 |
| L to R: J. Cerrito, E. Figlia, A. Marino, A. Maggio |
Collection of info on the San Jose Family's structure, activities and attrition covering the late 1970s into the 2000s.
Unless otherwise noted those mentioned are confirmed members.
By the
early 1960s the Family was headed by Joseph Cerrito and numbered around 35.
Although comprised mostly of aged and inactive members, it nonetheless experienced increased Federal scrutiny at the time, leading to the FBI's successful development of at least three member informants.
1978
Joseph Cerrito remained Boss.
There was no known Consigliere.
His brother-in-law Emanuel 'Manny' Figlia was believed to have recently been appointed Underboss, filling a vacancy left open since the death of Charles 'Stanley' Carbone in 1967.
A long-time Captain, Figlia may have retained his crew while in the administration.
The other (only?) Captain was Angelo Marino who, like Figlia, had been in place since the early 1960s.
Members included:
- George Adragna
- Domenic Anzalone
- Frank Buffa
- Giuseppe Caruso
- Salvatore Cerrito
- Salvatore Costanza
- Leo Cusenza
- Antonio Ditri
- Donato Ditri
- Emanuel Figlia (Underboss)
- Angelo Giammona
- Anthony Maggio
- Angelo Marino (Captain)
- Pietro Misuraca
- Prospect Mule
- Joseph Piazza
- Anthony Scavuzzo
- Frank Sorce
- Salvatore Vassallo
Source information throughout the decade continued to illustrate that a large majority of the membership were criminally inactive. Those not retired typically concerned themselves with legitimate businesses.
 |
| J. Cerrito |
Joseph Cerrito died September 7 at O'Connor Hospital in San Jose.
His brother Salvatore died the following month.
1979
 |
| E. Figlia |
On August 17, 1979 the FBI's San Francisco Field Office reported: "..Since Cerrito's death, it is believed that the activities of the Cerrito Family are being directly controlled by Cerrito's Underboss Manny Figlia, who is presently under investigation by the San Francisco Division."
Possible Member Mario Balistreri (77y) died November 17 in San Jose.
1980
On July 11, after three weeks of deliberations, Captain Angelo Marino (56y) was convicted in Santa Barbara on 2nd degree murder, attempted murder and other charges re the October 1977 Catelli homicide. Joseph Piazza (44y) and Associate Andy DiDomenico (44y) were convicted of 2nd degree murder but acquitted on other counts. The convictions were subsequently overturned.
1981
Giuseppe Caruso (81y) died May 7 in Santa Clara County.
On May 12 Possible Member Thomas Napolitano (58y) was acquitted on all counts re Catelli murder.
In July 1981 Joseph Piazza (45y) was convicted in US District Court on charges re the 1976 attempted extortion of $150,000 from an electronic gaming firm. The following month sentenced to ten years.
On August 18, 1981 FBI SF contacted Headquarters seeking to open a Racketeering Enterprise Investigation (REI):
"
The San Jose La Cosa Nostra (LCN) Family has been a recognized structured group since the late 1950s. Joseph Cerrito, head of the Family until his death in 1978, was a participant in a 1957 Apalachin meeting. Since his death, the structure of the Family has been unknown and the current direction of the Family has not been determined.
The group has identified membership exceeding 12 people with the most active falling under the guidance of Angelo Marino, a Capo...[Information] indicated [Joseph] Piazza was continuing his extortionate efforts against others [despite ECT and murder cases].
The Marino faction of the Family has always been the most visible and therefore, little has been developed concerning the activities of the other members. The extent of the illegal activity, if any, of the other members is not known, but would be a major thrust of the [REI].
"
On October 8, 1981 FBI SF reported: "
Current 'Boss' of Family unknown, but believed to be brother-in-law of [Joseph Cerrito]
, Emanuel Figlia. Cerrito established one of the nation's largest Datsun dealerships prior to his death in 1978. These businesses now operated by [sons]
. No information has been developed which would indicate [sons]
are involved in LCN activities."
1982
On March 9, 1982 FBI submitted update in the REI investigation:
"
The San Jose [LCN] Family has been a recognized group since the [late] 1950's. The structure of the Family has been unknown and after the death of Joseph Cerrito in 1978, then the Boss of the San Jose Family, the structure of the group was unidentifiable.
