Update

J. Stanfa

New Post
1. Philadelphia Ceremonies (Early 1990s)

In skimming through recent material on Stanfa and the associated cases from the mid-1990s Ronald Turchi's name hasn't come up at all. There's also been only a single passing mention so far of Felix Bocchino, who is believed to have held some position of importance during the early months of Stanfa's time as Boss. The trials were heavily focused on the factional violence and not much attention is given to the Family's actual structure. (Bocchino's murder was also discussed in the Ralph Natale post.)

Full list of posts here.

Philadelphia Ceremonies (Early 1990s)

Brief descriptions, in chronological order, of Bruno Family induction ceremonies held during John Stanfa's reign in the early 1990s.

The majority of this information was obtained from the Bruno CWs of the 1990s.

Dates given are approximate.

===

November 1991

Attendees:
- John Stanfa (50y) (Boss) [IPL 1996]
- Others?

L to R: Ciancaglini Jr., Tripodi, Turchi
Tripodi: Press

Members Inducted:
- Joseph Ciancaglini Jr. (33y) [Disabled 1993]

Luigi 'Gino' Tripodi (53y) and Ronald Turchi (53y) were also believed to have been made around this time, possibly in the same ceremony as Ciancaglini Jr.

Tripodi could have been inducted before Ciancaglini Jr.; Stanfa told CW Battaglia that Tripodi was his first choice as Underboss but, due to the need for a 'bridge' between Stanfa and the younger members, Ciancaglini Jr. was given the position. Battaglia: "[Gino] stepped back and John made him a soldier."

===

September 1992

Attendees:
- John Stanfa (51y) (Boss) [IPL 1996]
- Others

L to R: Ciancaglini, Lucibello, Massimino, Merlino

Members Inducted:
- Biagio Adornetto (24y) [Flipped 1993]
- Michael 'Mikey Chang' Ciancaglini (29y) [Murdered 1993]
- Gaeton Lucibello (39y)
- Joseph 'Mousie' Massimino (42y)
- Joseph 'Skinny Joey' Merlino (30y)

===

c. May 1993

Location: Apartment / Condo (Gibbstown, New Jersey)

Attendees:
- John Stanfa (52y) (Boss) [IPL 1996]

L to R: Battaglia, Esposito, Martines
Martines: Press

Members Inducted:
- Sergio Battaglia (26y) [Flipped 1996]
- Raymond Esposito (50y) [Died 1999]
- Frank Martines (38y) [IPL 1996]

Battaglia:
"

[On that day] I picked up Frank Martines and John Stanfa in Medford, New Jersey...Frankie told me and John told me that, you know, we were going to be straightened out, we were going to be made that [day].

...[When] I picked them up, we headed southbound on 295. We went to the Dutch Inn near Raymond Esposito's house. I pulled into the Dutch Inn. We met Raymond Esposito there [and] Raymond was driving a Cougar, a two-door, like a light tan Cougar. Me, Raymond, John Stanfa and Frank Martines got in the car and we drove out to -- not that far away from the Dutch Inn was Raymond Esposito's daughter's condo or apartment. We went in there and that's where the ceremony was conducted.

...When we got there, John started explaining the rules, why we were there. You know, he was starting a new family. He was restructuring the whole family. He told us that he made Michael Ciancaglini, Gaeton Lucibello, Joseph Merlino, Biagio Adornetto and Joseph Massimino in September of '92.

He says, they're no longer recognized as a made member. Each individual is marked for death. When we get a chance, we're going to kill them. It could be a day, it could be a month, it could be a year. When the opportunity occurs, we're killing them. He says, I already talked to the other members of the families. They are not recognized and they are marked for death. I said, all right.

He told us the rules of the family. No prostitution, no drugs, no counterfeit money. He says -- let's see, -- [interrupted by prosecutor].

...I was sitting closest to John. And, you know, he said to me, you know why you're here? I said, no. You're supposed to say that. If you say you know why you're there, you get killed. So, you say, no, I don't know why I'm here. But, you know because you were told before you were getting straightened out.

He says -- there was a gun and knife on the table. He says, would you use this [for] anybody in the family? I said, yes. He says, you got a pin? Hit my finger -- my trigger finger, blood came out. Got a saint and wiped it. I [cupped] my hands, put the saint and lit it. He said, repeat after me. He says, if you betray anybody in the family with me, you burn like the saint in your hand. I did the same -- what he told me, I repeated after him. I put it out. He kissed me and wished me luck. After he finished with me, he got Frankie Martines. After Frankie, it was Raymond Esposito's turn.

