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| 1940s |
Pasquale 'Patsy' Guariglia was a member of the Colombo Family active in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Long Island.
A member of John 'Johnny Bath Beach' Oddo's crew, Guariglia was suspected in multiple murders between prison sentences during the 1930s and 1940s.
Older brother John (1919-1961) was a Colombo Soldier murdered during the Gallo war.
Nephew Charles 'Lolly' DePierro (1928-1973) was also a member.
Born November 18, 1914 in Brooklyn to John (36y) and Lucrezia Baldassare (31y). Parents from Craco comune of Matera, Basilicata.
By June 1915 the family resided at 1251 60th St in the Borough Park neighborhood.
By April 1920 they had moved a couple of houses over to 1231 60th.
By May 1931 residing a block north at 1245 59th St.
On May 22 a taxi driver was robbed of his cash and his cab by Guariglia and two others.
The trio was convicted of robbery 1st degree and, on June 19, Guariglia was sentenced by Kings County Court Judge A. Nova to twenty years imprisonment.
The following day received at Elmira Reformatory in Chemung County.
By early 1936 released from Elmira.
On April 5, 1936 Julius Pulvino (31y) was found shot to death in the kitchen of the White House Cafe located at 8702 18th Ave in Bath Beach. Pulvino, shot four times in the head, owned a tavern at 7202 13th Ave about a mile north in Dyker Heights. Police were brought to the scene by an anonymous phone call.
The White House Cafe was owned by Gambino Member Joseph SanFilippo (42y) and William Ricci. New York Daily News reported: "[Ricci] was rousted from bed and questioned. 'I don't know a thing about it,' he said. 'I wasn't there at all Saturday night.' Ricci's partner, Joseph Sanfilippo, also was to be questioned, as well as all the restaurant help." (Joseph's son Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo [1917-1969] was also a Gambino Member. Pulvino was born to parents from Valledolmo and Marineo in Palermo.)
Although Guariglia was indicted for involvement years later he does not appear to have an initial suspect.
Longshoreman Frank Keenan (26y) was arrested shortly after the murder but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. (On September 20, 1937 Keenan was shot three times and dumped from a moving automobile between Bay 40th - 41st Sts in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported the murder was the result of a dispute over a girl.)
Incarcerated at Attica State Prison from August 22, 1938 to about June 4, 1941 when paroled.
By early 1942 resided at 1609 56th St in Borough Park. Listed employment as truck driver's helper for brother (?) Joseph Guariglia.
On March 1, 1942 Patsy and younger brother John (23y) were participants in an attempted armed robbery that resulted in an NYPD Lieutenant being shot.
The brothers, along with Future Genovese (Gambino?) Member Dominick Mundo (25y) and James Burman (25y) planned to rob a dice game held inside a garage at 119 E 22nd St in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
The would-be robbers encountered Lieutenant Frederick Gloss and another officer, who were standing guard in preparation of a raid on the location. New York Daily News later summarized: "Lieut. Gloss, investigating with two plainclothes officers, spied the game through a window and sent one of his men to call for radio cars. As Gloss and his remaining subordinate stood outside, still peeping through the window, three men appeared suddenly beside them. 'This is a holdup,' their leader announced, waving a pistol. The cops replied they were cops and the holdup leader fired four shots, one of which wounded Gloss in the neck. The thugs got away in a cab."
On March 19 Patsy and James Burman were arrested. Two days later they were arraigned; Burman was held on $15,000 bail and Guariglia was remanded due to a separate pending case.
On March 27 Guariglia, Burman and Dominick Mundo were formally charged with assault 1st degree.
Mundo and Guariglia stood trial together and, during testimony on April 20, Lieutenant Gloss identified Patsy as one of the shooters. New York Daily News reported: "[Gloss testified he] sent one of his assistants, Detective James Monahan, to phone for radio cars, and then waited, watching through a window. Suddenly three men appeared beside him and his remaining subordinate, Detective James Rogers, Gloss said. 'This is a holdup,' their leader, identified as Guariglia, announced. Gloss said, 'We are cops.' Guariglia, Gloss testified, fired four shots, one of which wounded the officer in the neck. Another of the trio, identified by Gloss as Burman, also fired several shots. Then they got away in a cab, police said." Three days later both were convicted.
On May 7-8 the press reported that the Patsy Guariglia had been misidentified as a shooter and that his brother John had confessed to being the actual gunman.
On June 1 John Guariglia pleaded guilty during an open hearing. Brooklyn Eagle reported: "Judge Leibowitz [said] he would grant a motion to set aside the verdict against Patsy, who, as a second offender, would have received 30-to-60 years. John, a first offender, faces a maximum of 15 to 30."
The second identified shooter, James Burman, pleaded guilty the following day. Press noted: "Burman had obtained a severance of trial. But both John Guariglia and Mundo insisted before Judge Samuel S. Leibowitz that Burman was the third man. Leibowitz gave Burman 24 hours to think it over."
