas had moved about fifty miles north of the city to Marlboro, New York, residing first on North and then Ridge Roads.
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J. LaMela (7/63)
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He listed his occupation as a driver for LaMela Sanitation Service, a local company operated by DeCavalcante Soldier John LaMela and whose officers included Ulster County District Attorney Joseph Torraca. (Miranda's son Anthony later worked for the company as well. LaMela's own sons, Felice and Nick, were DeCavalcante Associates inducted some time after the books opened in 1976.)
On February 7, 1964 Miranda and LaMela were among those who attended the funeral of DeCavalcante Boss Nicholas Delmore in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
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S. DeCavalcante (1960s)
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It was through FBI bugging of Delmore's successor, Simone 'Sam' DeCavalcante, that Joseph Miranda's association with the Family became known.
On February 17, 1965 DeCavalcante was visited in Kenilworth by his cousin, Associate Robert 'Bobby Basile' Occhipinti. The
discussion was recorded and included references to a situation in Newburgh, New York:
"
Sam: Before I forget - who would you suggest to send down there?
Bob: Send down where, Sam? Newburgh?
Sam: Newburgh. Somebody needs to be shown a lesson, .....
Bob: We were discussing this last night.
Sam: With who?
Bob: With [DeCav Captain] Frank (Cocchiaro).
Sam: It's the guy that - his name is Gus (Ph.)
Bob: Is he with [Genovese Soldier] Frank Casino (Francesco Cucola) this guy?
Sam: No, he's an outsider.
Bob: Well, why can't John La Mala (Ph.) (LaMela) handle it himself?
Sam: John is known over there. He hasn't got no boys to send.
Bob: Well, how about those tough sons he's got?
Sam: They know the guy!
Bob: All right. Then we'll send two guys up there.
Sam: You may need three. This guy's a big guy.
Bob: All right. I'll send four.
Sam: Send three guys. You only need one guy to look the situation over. Then meet with Joe (LNU) tonight at the club to make the appointment.
Bob: Well, see now. You don't give me enough time. 'Cause I can't reach these kids now. These kids work at night.
Sam: Well, tell Frank - then get these kids.
Bob: All right.
Sam: And you have to see Joe anyhow - Miranda (Ph.)
Bob: That's taken care of - next?
"
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R. Farone (L) and U. Gallo (R)
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Five days later Occhipinti was
recorded giving an update on the situation:
"
Bob: I was with Rudy (LNU) [Farone] and Vaddo (ph) [Umberto Gallo] yesterday. They went down as per instructions. They met Larry (LNU) [Schiro?]. We went to see Joe Miranda. They don't know nothing. (Reference probably to Newburgh matter mentioned in reairtel.)
Sam: Joe Miranda doesn't know nothing?
Bob: No. So finally about 3/4 of an hour later, Joe Miranda says, 'Ah it must be about that guy up there that put a hole in the radiator.' He said, 'Well, they don't know if the guy did it or not. But somebody's gotta be taught a lesson up there...' So these kids are starting to feel like they're real cetruls (lit. cucumber - i.e. fools) So Rudy says, 'Well, look, meet me up there. Take us in and take us out. Whatever you want done, we'll do it. Take us in and take us out and forget the whole thing.' (Joe said) 'Why can't you go up on your own?' The kid says, 'Who the hell knows anything up there? Are you crazy?' But, Sam what's the matter with these guys?
Sam: Where's Larry at?
Bob: Larry was there. So Larry told the boys, 'All right, forget about it. When it's ready I'll let you know.' So the kids are raising a little bit of an objection. They said, 'Bob, if anything has to be done, we're here. But it's like this other thing...'
Sam: Call Joe Miranda and Larry. I want to see them. This stuff has got to stop!
Bob: Call Larry -- not Joe Miranda. Where are you gonna get with Joe Miranda? Other than that...
"
Three days later a member of the NYPD's Bureau of Criminal Investigation advised the FBI's New York Office: "[Joseph]
Miranda is known to him as an employee of John La Mela and a small-time burglar."
On May 3, 1965 a wedding reception for the daughter of DeCav Underboss Frank Majuri was held in Newark. Attendees included John LaMela and Joseph Miranda, brothers
Accursio and Lorenzo Marsala, both suspected members, and DeCav Associate Larry 'Shorty' Schiro.
On September 12, 1965 Sam DeCavalcante and 'many of his associates', including Miranda, were observed at another wedding reception in Newark.
On September 28, 1965 Milton, New York's Justice of the Peace Patrick Mataraza was interviewed by the FBI: "[He advised]
he has known Joseph Miranda as a fellow townsman for several years and it is his understanding that Miranda is currently employed as a bartender in New York City, exact location unknown."
On July 30, 1966 Miranda was booked for resisting officers after being stopped by the local constables in Milton for a vehicle violation (poor tires) and becoming abusive.