Investigation conducted, which included source contacts, liasion with organized crime units of local police agencies, has resulted in the identification of the current membership of the San Jose Family. The membership would be set forth and include the following individuals:
Emanuel Figlia (Underboss)
Angelo Marino (Capo)
Joseph Piazza (Soldier)
Domenic Anzalone (Soldier)
Dominick Ferrito (Soldier)
Gerald Joseph Gallo (Soldier)
Anthony Maggio (Soldier)
Prospect Mule (Soldier)
Frank Buffa (Soldier)
Antonio Ditri (Soldier)
Donato Ditri (Soldier)
Salvatore Costanza (Soldier)
LCN sources knowledgeable with activities of the San Jose Family have indicated that since the death of Joseph Cerrito, the Family structure has remained basically the same with no Boss being named. It was also determined that there is no coordinated criminal effort being conducted by the San Jose Family as a group, but independent criminal acts will occur from time-to-time by members of the Family with no authorization from the ruling party of the Family.
As a result of this investigation, it can be concluded that the San Jose Family still exists with a structure and with identified members, however, they are not engaged in criminal activities as a separate entity.
"
The membership list above includes two deceased (Ferrito and Gallo) and is missing other confirmed members. A more accurate list for early March 1982 would be:
- George Adragna
- Domenic Anzalone
- Frank Buffa
- Salvatore Costanza
- Leo Cusenza
- Antonio Ditri
- Donato Ditri
- Emanuel Figlia
- Angelo Giammona
- Anthony Maggio
- Angelo Marino
- Pietro Misuraca
- Prospect Mule
- Joseph Piazza
- Anthony Scavuzzo
- Frank Sorce
- Salvatore Vassallo
On March 30, 1982 FBI HQ responded to SF's March 9 report with the following:
On June 22 Salvatore Vassallo (84y) died in Monterey.
The same day FBI SF reported: "There is no LCN Index information concerning [Angelo's son] Salvatore Marino because he is not an LCN member."
1983
 |
| A. Marino |
On February 11 Captain Angelo Marino (58y) died of a heart attack in Riverside. He was the last confirmed member of the Family to hold that rank.
On February 25, 1983 FBI SF reported:
"
REI investigation continuing into activities of San Jose Family. Strongest member of the Family Angelo Marino died of a massive heart attack on 2/11/1983. Purpose of the investigation was to determine the structure of the Family after the death of San Jose Family Boss Joseph Cerrito in [1978]. The investigation is continuing toward that direction.
One additional source has been developed which has been providing continuing information concerning Family members but information which has been developed would suggest no real criminal activity being perpetrated by the group. According to the source, a meeting will be held at Lake Tahoe, Nevada [in 3/83] to discuss the new structure of the San Jose Family after the death of Marino and perhaps the future of the Family will be determined at that time.
...The Family appears to have no firm leadership position or direction at this time. It is anticipated that the Lake Tahoe meeting will provide an insight not previously available into the current thinking of the leadership of the San Jose Family and if in fact it is continuing as a criminal entity or if it is a group of individuals which continue to discuss past activities. The source believed [redacted section].
"
(The dozens of CI reports from this time period are all redacted in full.)
On September 1 FBI HQ recommended that the San Jose REI be discontinued and the file instead be used as a repository for general CI information.
Domenic Anzalone (80y) died November 14 in Santa Cruz.
1984
 |
| A. Maggio |
On January 13-16 Anthony 'Toni' Maggio stayed at the MGM Reno, Nevada. Additional guests included Unsubs from Providence, Rhode Island.
It was later reported that Maggio was representing the San Jose Family and may have been the Family's unofficial (?) leader at the time.
Maggio traveled to Providence in July to attend local Boss Raymond Patriarca's funeral.
On May 16 Los Gatos, CA PD reported an attempted extortion of one of Joseph Cerrito's sons. Cerrito was approached at his auto dealership by two men who claimed his father owed a debt 'among friends'. When the son requested proof the men claimed the deal was reached through a handshake only. The next day, one of the men returned to the lot and presented a contract forged with Joseph Cerrito's signature. The Cerrito family reported the incident but requested no legal action be taken. (One of those mentioned in relation to the scheme was Dominick Zangari, owner of Dominick's Restaurant in Palm Springs and older brother of Los Angeles Soldier Rocco 'Rocky Bigfoot' Zangari.)
 |
S. Marino
The San Francisco Examiner 10/4/88 |
On August 29 Possible Member Salvatore Marino (36y), serving time for the Catelli murder, was involved in a stabbing incident at Soledad State Prison.