On June 4 Patsy and Dominick Mundo were each sentenced to ten-to-twenty year terms. Brooklyn Eagle reported: "In sentencing Mundo, Judge Leibowitz said: 'When you get to prison bear in mind that the police and the District Attorney's office never will rest until they have tracked down the murderers of Patrolman Leon Fox.' Patrolman Fox was shot and killed on the night of Feb. 15, 1941, at Surf Ave. and 12th St., Coney Island. 'I believe you know who killed Patrolman Fox, and I have a strong belief that you were one of the killers,' Judge Leibowitz declared. When Mundo protested his innocence, the court said: 'Think it over. If you want to bring the killers to justice, this court will see that you are given every consideration. Otherwise, I shall ask that you be kept the maximum 20 years on this sentence." It was noted that the motion to set aside Guariglia's conviction was 'under advisement'. (Dominick Mundo [1916-1994] was later identified as a Genovese [Poss. Gambino] Soldier. In 1964 an FBI informant described him as 'one of the biggest hit men in the country'. A report from the following year noted Mundo 'has a reputation in Brooklyn of being a big hit man'. His father Pietro was from Montegiordano comune of Cosenza, Calabria.)
On July 7, 1942 Guariglia was returned to Sing Sing Prison for parole violation re 1931 conviction.
Served in US Army from August 10, 1944 to June 19, 1946.
Following discharge returned to 1609 56th St in Borough Park.
By the summer of 1947 Guariglia was part of what the press called the 'Loffredo Gang' and what FBI CI Gregory Scarpa later termed an 'outlaw gang' of robbers that 'did not respect' made members and their sovereign territory.
Members of the gang included Guariglia (32y), Future Colombo Member Ralph 'Whitey' Tropiano (34y), John Tufariello (24y) and brothers Alfred (33y) and Louis Loffredo (31y).
Possible members included Future Genovese Member (Captain?) Dominick 'Swaggy' Carlucci (34y).
A member of John 'Johnny Bath Beach' Oddo's crew, Guariglia was suspected in multiple murders between prison sentences during the 1930s and 1940s.
Older brother John (1919-1961) was a Colombo Soldier murdered during the Gallo war.
Nephew Charles 'Lolly' DePierro (1928-1973) was also a member.
Born November 18, 1914 in Brooklyn to John (36y) and Lucrezia Baldassare (31y). Parents from Craco comune of Matera, Basilicata.
By June 1915 the family resided at 1251 60th St in the Borough Park neighborhood.
By April 1920 they had moved a couple of houses over to 1231 60th.
By May 1931 residing a block north at 1245 59th St.
On May 22 a taxi driver was robbed of his cash and his cab by Guariglia and two others.
The trio was convicted of robbery 1st degree and, on June 19, Guariglia was sentenced by Kings County Court Judge A. Nova to twenty years imprisonment.
The following day received at Elmira Reformatory in Chemung County.
By early 1936 released from Elmira.
On April 5, 1936 Julius Pulvino (31y) was found shot to death in the kitchen of the White House Cafe located at 8702 18th Ave in Bath Beach. Pulvino, shot four times in the head, owned a tavern at 7202 13th Ave about a mile north in Dyker Heights. Police were brought to the scene by an anonymous phone call.
The White House Cafe was owned by Gambino Member Joseph SanFilippo (42y) and William Ricci. New York Daily News reported: "[Ricci] was rousted from bed and questioned. 'I don't know a thing about it,' he said. 'I wasn't there at all Saturday night.' Ricci's partner, Joseph Sanfilippo, also was to be questioned, as well as all the restaurant help." (Joseph's son Paul 'Whitey' SanFilippo [1917-1969] was also a Gambino Member. Pulvino was born to parents from Valledolmo and Marineo in Palermo.)
Although Guariglia was indicted for involvement years later he does not appear to have an initial suspect.
Longshoreman Frank Keenan (26y) was arrested shortly after the murder but the case was dropped due to insufficient evidence. (On September 20, 1937 Keenan was shot three times and dumped from a moving automobile between Bay 40th - 41st Sts in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported the murder was the result of a dispute over a girl.)
Incarcerated at Attica State Prison from August 22, 1938 to about June 4, 1941 when paroled.
By early 1942 resided at 1609 56th St in Borough Park. Listed employment as truck driver's helper for brother (?) Joseph Guariglia.
On March 1, 1942 Patsy and younger brother John (23y) were participants in an attempted armed robbery that resulted in an NYPD Lieutenant being shot.
The brothers, along with Future Genovese (Gambino?) Member Dominick Mundo (25y) and James Burman (25y) planned to rob a dice game held inside a garage at 119 E 22nd St in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
The would-be robbers encountered Lieutenant Frederick Gloss and another officer, who were standing guard in preparation of a raid on the location. New York Daily News later summarized: "Lieut. Gloss, investigating with two plainclothes officers, spied the game through a window and sent one of his men to call for radio cars. As Gloss and his remaining subordinate stood outside, still peeping through the window, three men appeared suddenly beside them. 'This is a holdup,' their leader announced, waving a pistol. The cops replied they were cops and the holdup leader fired four shots, one of which wounded Gloss in the neck. The thugs got away in a cab."
On March 19 Patsy and James Burman were arrested. Two days later they were arraigned; Burman was held on $15,000 bail and Guariglia was remanded due to a separate pending case.
On March 27 Guariglia, Burman and Dominick Mundo were formally charged with assault 1st degree.
Mundo and Guariglia stood trial together and, during testimony on April 20, Lieutenant Gloss identified Patsy as one of the shooters. New York Daily News reported: "[Gloss testified he] sent one of his assistants, Detective James Monahan, to phone for radio cars, and then waited, watching through a window. Suddenly three men appeared beside him and his remaining subordinate, Detective James Rogers, Gloss said. 'This is a holdup,' their leader, identified as Guariglia, announced. Gloss said, 'We are cops.' Guariglia, Gloss testified, fired four shots, one of which wounded the officer in the neck. Another of the trio, identified by Gloss as Burman, also fired several shots. Then they got away in a cab, police said." Three days later both were convicted.