In late November 1966 the FBI noted two phone calls were placed from Miranda's residence to Sam DeCavalcante's company in Kenilworth.
On August 23, 1968 included in the FBI's
list of suspected / proposed DeCavalcante Family members.
On October 4, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI]
advised that Joseph Miranda is currently separated from his wife and visits the Marlboro, NY area infrequently...[He]
is currently unemployed and spends most of his time in NYC trying to get free drinks and traveling to the racetrack. [CI]
explained that the subject is a heavy drinker and becomes loud and abusive when drinking. [CI]
mentioned the subject's wife works at one of the local apple processing plants in the Marlboro area and supports herself. [CI]
added Miranda contributes little, if anything, to the support of his wife and child. [CI]
stated that in the past Miranda has listed his employment as La Mela Sanitation Company, when in fact he has not been so employed."
On June 12, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI]
advised [Miranda]
very seldom visits the Marlboro area. He continues to reside at an unknown address in NYC, where he spends most of his time at the racetrack. [CI]
has no information that the subject is currently involved in any type of illegal activity."
The same day the FBI's New York Office reported: "[CI]
has advised in the past that he is acquainted with [Miranda]
who is a known 'fence' operating in Manhattan around 78th or 79th Streets. [CI]
was recontacted on 1/20/69, and he advised that he has had no recent information indicating that Miranda is currently involved in any type of illegal activity."
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J. Miranda (c. 1969)
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On October 31, 1969 arrested on the Upper East Side while in the process of burglarizing Donnelly's Bar & Grill at 1644 3rd Ave. After unsuccessfully attempting to bribe the officer with $200, he was remanded to The Tombs pending arraignment on charges of burglary, possessing burglar tools and attempted bribery. On March 13/19, 1970 pleaded guilty to final charge of criminal trespass and given a conditional discharge by Criminal Court Judge Dennis Edwards Jr.
On April 22, 1970 the
New York Daily News highlighted Miranda's case in an
article covering the overloaded courts and their handling of criminal prosecutions. The article concluded: "
It is difficult to foster a belief in swift and sure justice in a system which gives us [Miranda's sentence]
."
By 1972 resided at 2835 Webb Ave in Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx. Listed occupation as laborer with Saldo Construction Company in Newark.
On September 12, 1975 FBI NYO reported: "
According to [c. 5/75]
memo which was compiled by the NYSP, an individual by the name of Joseph Miranda [is]
a member of the DeCavalcante Family of LCN."
On October 23, 1975 FBI CI reported: "[CI]
advised Joseph A. Miranda had lived, off and on, in the Marlboro, New York area for the past 25 years [but]
has not lived in the [area]
for the past several years. He is separated from his wife...According to the source, Joseph Miranda has an unsavory reputation and is believed to have an arrest record with the Yonkers, NYPD and the NYCPD. His son has been arrested on several occasions locally...Joseph Miranda is believed to be residing in the Bronx."
If not already a made member prior to 1958, Miranda is a likely candidate for induction soon after the
books re-opened in early 1976.
On February 8, 1977 FBI NYO advised the FBI's Newark Field Office: "[CI]
advised [Resorts International, Inc.]
is backed by LCN figures, headed by Joe Miranda. Source stated that this enterprise started out a few years ago leasing snow mobiles to resorts. As business increased they branched out into various other areas, and now enjoy a thriving business. Source recently heard that these people invested large sums of money in support of Casino Gambling in NJ, and they own a lot of real estate in the Atlantic City vicinity. Source has no further information re this matter."
One month later FBI NK responded: "
...Newark has amassed a considerable background on [Resorts International]
. The information contained in airtel is not consistent with Newark investigation in terms of 'backers' and the statement that this company started out leasing snow mobiles. The above is brought to New York's attention so that the source may be evaluated in the proper light."
In February 1983
identified as DeCavalcante Soldier during US Senate Hearings on Organized Crime in America. Entry stated: "
Joseph Miranda is a 'Soldier' in the 'DeCavalcante Crime Family'. He is involved in New York gambling and 'loansharking' operations." (These charts contain several inaccuracies.)
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L. Schiro
Court Exhibit / The Real Sopranos Documentary
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By that time Miranda is believed to have been a member of the crew headed by Larry 'Shorty' Schiro.
Born July 1920 in Brooklyn, Schiro grew up in The Bronx and East Harlem and later joined the crowd frequenting the Victory Star Social Club across from Miranda's old Upper East Side address. Known crew members operated primarily in that borough's Upper East Side and Little Italy sections and across the bridge in nearby Astoria, Queens.
Made members of Schiro's crew included Philip Abramo, Virgil Alessi, John D'Amato and Joseph Miranda.
Possible crew members included Pietro Galletta and one or more of the LaMelas.