On December 14 weapons were found in Marino's prison cell.
1985
On February 21 FBI SF reported: "
It has been determined through [redacted]
, San Jose LCN members Domenic Angelo Anzalone and Gerald Joseph Gallo are deceased and should be removed from the LCN index." (Gallo was nonetheless included in a membership list put together two years later.)
On May 6 FBI SF reported: "
During [investigation]
direct contacts between Sicilian Mafia members and residents of San Jose, California were uncovered."
On May 13 Possible Member Salvatore Marino (36y) was stabbed at Soledad State Prison.
In July he was found beaten unconscious in the main yard at Soledad.
On October 30 Joseph Piazza was released from Federal prison after serving about four years of a ten year sentence re 1981 ECT conviction.
Sometime that year the FBI compiled a
chart showing Emanuel Figlia as Underboss. Boss and Consigliere positions vacant and no Captains listed. Soldiers were Frank Buffa, Salvatore Costanza, Antonio Ditri, Donato Ditri, Anthony Maggio, Peter Misuraca, Prospect Mule, Joseph Piazza and Frank Fred Sorce. (Missing were George Adragna, Leo Cusenza, Angelo Giammona and
Anthony Scavuzzo.)
1986
Anthony Scavuzzo (74y) died January 10 in Santa Clara County.
George Adragna (76y) died June 1 in Santa Clara County. Formerly a member of the Pittsburgh Family, he transferred to San Jose around late 1969.
On August 26 the Federal Appellate Court granted Salvatore Marino a new trial in the Catelli case.
On September 10 he was released from San Quentin Prison on $150,000 cash bail.
On October 17 the controlling interest in California Cheese Company was sold to Sorrento Cheese Company located in Buffalo, New York.
On October 15/21 FBI Agents conducted surveillance on Joseph Piazza's residence in San Jose.
On November 4, 1986 FBI SF requested that the REI be re-opened:
"
...Since [9/83] one member of the San Jose LCN Family, Joseph Piazza [has] been released from the US Bureau of Prisons and has returned to San Jose. Informant information has disclosed he is currently operating a bookmaking enterprise and possibly a loansharking business.
Also since [9/83], [Salvatore Marino] has been released from the State of California Penal System. He was incarcerated for the killing of Peter Catelli. He has been released upon appeal bond being set. Informants have advised he is attempting to extort money from [his father Angelo's] previous business, the California Cheese Company.
San Francisco also desires to determine the current hierarchy of the San Jose LCN Family. The Boss and Underboss have not been identified since the death of Angelo Marino and Joseph Cerrito.
San Francisco further desires to determine the exact position of Anthony Bonefilio Maggio, who purports to be the Boss of the San Jose Family, and Emanuel Joseph Figlia, who was once the Underboss of the San Jose LCN Family.
In addition, since [9/83] it is unknown whether new members have been 'made' into the San Jose Family. San Francisco is aware of new LCN associates arriving / living in the San Jose area; however, [SF] is unaware if these individuals are 'made' members.
"
On December 4 Salvatore Marino visited California Cheese Company and reportedly threatened the owners.
1987
On January 6 FBI SF reported: "California Cheese Company [established] a number of years ago by Salvatore Marino, an original member of the San Jose LCN Family and later control was assumed by his son Angelo Marino, a Capo in the San Jose LCN Family. Both father and son are now deceased and the [son of Angelo, Salvatore Marino] was recently released from prison after serving time for murder. The company was sold over the objections of [Salvatore Marino?] by the Board of Directors controlling the corporation. The company was sold to Sorrento Cheese Company, 2375 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY and is owned by a father and two sons, last name [Redacted]. Security for that company is an individual identified as [Redacted], a retired NYPD officer."
On January 8 Frank Buffa (77y) died in Modesto.
On February 24 Pietro 'Pete Mayo' Misuraca was interviewed by Agents at his residence in Calistoga. He admitted knowing certain deceased former members but claimed he had only met them through his brother-in-law John Misuraca, a Colombo member who died the previous year. It was noted that Misuraca, who denied any knowledge of LCN, appeared to be in 'failing health' and was inactive.