On May 7-8 the press reported that the Patsy Guariglia had been misidentified as a shooter and that his brother John had confessed to being the actual gunman.
On June 1 John Guariglia pleaded guilty during an open hearing. Brooklyn Eagle reported: "Judge Leibowitz [said] he would grant a motion to set aside the verdict against Patsy, who, as a second offender, would have received 30-to-60 years. John, a first offender, faces a maximum of 15 to 30."
The second identified shooter, James Burman, pleaded guilty the following day. Press noted: "Burman had obtained a severance of trial. But both John Guariglia and Mundo insisted before Judge Samuel S. Leibowitz that Burman was the third man. Leibowitz gave Burman 24 hours to think it over."
On June 4 Patsy and Dominick Mundo were each sentenced to ten-to-twenty year terms. Brooklyn Eagle reported: "In sentencing Mundo, Judge Leibowitz said: 'When you get to prison bear in mind that the police and the District Attorney's office never will rest until they have tracked down the murderers of Patrolman Leon Fox.' Patrolman Fox was shot and killed on the night of Feb. 15, 1941, at Surf Ave. and 12th St., Coney Island. 'I believe you know who killed Patrolman Fox, and I have a strong belief that you were one of the killers,' Judge Leibowitz declared. When Mundo protested his innocence, the court said: 'Think it over. If you want to bring the killers to justice, this court will see that you are given every consideration. Otherwise, I shall ask that you be kept the maximum 20 years on this sentence." It was noted that the motion to set aside Guariglia's conviction was 'under advisement'. (Dominick Mundo [1916-1994] was later identified as a Genovese [Poss. Gambino] Soldier. In 1964 an FBI informant described him as 'one of the biggest hit men in the country'. A report from the following year noted Mundo 'has a reputation in Brooklyn of being a big hit man'. His father Pietro was from Montegiordano comune of Cosenza, Calabria.)
On July 7, 1942 Guariglia was returned to Sing Sing Prison for parole violation re 1931 conviction.
Served in US Army from August 10, 1944 to June 19, 1946.
Following discharge returned to 1609 56th St in Borough Park.
By the summer of 1947 Guariglia was part of what the press called the 'Loffredo Gang' and what FBI CI Gregory Scarpa later termed an 'outlaw gang' of robbers that 'did not respect' made members and their sovereign territory.
Members of the gang included Guariglia (32y), Future Colombo Member Ralph 'Whitey' Tropiano (34y), John Tufariello (24y) and brothers Alfred (33y) and Louis Loffredo (31y).
Possible members included Future Genovese Member (Captain?) Dominick 'Swaggy' Carlucci (34y).
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| C. LoCicero |
As later reported by CI Scarpa, the Colombo Family dispatched Member Charles 'Charlie Sidge' LoCicero to investigate the gang and 'make recommendations' as to what course of action the Family should take.
LoCicero was able to ingratiate himself with the group, ultimately deciding that all of them with the exception of Guariglia and Ralph Tropiano should be eliminated.
LoCicero was able to ingratiate himself with the group, ultimately deciding that all of them with the exception of Guariglia and Ralph Tropiano should be eliminated.
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| P. Guariglia (L) and R. Tropiano |
Scarpa noted that the task of killing off the rest of the gang was 'handled primarily' by Guariglia and Tropiano. (Given his violent history and closeness to LoCicero, it's possible that Scarpa himself was involved in one or more of the subsequent murders. He claimed to have been inducted at a young age around 1951.)
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| A. Loffredo |
On June 27, 1947 the body of Alphonse Loffredo (33y) was found in a lot at Harway Ave and 25th Ave in Gravesend. He had been shot twice in left shoulder, three times in back and once behind right ear. Brooklyn Eagle reported: "Police believe he had been taken by car to the spot, a weedgrown lot [and] shot as he stepped from the auto. All the wounds were surrounded by powder burns, indicating the bullets had been fired at close range." (Loffredo's family was from Vietri sul Mare in Salerno, Campania.)
On August 28, 1947, at 10:30 PM, John Tufariello (25y) was gunned down in front of 1171 61st St in Borough Park. Victim hit three times in back, twice in neck and once in ear with .38 caliber rounds. New York Daily News reported: "[Witness] told police she heard several shots and ran to the street in time to see a dark sedan speed away. Tufariello was lying near the curb." Brooklyn Eagle reported: "[Police] are seeking three occupants of the Tufariello murder car." (Tufariello's family were also mainlanders.)
Guariglia and Tropiano were arrested in the Tufariello case two days later. Arraigned before Felony Court Magistrate Charles F. Murphy and held without bail. In early September the case was dismissed for lack of evidence and Guariglia was returned to NYS prison for parole violation.
On December 4, 1947 transferred to Auburn State Prison.
Eight days later indicted by Brooklyn District Attorney's Office re April 1936 Julius Pulvino murder.
On March 14, 1948 brought from Auburn State Prison for arraignment in the Pulvino case. Later acquitted.
On November 13, 1948 Ralph Tropiano (36y) indicted by Brooklyn DA re July 1947 Loffredo murder. Case ended in acquittal / dismissal. (Tropiano was inducted into the Colombo Family a couple of years later.)