"

Stanfa presided over the ceremony alone: "John Stanfa said that he -- Biagio Adornetto went bad, cooperated with the Government, and told them [who] was made at a ceremony. And, he had [shown] agents who were made members [and] who were players in the mob. He identified people. And, [Stanfa] didn't want to do that no more. He says, look, whenever I make somebody, it's going to be a couple guys. So, if somebody goes, it's his word against everybody else's and there's not going to [be] a lot of people. You know, I thought it made sense because after Biagio went, he implicated five guys being made that day with him, you know, and he exposed a lot of people."

Immediately after being made Frank Martines was appointed Acting Underboss: "[Stanfa] welcomed me for, like, being loyal, generating money, doing whatever had to be done for the family, and that's why I was being made. Frankie Martines was being made for the murder of Rod Colombo. And, Raymond Esposito was being congratulated and being made for [murder of] Mario Riccobene. At this meeting there was [restructuring] of the family. Me and Raymond Esposito would be soldiers. Frankie Martines would be acting [Underboss]. [If] Joseph Ciancaglini would get healthier and better and capable of maintaining his position [as official Underboss]. He would -- Frankie would step down and be a [Captain] of the family."

A. Piccolo

Shortly after being inducted Stanfa introduced Battaglia to Consigliere Anthony 'Tony Buck' Piccolo at Attorney Salvatore Avena's office in Camden, New Jersey: "When we walked in Anthony Piccolo was talking to Nicky Scarfo, Jr. John Stanfa walked over to Tony; can I talk to you for a minute. He excused himself. We walked into [a] rear bathroom. Mr, Stanfa and Piccolo went in there. Stanfa turned on the water [to] break up the sound, and he introduced me to Tony Piccolo as a friend of ours. Tony kissed me and wished me luck. John told us that, Sergio, you can learn a lot from this man. He's been around a long time. He's the consigliere of the family. Any advice we get from him is okay."

===

c. Mid-to-Late September 1993

Location: Basement of John Stanfa Residence (Medford, NJ)

Attendees:
- John Stanfa (52y) (Boss) [IPL 1996]
- Frank Martines (39y) (Acting Underboss) [IPL 1996]

- Sergio Battaglia (26y) (Soldier) [Flipped 1996]

Pagano (L) and Stanfa (R)
Press

Members Inducted:
- Vincent 'Al Pajamas' Pagano (63y) [IPL 1996] [Died 2019]
- Joseph Stanfa (23y)

Battaglia:
"

Me, Frankie [Martines] and John Stanfa, we met over at John Stanfa's residence [on] Church Street, Medford, New Jersey. And we told Al [Pagano] to come over at 8:00 later that night. We discussed that we were going to make Al Pagano first, induct him into the family, and we were going to do it in John Stanfa's house, in his basement, because his house was gutted and he [had] swept for bugs and it was clean. There was no bugs, he felt safe downstairs. It was all opened up. So we went downstairs when Al got there, and we inducted him. After we inducted Al, we called Joe Stanfa down.

...[We] told Al the rules, you know, basically the same thing that was told to me. Then we called Joe down, and the reason why we didn't make him at the same time, have them both in the same room is because we wanted to make everybody believe that Al was a member long before anybody else being that he was older, making like -- he's a made member the same day as Joe Stanfa? So we made it look like he was a made member before Joe. We called Joe Stanfa down, and we did the same thing, and the reason why he was inducted, John Stanfa feared if he ever got locked up, he could communicate with other members through his son. So we inducted Joe Stanfa into La Cosa Nostra.

"

The ceremony followed the traditional blood and fire method using a saint's card.

===

c. Late September - October 1993

Location: Penn Tower Hotel (West Philadelphia)

Attendees:
- John Stanfa (52y) (Boss) [IPL 1996]
- Frank Martines (39y) (Acting Underboss) [IPL 1996]

- Vincent 'Al Pajamas' Pagano (63y) (Captain?) [IPL 1996] [Died 2019]

- Sergio Battaglia (26y) (Soldier) [Flipped 1996]

Filipelli (L) and Veasey (R)
Press

Members Inducted:
- Vincent 'Big Vince' Filipelli (40y)
- John Veasey (26y) [Flipped 1994]

Veasey:
"

I was picked up in the morning about 8:00, 8:30 from Sergio Battaglia at my house. I was driven to the Northeast to a place called Spinelli's [and] I met a few different people there. I met John Stanfa there, [Bufalino Boss] Billy D'Elia, Alphonse Pajamas [Pagano], Vince Filipelli, Frank Martines, Sergio was with me, a few guys named Frank, Billy's driver.