On May 7 FBI SF reported: "[Salvatore Marino] has attempted to place himself on [California Cheese Company's] employee rolls as a 'Ghost employee' commanding a salary of $40,000 a year. The current owners of the cheese company have hired bodyguards and increased security at the plant...Upon his release, [Salvatore] was residing with Anthony Maggio, [his great-uncle], who was believed to be the current Boss of the San Jose LCN Family."
On May 15 FBI SF reported information from a CI that Salvatore Marino was supplying cocaine to the owner of an auto business in Reno.
On June 1 FBI SF reported:
"
[California Cheese Company] was approached by [Salvatore Marino] upon his release from the California Penal System. [Marino] demanded to be placed on the employee rolls commanding a salary of $40,000 per year. [Marino] threatened a physical injury. [Company] hired additional bodyguards to protect himself and family; however, refused to press charges or testify against [Marino].
[Marino is grandson of] Salvatore Marino, a one-time Capo of the San Jose LCN Family, [and son of] Angelo Marino, the last known Capo of the San Jose LCN Family. It is unknown if [Salvatore Marino] is a made member. [His great-uncle is] Anthony Maggio. Maggio has purported himself to represent the San Jose LCN Family in LCN functions around the United States since the demise of Angelo Marino.
...During [Salvatore Marino's] period of incarceration he was visited by made LCN members, close associates of LCN members, prior extortion subjects and blood relatives.
"
 |
| A. Maggio, E. Figlia |
On June 24 FBI SF contacted the Cleveland Field Office requesting that Cooperating Witness Angelo Lonardo, the former Cleveland Acting Boss, be questioned concerning his knowledge of San Jose and San Francisco. In providing background on the local Families, SF noted:
"
...The leadership of the San Jose LCN Family is now in question. It is believed, but not certain, that it is being guided by Anthony (Tony) Maggio, who is [related by marriage to the Marinos]. Maggio has traveled to documented LCN 'meets' and functions representing the San Jose Family. These meets have occurred during the last five years in Reno, Nevada; Los Angeles, CA; and [Maggio] was present at the funeral of Romondo Patriarca (New England Family). Maggio is an independent business man who operates a laundry / dry cleaning service in Redwood City, California located approximately thirty-five miles south of San Francisco.
The most probable Underboss for the San Jose LCN Family is Emanuel (Manny) Figlia, who is a long-time resident of San Jose and operates a used-car dealership specializing in Cadillacs, named 13th Street Motors.
"
Cleveland's response is not yet available.
On July 9 FBI SF reported: "...To date, San Francisco has identified one gambling operation and one LCN associate in Monterey County, CA not previously known. San Francisco has identified one additional business, and possibly another, recently purchased by a member of the San Francisco LCN Family. San Francisco has identified the most criminal prone LCN members / associates and has begun to concentrate investigative efforts on them."
1988
Pietro 'Pete Mayo' Misuraca (82y) died January 7 at his residence in Calistoga.
Frank Sorce (71y) died May 26.
1990
Antonio Ditri (70y) died December 22.
1993
Leo Cusenza (79y) died March 25 in Ceres.
An FBI
list from June named 10 members including Frank Buffa, Anthony Maggio, Peter Misuraca, Prospect Mule, Joseph Piazza and Frank Sorce. Only Maggio, Mule and Piazza were still living.
1994
Salvatore Costanza (81y) died January 20 in Contra Costa County.
1996
Prospect 'Bo' Mule (63y) died August 18 in Monterey.
1998
Possible Former Admin Member Anthony Maggio (92y) died April 15.
2000
Angelo Giammona (87y) died December 7.
2001
Former Proposed Member Frank Giammona (92y), brother of Angelo and Los Angeles Soldier
Peter Giammona, died February 5 in Antioch.
Possible Member Mariano Guttadauro (90y) died July 22 in Sicily.
2005
Joseph Piazza (68y) died in Stockton.
2008
Possible Member Vito Adragna (90y) died April 7. Sometimes carried as a member, an FBI bug confirmed Vito was still an Associate as of May 1968 and no solid evidence has turned up clarifying his status in later years. (His brothers George and Joseph were members in Pittsburgh - San Jose and New York respectively.)
2009
Possible Member Sal 'Toto' Cancilla (80y) died August 11 in Lodi.
Former Underboss / Possible Boss Emanuel 'Manny' Figlia (91y) died September 9.
2012
Possible Member Thomas Napolitano (89y) died January 2 in Pittsburg, CA.
2021
Donato 'Dan' Ditri (89y), the last surviving confirmed member, died December 9.