On February 19, 1949 Supreme Court Justice granted Guariglia's release from Auburn State Prison.
On August 28, 1947, at 10:30 PM, John Tufariello (25y) was gunned down in front of 1171 61st St in Borough Park. Victim hit three times in back, twice in neck and once in ear with .38 caliber rounds. New York Daily News reported: "[Witness] told police she heard several shots and ran to the street in time to see a dark sedan speed away. Tufariello was lying near the curb." Brooklyn Eagle reported: "[Police] are seeking three occupants of the Tufariello murder car." (Tufariello's family were also mainlanders.)
Guariglia and Tropiano were arrested in the Tufariello case two days later. Arraigned before Felony Court Magistrate Charles F. Murphy and held without bail. In early September the case was dismissed for lack of evidence and Guariglia was returned to NYS prison for parole violation.
On December 4, 1947 transferred to Auburn State Prison.
Eight days later indicted by Brooklyn District Attorney's Office re April 1936 Julius Pulvino murder.
On March 14, 1948 brought from Auburn State Prison for arraignment in the Pulvino case. Later acquitted.
On November 13, 1948 Ralph Tropiano (36y) indicted by Brooklyn DA re July 1947 Loffredo murder. Case ended in acquittal / dismissal. (Tropiano was inducted into the Colombo Family a couple of years later.)
On February 19, 1949 Supreme Court Justice granted Guariglia's release from Auburn State Prison.
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| J. Oddo FBN Mafia Book |
By 1957 he was a formally inducted member of the Colombo Family and probably reported to Captain John Oddo.
Made members of Oddo's crew included Cassandro 'Tony the Chief' Bonasera, Fred Clemenza, James 'Jimmy Brown' Clemenza, Charles DePierro (Guariglia's nephew), brothers John and Patsy Guariglia, Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella and Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore.
Members Louis Barbusca and Joe Greca may have started out with Oddo as well.
On December 4, 1957 the Guariglia brothers were among 5 indicted by the Nassau District Attorney's Office on extortion charges re the Long Island garbage industry.
Made members of Oddo's crew included Cassandro 'Tony the Chief' Bonasera, Fred Clemenza, James 'Jimmy Brown' Clemenza, Charles DePierro (Guariglia's nephew), brothers John and Patsy Guariglia, Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella and Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore.
Members Louis Barbusca and Joe Greca may have started out with Oddo as well.
On December 4, 1957 the Guariglia brothers were among 5 indicted by the Nassau District Attorney's Office on extortion charges re the Long Island garbage industry.
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| V. Squillante FBN Mafia Book |
Others indicted were Gambino Captain Vincent 'Jimmy Jerome' Squillante (40y), Gambino Soldier Nunzio Squillante (34y) (Vincent's brother) and Alfred 'Pasta' Fasula (41y).
On April 25, 1958 Long Island Newsday reported re garbage industry cases: "...Another indictment accuses [Alfred] Fasula and the Guariglia brothers, underworld gunmen, of shaking down John and Anthony Montesano owners of the East Meadow Sanitation Service, for $5,000. The Guariglias are uncles of the Montesano brothers."
On January 11, 1959, at 8:15 PM, Louis 'Shots' Loffredo (42y) was found, shot three times in the head, on 146th St near Idlewild Airport in Queens. A younger brother of the Alfred murdered in 1947, he had been paroled from NYS prison the previous October.
On January 13, 1959 Colombo Captain John Oddo was arrested by NYPD Queens on vagrancy charge after being questioned in the case. New York Daily News reported: "After getting nowhere during a stiff, 12-hour grilling about the ride-murder of mobster Louis Loffredo, the law took dapper John (Johnny Bath Beach) Oddo into Flushing, Magistrate's Court yesterday on a vagrancy charge. The 54-year-old Oddo, smoothly turned out in a dark blue suit and white silk shirt, was paroled in the custody of his lawyer for a hearing Jan. 29...The police dope is that nothing goes on in Bath Beach - where the slain Louis hailed from - without Johnny knowing about it. So, when Louis was found dead on a lonely dirt road near International Airport Sunday night, Johnny seemed a logical man to talk to. This, police at the Jamaica precinct did. They spoke with Johnny from 2 P.M. Monday until 2 A.M. yesterday, but ended up knowing no more about Louis' rubout than they did when they started."
On May 20, 1960 arrested by NYPD Brooklyn on DUI charge at 3rd Ave and 19th St in Greenwood Heights.
On October 20, 1960 convicted in Brooklyn Vehicle Accident Court.
Two days later sentenced by Magistrate Edward D. Caiazzo. New York Daily News reported: "[Guariglia] also drew a vitriolic tonguelashing from [Magistrate Caiazzo]...Scanning the Bath Beach ex-convict's police record, Caiazzo said: 'This is one of the worst criminal records I've ever seen. You not only flouted the law, you spat on it. You are a disease in our society.'"
By 1961 believed reporting direct to Colombo Underboss Joseph Magliocco.
In late February 1961 Magliocco and several other Colombo members were kidnapped by the rebel Gallo faction. The group was released unharmed but the incident ultimately led to a shooting war that left several members and associates dead.
On April 14, 1961 Long Island Newsday reported: "[Judge] scheduled a trial for Vincent Squillante, [Alfred] Fasula, John and Pasquale Guariglia for May 15. The indictments charge that Squillante and the others utilized their control of the now-defunct Intercounty Cartmen's Association as a [club]." (Vincent Squillante was by this point deceased, having disappeared September 23, 1960 in a Gambino-ordered hit. Suspects in Squillante's murder included Future Gambino Captain Anthony 'Nino' Gaggi [1925-1988].)