...We're at Spinelli's. We're all sitting around and, you know, we're talking. John [Stanfa]'s gotta climb over a fence to leave out the back [and the meeting broke up because] cops was supposed to be there and some FBI agents.

...[John] Stanfa and Sergio Battaglia went over a fence in the back. We went out the front door, me, Martines and Vincent Filipelli, and we went [south] on 95. We stopped, we bought some wine. And then we had to stop and get a corkscrew. Then we went to a hotel room across the street from the University of Pennsylvania [Penn Tower].

...[I] met John Stanfa, Sergio Battaglia and Al Pajamas in the room...At that time the rules -- he asked me if I knew why I was there and things like that. And then the rules were explained to me of the family.

...I had a piece of paper put in my hand and asked like if I [would] burn like this piece of paper before I betray this family...They used toilet paper right off the roll.

...[Frank Martines pricked my finger after] about seven or eight tries. I don't know how many tries. He was poking away then finally I squeezed it and got some blood into the front and then he poked it again.

"

Afterwards Stanfa explained the rules:
"

Well, rule number one was stay away from his daughter, which is Sarah. That was a off the limit situation. And after that was, you know, you can't fight with nobody that's made. You can't fight with other made guys. You will be introduced only through another made guy to another made guy as a friend of ours, not a friend of mine. So if I was to go out with [prosecutor] or something and meet youse and say he's a friend of mine, that would mean, you know, he's just my friend, he's not a member of La Cosa Nostra. If I say he's a friend of ours, it's like a international thing, then he would be a friend of La Cosa Nostra, meaning he would be a made member.

...[The] money situation was to give it all to the boss and, you know, he was buying weapons for the war [with Merlino faction], and we would give him all the money, he would pay us $300 a week. At that time I was getting 500 a week.

...[Regarding structure] Joseph Ciancaglini was shot sometime in March...He was the underboss and he couldn't lose that position because he was shot. So Frank Martines was the acting underboss but he couldn't fulfill that position either unless, you know, Joey stepped down or whatever. And [Stanfa] was the boss, you know, things like that.

"

Veasey placed the ceremony a 'few weeks' after the September 17 murder of Frank Baldino.

Battaglia: "It was right after the Frank Baldino murder. Joe Stanfa went for a checkup [re August 31 shooting injury]. While he was getting checked up, we went across the street and inducted the two other individuals." (Battaglia also specified that Veasey's ceremony was the second of the last three ceremonies conducted by Stanfa, all of which occurred after Baldino was killed.)

Battaglia's account of the ceremony: "I picked up John Veasey at his house and told him today was his day; today he was going to be inducted into the mob. I drove over to Penn Towers where Al Pagano had a room arranged, and John Stanfa, Frank Martines, and Vince Filipelli were already upstairs. I met Al in the lobby. Me, John Veasey and Al Pagano went upstairs and met the other individuals. When we got up there, John Stanfa told John Veasey and Vince Filipelli the rules of the family just like he did at my ceremony and Al Pagano's ceremony, told them who -- what was Frankie's position, what was Al's position, the rules, would he use a gun or not for anybody in the family. And then after that, we proceeded with the ceremonies."

According to Battaglia, Veasey was already marked for death at the time of his induction: "We were going to make Veasey do all the work still, use him like a prostitute, and get him closer, make him feel happy because at this time, he's like, I made my bones; why ain't I being made? So we said we're going to make him, and once we made him, we were going to get [Associate Philip] Colletti and say, look, you made your bones too; we're going to make you; and have them both in the ceremony and [kill] both individuals."

That December Veasey, not yet facing charges, was convinced by his brother William to reach out to the FBI.

He initially remained on the street as a wired source and recorded two conversations before, on January 14, he was lured to a South Philadelphia numbers spot and shot by Frank Martines, with Vincent Pagano present. Veasey fought off his attackers and was taken into Federal custody.

Three months later Associate Philip Colletti also defected.