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F. LaMela
Court Exhibit / The Real Sopranos Documentary
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On September 21, 1989 DeCavalcante Associate Joseph Garofano was shot to death in Brooklyn. John LaMela's son Felice, aka Phil the Undertaker, transported the body for burial on Newburgh property owned by the LaMela family. A couple of days later Miranda was dispatched to ensure there were no problems at the site. (Garofano's body was never found. In November 2001 CW Anthony Rotondo was told by DeCav Soldier James Gallo that the FBI had conducted a dig at the property and 'were this far away' from locating one or more bodies.)
On June 16, 1997 the wake for DeCavalcante Underboss Jake Amari was held at Corsentino Funeral Home in Elizabeth. The occasion, surveilled by members of the Union County Prosecutor's Office, was heavily attended by Family membership and many associates. Also present was Joseph Arcuri, Gambino Captain and liaison between the Families. Video taken during the event captured Joseph Miranda and Felice LaMela exiting the funeral home around the same time.
In the wake of Amari's death a ruling panel was formed consisting of Captain Vincent 'Vinny Ocean' Palermo, Captain Charles Majuri and Soldier Girolamo 'Jimmy' Palermo.
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J. Giacobbe
Court Exhibit / Press
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Vincent Palermo retained Soldier Anthony Capo and a couple of associates, but the rest of his men were placed with the Schiro - Giacobbe crew. CW Capo later testified: "[Palermo crew] given to Joe Giacobbe [who] became an acting captain...[Giacobbe] took over Larry Schiro's crew. Larry Schiro was a little older and they retired, without actually telling [Schiro], but they made Joe Giacobbe acting."
Made members of the Schiro - Giacobbe crew included Carmelo 'Melio' Cocchiaro, Nick LaMela (Phil the Undertaker's brother), Ralph LNU, Anthony 'Marshmallow' Mannarino, Joseph Miranda and Joseph 'Tin Ear' Sclafani. (Ralph LNU is believed to be either Ralph Micale [1922-2003] or Ralph Reda [1933-2009]. Micale and Reda both had links to DeCavalcante members and, like the Ralph LNU named as a Palermo crew member, they both were Florida residents.)
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P. Abramo (L) and F. D'Amato (R)
Court Exhibit / The Real Sopranos Documentary
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Around June 1999 DeCav Captain Philip Abramo met with Captain Anthony Rotondo and possibly Acting Admin Vincent Palermo. Topics of discussion included Abramo's loansharking business. Rotondo later testified: "[Abramo said] he had a business with Louis [Consalvo] and Gregory [Rago] and that he also had loaned money out to Frank D'Amato, and Frank D'Amato was in turn pushing money through Louis Cocchiaro and Joe Miranda, who were both Soldiers in the Family." (Consalvo and Rago were Soldiers and Frank D'Amato an Associate soon to be inducted. 'Louis Cocchiaro' is believed re Rosario 'Russ' Cocchiaro, nephew of Carmelo and son to deceased Former Captain Frank Cocchiaro.)
Miranda was then residing in Fort Lee, New Jersey and operating a bar on First Ave in Manhattan.
On December 2, 1999 a large scale Federal indictment charged multiple DeCavalcante members with racketeering, including Acting Admin member Vincent Palermo, Captain Anthony Rotondo, Acting Captain Joseph Giacobbe and Soldier Anthony Capo.
Capo soon defected, becoming the first made member of the DeCavalcante Family to become a cooperating witness, followed by Vincent Palermo in March 2000.
The defections brought forth a second racketeering indictment that October, charging imprisoned Boss John Riggi, Consigliere Stefano Vitabile and several others, including remaining panel members Girolamo Palermo and Charles Majuri.
It was sometime after his October indictment that Boss John Riggi promoted Joseph Miranda to Underboss.
Miranda's loansharking partner, the recently inducted Frank D'Amato, was named Captain of the former Schiro - Giacobbe crew.
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J. Riggi (L) and A. Rotondo (R)
Court Exhibits
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Captain Anthony Rotondo, incarcerated with Riggi at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York, was informed of the changes in mid-April 2001 during a brief discussion inside the facility's chapel: "
Well, it was my understanding that John Riggi, while being incarcerated, had made Joe Miranda the Underboss after the panel was arrested, I believe, and Joe Miranda, being an old-time Soldier and a friend of Johnny Riggi's, was made Underboss and Frankie [D'Amato]
had been straightened out by that time, according to John. Frankie then took control of the Manhattan crew which was once headed by Joe Giacobbe."
On January 19, 2005
New York magazine published an
article outlining the current status of the local Families. It was noted that Miranda had 'recently' been appointed the DeCavalcante Family's Acting Boss.
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F. Guarraci (1990s)
Court Exhibit / The Real Sopranos Documentary
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An
article published in New Jersey's
The Record on June 19, 2006 reported that Miranda had since relinquished the position to
Francesco 'Cheech' Guarraci.
Miranda died December 24, 2014 in New Jersey.