On April 25, 1958 Long Island Newsday reported re garbage industry cases: "...Another indictment accuses [Alfred] Fasula and the Guariglia brothers, underworld gunmen, of shaking down John and Anthony Montesano owners of the East Meadow Sanitation Service, for $5,000. The Guariglias are uncles of the Montesano brothers."
On January 11, 1959, at 8:15 PM, Louis 'Shots' Loffredo (42y) was found, shot three times in the head, on 146th St near Idlewild Airport in Queens. A younger brother of the Alfred murdered in 1947, he had been paroled from NYS prison the previous October.
On January 13, 1959 Colombo Captain John Oddo was arrested by NYPD Queens on vagrancy charge after being questioned in the case. New York Daily News reported: "After getting nowhere during a stiff, 12-hour grilling about the ride-murder of mobster Louis Loffredo, the law took dapper John (Johnny Bath Beach) Oddo into Flushing, Magistrate's Court yesterday on a vagrancy charge. The 54-year-old Oddo, smoothly turned out in a dark blue suit and white silk shirt, was paroled in the custody of his lawyer for a hearing Jan. 29...The police dope is that nothing goes on in Bath Beach - where the slain Louis hailed from - without Johnny knowing about it. So, when Louis was found dead on a lonely dirt road near International Airport Sunday night, Johnny seemed a logical man to talk to. This, police at the Jamaica precinct did. They spoke with Johnny from 2 P.M. Monday until 2 A.M. yesterday, but ended up knowing no more about Louis' rubout than they did when they started."
On May 20, 1960 arrested by NYPD Brooklyn on DUI charge at 3rd Ave and 19th St in Greenwood Heights.
On October 20, 1960 convicted in Brooklyn Vehicle Accident Court.
Two days later sentenced by Magistrate Edward D. Caiazzo. New York Daily News reported: "[Guariglia] also drew a vitriolic tonguelashing from [Magistrate Caiazzo]...Scanning the Bath Beach ex-convict's police record, Caiazzo said: 'This is one of the worst criminal records I've ever seen. You not only flouted the law, you spat on it. You are a disease in our society.'"
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| J. Magliocco FBN Mafia Book |
In late February 1961 Magliocco and several other Colombo members were kidnapped by the rebel Gallo faction. The group was released unharmed but the incident ultimately led to a shooting war that left several members and associates dead.
On April 14, 1961 Long Island Newsday reported: "[Judge] scheduled a trial for Vincent Squillante, [Alfred] Fasula, John and Pasquale Guariglia for May 15. The indictments charge that Squillante and the others utilized their control of the now-defunct Intercounty Cartmen's Association as a [club]." (Vincent Squillante was by this point deceased, having disappeared September 23, 1960 in a Gambino-ordered hit. Suspects in Squillante's murder included Future Gambino Captain Anthony 'Nino' Gaggi [1925-1988].)
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| S. Mangiameli |
On November 11, 1961 Patsy's brother, Colombo Soldier John Guariglia (42y), was shot to death during an attempted kidnapping by Gallo faction members at the Hi-Fi Lounge in Brooklyn. Bystander Paul Ricci (30y was also killed. Suspects included Gallo crew member Salvatore 'Sally Boy' Mangiameli (32y) and Future Los Angeles Captain Michael 'Mike Rizzi' Rizzitello (32y). (Salvatore Mangiameli [1929-2017], who survived at least one attempt on his own life during the war, was transferred to the Gambino Family's Failla crew in the early 1970s. In late 1988 he was transferred again to the DeCavalcante Family's Rotondo Crew. Michael Rizzitello [1929-2005] was inducted into the Los Angeles Family in 1976.)
On November 21, 1962 interviewed by FBI. (Unavailable.)
On December 3, 1962 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] identified photographs of the following individuals...[Patsy Guariglia] - a button in the Profaci Family and [brother] of Johnny Guariglia who was killed in the Hi-Fi Lounge during the Profaci - Gallo war. Informant stated that prior to the death of Joseph Profaci, Guariglia was assigned to Joseph Magliocco and Scarpa believes Guariglia still reports to Magliocco [redacted]."
On January 29, 1963 another FBI informant, probably Gambino Soldier Alfred Santantonio, reported: "[Patsy Guariglia] - A good fellow in the Magliocco Family under Johnny Oddo." (Santantonio was murdered in July.)
On February 12-13-18, 1963 CI Scarpa reported: "[Joseph] Magliocco was the avugud or Boss and advised to the best of his knowledge, there is a group within the Family who report directly to him. He stated these persons would probably be Chief Bonasera, Patsy Guariglia, Anthony Magliocco, Frank Profaci and John Scimone." Guariglia subsequently designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
Magliocco stepped down as Acting Boss on September 3 of that year. The following April Joseph Colombo was elected Family Boss.
On March 12, 1964 CI Scarpa provided an in-depth summary of the 1940s Loffredo gang murders:
"
On November 21, 1962 interviewed by FBI. (Unavailable.)
On December 3, 1962 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] identified photographs of the following individuals...[Patsy Guariglia] - a button in the Profaci Family and [brother] of Johnny Guariglia who was killed in the Hi-Fi Lounge during the Profaci - Gallo war. Informant stated that prior to the death of Joseph Profaci, Guariglia was assigned to Joseph Magliocco and Scarpa believes Guariglia still reports to Magliocco [redacted]."