In early October 1995, shortly before John Veasey testified against Stanfa, his brother William was shot to death in South Philly.

===

c. November 1993

Location: Royce Hotel (near Langhorne in Middletown Township, PA)

Attendees:
- John Stanfa (52y) (Boss) [IPL 1996]
- Frank Martines (39y) (Acting Underboss) [IPL 1996]

- Vincent 'Al Pajamas' Pagano (63y) (Captain) [IPL 1996] [Died 2019]
- Luigi 'Gino' Tripodi (Captain?) (55y)

Scafidi

Members Inducted:
- Giuseppe Gallara (25y) [IPL 1996]
- Gaetano 'Tommy Horsehead' Scafidi (29y) [Flipped 2000]

Gallara, who also went by Joe Stanfa, was Boss John Stanfa's nephew.

Battaglia: "[Stanfa] said, the reason we're making Giuseppe Gallara, because [he's] loyal to us, the work, and for the murder of Frank Baldino. Tommy Scafidi, for the murder of Louie Irish." (Louis 'Louie Irish' DeLuca was shot to death May 24, 1990 in South Philly.)

Veasey testified that he was unhappy with the decision to make Scafidi, who was until recently a member of the rival Merlino faction:
"

John Stanfa called me and Sergio Battaglia, Frank Martines, Al Pajamas and Vince Filipelli...We went down to Continental Food Express. We were downstairs. It's like a warehouse area. And he said do you know why we're here? We're gonna make this -- you know, the kid, meaning Giuseppe Gallara, and the other kid was Tommy Horsehead, and he asked if anybody had objections to it, you know, speak your mind. Nobody said nothing because he was the boss, you don't second-guess him. I [said] something to Martines about it, but it was on the side.

...[I told Martines] I was kind of shocked that they were making Horsehead because he was on the other side trying to kill us just a few weeks prior to that and now here we go, we're gonna make this guy on, you know, our side of the family. I didn't understand that..,I didn't tell it to Stanfa. Not at that time anyway.

"

Rather than the Royce Inn, Veasey recalled the location of the ceremony as being the Sheraton Inn in Northeast Philadelphia.

Battaglia and Veasey didn't attend but were instead parked outside the hotel as lookouts.

Battaglia: "John Stanfa wanted me and Veasey outside because he thought the law was following, and I had a car phone, and they had a room upstairs. If the law was in the area, I was supposed to beep Frank Martines, and they would depart the ceremony."

Veasey: "I [didn't attend] just brought the wine."

Afterward the group had dinner at Sal & Gerry's pizzeria in or near Newtown, PA, where the new inductees were formally introduced.

Those present included Boss John Stanfa, Acting Underboss Frank Martines, Captain Vincent Pagano, Captain (?) Luigi Tripodi, Soldiers Sergio Battaglia, Raymond Esposito, Vincent Filipelli, John Veasey and an Unsub described by Veasey as: "[An] unidentified Italian male. I don't know, he spoke Italian."

Battaglia recalled an 'individual named Nino' being present at the dinner; this was probably the same person as the Unsub noted by Veasey, and may have been Bruno Soldier Antonino 'Nino' Sciglitano (1927-2005).

Veasey: "[John Stanfa introduced Gallara as] a friend of ours and then he proceeded to walk around the table getting hugs and kisses from the people that were there...[Scafidi was introduced the same and he] came around to hug and kiss everybody. I didn't hug and kiss him, I just shook his hand. There was a argument between, you know, John [Stanfa] said hug the guy. I said I'm not gonna hug him, you know, and I just shook his hand."

This was the last known ceremony conducted by Stanfa. He and most of his supporters were indicted on Federal racketeering charges in March 1994. Stanfa was ultimately convicted and given multiple life sentences.

John Stanfa (Philadelphia)

J. Stanfa (L), S. Battaglia
Press

In May 1993 Sergio Battaglia was inducted into Philadelphia's Bruno Family by Boss John Stanfa.

Within a few days of being made he was invited to Stanfa's home, where the two held a discussion near the bocce court located behind the residence.

Battaglia later testified that during the talk Stanfa gave a summary of his own history in Philadelphia:

"

Well, we started discussing about the family, the crime family. John Stanfa, you know, he was happy that I was a made member at such a young age. He had high expectations for me, maybe one day be a [Capo], underboss, maybe one day I'll have my own family. I don't know. He was happy, and he told me about how young he was when he was in Palermo, Italy, Sicily when he was made and how he became involved with the Philadelphia mob. He came over from Sicily to New York, and New York told him to work for Angelo Bruno, appointed Bruno to watch over him. Stanfa and his family is very -- has strong ties to the Sicilian mafia. His nephew over there is boss of [a] crime family, and his connections are very strong.

"

A. Bruno
Press

"

When [Stanfa] came over here in 1969, I believe he said it was [then or] '66, he said he was working for Angelo Bruno. He was the boss of [the] crime family back then. He said he was a small contractor on the side, and he would do illegal activities with the [Bruno] crime family. He says Bruno was a good guy. He learned a lot from him, respected him like a father. And, he -- then it got into the night. He got killed. Stanfa was doing construction at Cous Little Italy that evening, and Tommy DelGiorno owned the place at that time. And, Stanfa went to go pick up a check for the work he did on the second floor of the restaurant. See, when he got there Tommy Del said to him, you know, Bruno's here, why don't you go say hello to him. I'm [not] really sure if he said John just came back from Italy or John said that Bruno just came back from Italy, and they haven't seen each other in a couple months. John walked over. They sat down. You know, how are you [doing].

[Bruno Associate] Mario Riccobene was there that evening [and he] was driving Bruno. And, he said, Mario, you drive my friend home. John you drive me home. We'll catch up on some talking. He said all right. John said he drove him home that evening. He said he pulled up to 10th & Snyder. He said they were bullshitting in front of the house. He said next to [Angelo] Bruno's house they were doing construction at a Wawa store, and he says there was a truck there, like a bread truck, and you couldn't see nothing, you know. So, while they were talking he says Bruno, you were smoking a cigar. He was, like, blowing smoke, and John was getting gagged. So, John said I just happened to roll down the window a crack to throw the cigar out. As soon as he threw the cigar out a man appeared with a shotgun and pointed it in the back of Bruno's head and blew his head off. He said his mouth opened up like a spigot. He said he got sprayed with the pellets on his arm, but he had a leather coat on. He said the sound was so loud he was deaf.

He said he jumped out of the car for cover. The guy was gone by the time he jumped out. And, he said Mrs. Bruno heard the -- [interrupted by prosecutor].

[Stanfa] said he jumped out of the car. He says by the time -- the sound was so loud, Mrs. Bruno -- Angelo Bruno's wife was at the door, and she came out, and she seen Angelo Bruno dead in the car, and she started panicking. John went up to her and comforted her and brought her back in the house.

So then after that he was taken to the hospital for the wounds that he received from the pellets. And, the feds were, like, all over him; who did it, you know. He didn't know nothing. He said they were breaking -- breaking them for him the following day. The following day he said he drove to New York to meet mob figures, and he said they were following him there, and they had a picture. And, two -- he got eight years for two questions. He lied. He perjured himself. He said two questions got me eight years.

"

J. Gotti (L), N. Scarfo
Scarfo: Press

"

[Eight years] in the federal institution, jail. He said when he came out there was a contract on his life by Nicodemo Scarfo. He was the guy who took over Angelo Bruno's spot as boss. Everybody who had anything to do with Angelo Bruno's murder was killed. The only one who survived was John Stanfa. And, Nicodemo Scarfo believed that John had something to do with it. When John Stanfa came out Nicky Scarfo was in jail, him and his crew. So, John came out and went to New York to see his friends, the Gambinos. The Gambinos were -- were part of a John Gotti crew. John Gotti okayed for Stanfa to come back to Philadelphia, and nobody would be touched, and the contract would be lifted off him.

When he came back he was minding [his] business. He said, you know, he was working with his son. He opened [Stanfa] Construction. Him and his son Joseph started building homes, gutting out homes, making an honest living, but he still knew who figures were in South Philly's mob. It was in disarray. People were trying to make something out of it.

"

A. Piccolo

"

He said [Anthony] Piccolo was the -- at the time was the acting underboss. Nicky put him there because they were cousins. [Stanfa] says that one day [he] was walking across the street from his house. Went to 18th & Passyunk and he got approached by Salvatore Avena and Anthony Piccolo, also known as Tony Buck, and they asked him to become the mob boss, take over the Philly mob. He said Piccolo was not in the position. He was ill. He was under constant surveillance. He had gambling charges coming down or he did have gambling charges. He had house [arrest]. He was having problems. And, John -- Salvatore Avena said we'll talk to our friends, meaning the Gambinos, they'll back you and everything's going to be okay. John said, well, you know, arrange a meeting. Set up what you have to set up. I'll do my homework. I'll check it out my way and you check it out your way. And, he says, and here I am, mob boss. He says and -- problems after problems. I never had no good luck. Headache after headache every day.