On January 29, 1963 another FBI informant, probably Gambino Soldier Alfred Santantonio, reported: "[Patsy Guariglia] - A good fellow in the Magliocco Family under Johnny Oddo." (Santantonio was murdered in July.)
On February 12-13-18, 1963 CI Scarpa reported: "[Joseph] Magliocco was the avugud or Boss and advised to the best of his knowledge, there is a group within the Family who report directly to him. He stated these persons would probably be Chief Bonasera, Patsy Guariglia, Anthony Magliocco, Frank Profaci and John Scimone." Guariglia subsequently designated the subject of an FBI anti-racketeering investigation.
Magliocco stepped down as Acting Boss on September 3 of that year. The following April Joseph Colombo was elected Family Boss.
On March 12, 1964 CI Scarpa provided an in-depth summary of the 1940s Loffredo gang murders:
"
[Scarpa] advised that several years ago Whitey Tropiano, Patsy Guariglia and ten or twelve other individuals were organized in an outlaw gang which did not respect other 'button guys'. Informant related this group engaged in the robbery of other members and of crap games run by other members. He related as a result of their activity, Charles LoCicero was assigned to investigate the gang and make recommendations concerning what disposition would be made of the gang. Informant stated LoCicero was actually able to penetrate the gang and win their confidence while making them believe he was in with them. As a result of his association with the members of this gang, LoCicero decided all members with the exception of Tropiano and Guariglia should be killed. LoCicero's recommendation was accepted and the job of killing the other gang members was handled primarily by Tropiano and Guariglia. Informant related they were successful in killing all the other members in a short period of time with the exception of one who was picked up and sentenced to a term in prison. He stated this member while in prison made statements to the effect upon his release he would get Profaci, LoCicero and others. Informant related within three or four days after this individual was released from prison he was killed and his body dumped in a field out near Floyd Bennett Naval Air Station. (Re Louis Loffredo mentioned above.)
Informant stated that as a result of the killing of these gang members Tropiano and Guariglia were almost grabbed on a murder charge. He explained one member of the gang was with his girlfriend in the Rex Bar and Grill and he left his girlfriend telling her he had an appointment with Tropiano and Guariglia. He stated that this individual was killed and the Police Department was able to obtain the testimony from the girlfriend that he left her for an appointment with Guariglia and Tropiano. Informant advised that the girlfriend was placed in protective custody by the PD and other members of the organization were unable to get her in order to silence her. He stated that as a result of this a contract was made with a Captain in the Homicide Squad for $20,000 and this Captain killed the girl to keep her from testifying against Guariglia and Tropiano. Informant related that as a result of the police pressure that was put on Tropiano, he was forced to leave New York City and went to Connecticut where he started his operation.
Informant stated that as a result of the killing of these gang members Tropiano and Guariglia were almost grabbed on a murder charge. He explained one member of the gang was with his girlfriend in the Rex Bar and Grill and he left his girlfriend telling her he had an appointment with Tropiano and Guariglia. He stated that this individual was killed and the Police Department was able to obtain the testimony from the girlfriend that he left her for an appointment with Guariglia and Tropiano. Informant advised that the girlfriend was placed in protective custody by the PD and other members of the organization were unable to get her in order to silence her. He stated that as a result of this a contract was made with a Captain in the Homicide Squad for $20,000 and this Captain killed the girl to keep her from testifying against Guariglia and Tropiano. Informant related that as a result of the police pressure that was put on Tropiano, he was forced to leave New York City and went to Connecticut where he started his operation.
"
On April 28, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Friday] night last and for the last 3 or 4 Fridays in the evening the Club Veranzano on 4th Avenue, formerly the Casa Bianca, has been frequented by many individuals of the organized Italian element, such as [Redacted], John Oddo, Patsy Guariglia and Jim 'Brown' Clemenza. He stated that he determined Clemenza is attempting to sell his restaurant, the Sahara, or at least get somebody to operate it under a different name so he can get his money back. It is to be noted that after the attempted homicide of Larry Gallo in the Sahara, this place has been closed. Informant advised the conversations between these individuals as of last Friday night are taking place downstairs in the middle of the dining room."
On April 28, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Friday] night last and for the last 3 or 4 Fridays in the evening the Club Veranzano on 4th Avenue, formerly the Casa Bianca, has been frequented by many individuals of the organized Italian element, such as [Redacted], John Oddo, Patsy Guariglia and Jim 'Brown' Clemenza. He stated that he determined Clemenza is attempting to sell his restaurant, the Sahara, or at least get somebody to operate it under a different name so he can get his money back. It is to be noted that after the attempted homicide of Larry Gallo in the Sahara, this place has been closed. Informant advised the conversations between these individuals as of last Friday night are taking place downstairs in the middle of the dining room."
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| N. Forlano |
On May 19, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[Patsy] Guariglia is very active and has been recently attempting to obtain spots, especially at motels and hotels for vending machines, such as candy, cigars, juke boxes, washers and dryers, etc. He stated in fact, he, informant, has been alert for any customers for Patsy Guariglia purely to maintain a good relationship with him. Informant stated it is his understanding that Guariglia is pushing money for Nicholas Forlano aka Jiggs." (On the same date CI Scarpa reported that Forlano, formerly under Captain Harry Fontana, was one of the two new Captains recently appointed by Joseph Colombo.)
On June 29, 1964 FBI CI reported: “[He] has been spending a great deal of time in Renato’s Restaurant at Bay 8th Street and 86th Street, Brooklyn. He stated that for the past three or four weeks numerous individuals who are members of or connected directly with the organized Italian criminal element have been frequenting this place, that is up until last Thursday, 6/25/1964. Apparently inquiries in the area by the FBI have caused the individuals frequenting this place to disperse. Informant, however, has seen in this restaurant Joseph Colombo, Salvatore Celambrino, John Oddo, Joseph Schipani, Patsy Guariglia and Salvatore Imperiale. Apparently this was a place where meetings were maintained or appointments were held by Joseph Colombo.” (Salvatore 'Skinny Sally' Celambrino [1903-1971] was a Genovese Captain, Joseph 'Joe Ship' Schipani [1912-2003] a Genovese Soldier and Salvatore 'Sally Westo' Imperiale [1912-1976] a Colombo Soldier in the Forlano crew.)
By the Fall of 1964 Patsy Guariglia's associates included bookmaker and shylock Michael Candela (33y) of Suffolk, Long Island.
On December 15, 1964 the Suffolk County PD raided Candela's residence and seized records indicating approximately $26,000 in shylock loans. February 1965 FBI report provided summary of Newsday article covering raid: "[Candela], a former Las Vegas blackjack dealer, was a minor bookie in the gambling empire operated by John Franzese with the blessing of Pasquale Guariglia [and] Felice Vizzari. It was said Candela picked up bets at a prominent South Shore country club, a Deer Park body shop and a Profaci-mob owned Deer Park bar. The article continued by stating Guariglia, whose brother John was allegedly killed by the Gallo mob in 11/1961, took Candela under his wing to operate his shylock racket. It identified Guariglia as a top aide of John Oddo, who branched out from Brooklyn into Vizzari's territory, reportedly splitting his proceeds with Franzese. This move allegedly angered Vizzari and resulted in a 'sit down' which ended with Candela working as a 'bookie-shylock' for both Vizzari and Guariglia. [Candela], his wife and three small children have been moved from their residence by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and were under protective care and it is believed that Candela has been granted immunity from prosecution."
On June 29, 1964 FBI CI reported: “[He] has been spending a great deal of time in Renato’s Restaurant at Bay 8th Street and 86th Street, Brooklyn. He stated that for the past three or four weeks numerous individuals who are members of or connected directly with the organized Italian criminal element have been frequenting this place, that is up until last Thursday, 6/25/1964. Apparently inquiries in the area by the FBI have caused the individuals frequenting this place to disperse. Informant, however, has seen in this restaurant Joseph Colombo, Salvatore Celambrino, John Oddo, Joseph Schipani, Patsy Guariglia and Salvatore Imperiale. Apparently this was a place where meetings were maintained or appointments were held by Joseph Colombo.” (Salvatore 'Skinny Sally' Celambrino [1903-1971] was a Genovese Captain, Joseph 'Joe Ship' Schipani [1912-2003] a Genovese Soldier and Salvatore 'Sally Westo' Imperiale [1912-1976] a Colombo Soldier in the Forlano crew.)
By the Fall of 1964 Patsy Guariglia's associates included bookmaker and shylock Michael Candela (33y) of Suffolk, Long Island.
On December 15, 1964 the Suffolk County PD raided Candela's residence and seized records indicating approximately $26,000 in shylock loans. February 1965 FBI report provided summary of Newsday article covering raid: "[Candela], a former Las Vegas blackjack dealer, was a minor bookie in the gambling empire operated by John Franzese with the blessing of Pasquale Guariglia [and] Felice Vizzari. It was said Candela picked up bets at a prominent South Shore country club, a Deer Park body shop and a Profaci-mob owned Deer Park bar. The article continued by stating Guariglia, whose brother John was allegedly killed by the Gallo mob in 11/1961, took Candela under his wing to operate his shylock racket. It identified Guariglia as a top aide of John Oddo, who branched out from Brooklyn into Vizzari's territory, reportedly splitting his proceeds with Franzese. This move allegedly angered Vizzari and resulted in a 'sit down' which ended with Candela working as a 'bookie-shylock' for both Vizzari and Guariglia. [Candela], his wife and three small children have been moved from their residence by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office and were under protective care and it is believed that Candela has been granted immunity from prosecution."
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| F. Vizzari (1965) |
Three days later Long Island Newsday reported: "Evidence of a territorial dispute among Profaci-mob organizers controlling a major Suffolk gambling shylocking empire began to emerge yesterday as investigators checked deeper into the loan shark records seized at a bookmaker's home Tuesday. It was learned that the dispute has been smouldering for months between organizers of Profaci-mob lieutenants; John (Sonny) Franzese of Herricks and John (Johnny Bath Beach) Oddo of Brooklyn...With [Felice] Vizzari busy with police, Guariglia moved in. His success in the area controlled by Vizzari was heightened recently by the switchover of several Vizzari bookmakers including Candela, it was learned. Candela's transfer of allegiance is apparently one of the reasons authorities fear for his life. Police now believe that the loan shark records seized at his home were those of Guariglia's interests instead of Vizzari's." (Felice 'Phil' Vizzari [1920-1984] was a Colombo Associate in Franzese's crew active in gambling, shylocking and various other crimes throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.)
On January 21 found dead of natural causes in a Manhattan hotel
CI Scarpa later reported that Guariglia was operating a floating card game using hotels in the borough.
On January 22 Long Island Newsday reported: "A Suffolk grand jury broadened its investigation of Cosa Nostra-run loan shark rackets yesterday, but one of its key targets won't be around to learn the results. Profaci-mob loan shark Pasquale (Patsy) Guariglia died apparently of natural causes in a Manhattan hotel hours before the jury met to hear testimony about him and other mobsters. Police said Guariglia's death, pending an autopsy, was apparently caused by a perforated ulcer. Suffolk Assistant District Attorney James M. Catterson Jr. said after learning that Guariglia had died: 'It's a shock, but it won't slow down the investigation. The death eliminates him as a potential defendant, but the investigation has broadened far beyond just Guariglia's activities.'"
Guariglia's wake was held January 22-24 at the Gambino-affiliated A. Torregrossa and Sons funeral home at 345 Ave U in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Attendees included:
On January 21 found dead of natural causes in a Manhattan hotel
CI Scarpa later reported that Guariglia was operating a floating card game using hotels in the borough.
On January 22 Long Island Newsday reported: "A Suffolk grand jury broadened its investigation of Cosa Nostra-run loan shark rackets yesterday, but one of its key targets won't be around to learn the results. Profaci-mob loan shark Pasquale (Patsy) Guariglia died apparently of natural causes in a Manhattan hotel hours before the jury met to hear testimony about him and other mobsters. Police said Guariglia's death, pending an autopsy, was apparently caused by a perforated ulcer. Suffolk Assistant District Attorney James M. Catterson Jr. said after learning that Guariglia had died: 'It's a shock, but it won't slow down the investigation. The death eliminates him as a potential defendant, but the investigation has broadened far beyond just Guariglia's activities.'"
Guariglia's wake was held January 22-24 at the Gambino-affiliated A. Torregrossa and Sons funeral home at 345 Ave U in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Attendees included:
Joseph Colombo (Boss)
John Franzese (Captain)
John Oddo (Captain)
Carmine 'Junior' Persico (Captain)
Salvatore 'Sam' Badalamenti (Soldier)
Louis Barbusca (Soldier)
Cassandro Bonasera (Soldier)
Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato (Soldier)
Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio (Soldier)
Thomas DiBella (Soldier)
Ernest 'Ernie Lap' LaPonzina (Soldier)
Benjamin 'Benny Sidge' LoCicero (Soldier) [Son of Charles]
Charles LoCicero (Soldier)
Charles Panarella (Soldier)
Joseph Peraino (Soldier)
Salvatore Peritore (Soldier)
Joseph 'Pino' Tipa Jr. (Soldier)
Peter Tortorella (Gambino Soldier)
George Tropiano (Soldier)
Joseph 'Joe Yak' Yacovelli (Soldier)
Joseph 'Minx' Livoti (Associate)
John Franzese (Captain)
John Oddo (Captain)
Carmine 'Junior' Persico (Captain)
Salvatore 'Sam' Badalamenti (Soldier)
Louis Barbusca (Soldier)
Cassandro Bonasera (Soldier)
Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato (Soldier)
Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio (Soldier)
Thomas DiBella (Soldier)
Ernest 'Ernie Lap' LaPonzina (Soldier)
Benjamin 'Benny Sidge' LoCicero (Soldier) [Son of Charles]
Charles LoCicero (Soldier)
Charles Panarella (Soldier)
Joseph Peraino (Soldier)
Salvatore Peritore (Soldier)
Joseph 'Pino' Tipa Jr. (Soldier)
Peter Tortorella (Gambino Soldier)
George Tropiano (Soldier)
Joseph 'Joe Yak' Yacovelli (Soldier)
Joseph 'Minx' Livoti (Associate)
Buried in Long Island National Cemetery located in Farmingdale.
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| J. Yacovelli |
On September 13, 1966 CI Scarpa reported the recent promotion of Joseph Yacovelli to Captain and noted: "[Yacovelli] is currently running a blackjack game which operates in Manhattan hotels. Informant stated the game is a floating game and is a big one. It is the same game which was formerly run by the now deceased Patsy Guariglia. Informant stated that Yacovelli inherited the game from Guariglia."
Yacovelli was named by one informant as the individual who sponsored Guariglia's old robbery gang partner, Ralph Tropiano, for induction into the Colombo Family around 1951.
On April 2, 1980, at approximately 2:20 PM, Tropiano was shot to death while walking toward his car parked at 1062 63rd St in Brooklyn. An auto containing three occupants pulled up alongside and fired multiple shots at the victim before speeding away. Tropiano hit once in the chest and twice in the head and died at the scene. (Although described in some press reports as a Captain, at the time of his murder Tropiano was a Soldier reporting to Vincenzo Randazzo.)
Yacovelli was named by one informant as the individual who sponsored Guariglia's old robbery gang partner, Ralph Tropiano, for induction into the Colombo Family around 1951.
On April 2, 1980, at approximately 2:20 PM, Tropiano was shot to death while walking toward his car parked at 1062 63rd St in Brooklyn. An auto containing three occupants pulled up alongside and fired multiple shots at the victim before speeding away. Tropiano hit once in the chest and twice in the head and died at the scene. (Although described in some press reports as a Captain, at the time of his murder Tropiano was a Soldier reporting to Vincenzo Randazzo.)
More Colombo Family posts can be found in the Index.