"

Early the following year Stanfa, Battaglia and twenty-two others were indicted on Federal racketeering charges.

By the time of indictment Battaglia, feeling betrayed by the Boss, had entered into a conspiracy with several Family Associates to have Stanfa murdered.

Both Stanfa and Battaglia were convicted at trial in November 1995; two months later Battaglia became a cooperating witness.

In July 1996 Stanfa was sentenced to five consecutive life terms and, as of May 2026, is incarcerated at FCI Danbury, Connecticut.

In September 1997 Battaglia was given a ten year sentence and fined $2,000.

Antonio Corallo (Lucchese)

Sep. 1935

Albany, New York PD mugshot of Future Lucchese Boss Antonio 'Tony Ducks' Corallo (1914-2000) following an arrest for consorting.

Born in East Harlem to parents from Paterno comune of Catania, Sicily, twenty-one-year-old Corallo was picked up by Narcotics Squad Detectives in the company of David Cohen and Joseph Stallon.

Arrest report noted: "[All] of these men were picked up at the corner of Madison Ave., and Fulton St., 9/28/35."

Two days later pleaded not guilty and remanded to the local jail.

On October 5 changed plea to guilty, given six month suspended sentence and ordered to leave town.

At the time of arrest Corallo, listing residence at 335 E 100th St in East Harlem, was using a Ford Coupe registered to John Gazzola of 312 E 105th.

John may have been the younger brother of Joseph 'Dogs' Gazzola (1904-1991) who, in July 1931, was shot and wounded while driving an auto with license plates registered to Corallo. When questioned by police Corallo claimed he had been swimming at the time of the shooting.

Corallo was an inducted member of the Lucchese Family by the 1950s and a Captain by the end of that decade.

He was demoted for a time in the mid-1960s before regaining the title.

In the mid-1970s he served as Acting Boss for the imprisoned Carmine 'Gribbs' Tramunti and was later elected official Boss following Tramunti's death in 1978.

Facing conviction in the Commission case, he voluntarily stepped down in the fall of 1986 and was replaced by Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso.

He died August 23, 2000 while serving his one-hundred year sentence, received as a result of that case, at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri.

More Lucchese Family posts can be found in the Index.

Maurice Longo (Genovese)

Maurice 'Chubby' Longo was a Brooklyn-based Genovese Soldier and a member of the Family's Generoso crew.

Nephew Nino Martini was murdered by the DeMeo crew in 1978.

Born September 18, 1929 in Brooklyn to Mariano (45y) and Maria Vernazzaro (39y). Father from Acuto comune of Frosinone, Lazio. Mother believed from Mainland Italy, possibly Lazio as well.

At the time of Maurice's birth the family resided at 95 North Oxford St in the Forte Greene neighborhood. Mariano worked as an electrician and later as a WPA laborer.

By April 1942 the family moved to 2122 W 9th St in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Father employed with Howard Clothes on Jay St.

By April 1950 family resided at 1359 63rd St in Dyker Heights. Father listed occupation as church sexton.

By 1958 formally inducted member of Genovese Family.

Nothing is yet available on Longo's early activities or crew alignment but he may have already been reporting to Vincenzo 'Jimmy Dimino' Generoso.

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 216 identified Genovese Family members.

The same year designated subject of FBI anti-racketeering investigation.

N. Marcone
Press

On September 25, 1972 among approximately 250 attendees of an Italian-American Civil Rights League meeting held at Hollywood Terrace in Bensonhurst. Others present included Colombo Associates Joseph Colombo Jr., Natale Marcone, 'Fat Cesare' Vitale and possibly Philip 'Chubby' Rossillo. NYPD advised FBI: "[His] unit covered the meeting from inside the premises [and said] a dais was set up and rows of chairs, auditorium fashion, to accommodate the audience...Nat Marcone, who was the primary spokesman, talked about $160,000 which was collected to pay off all monies owed in connection with Camp Unity and its purchase. Marcone also spoke about his arrest on bank fraud and stated this was another example of harassment strictly because he is Italian and connected with the [IACRL]." (The IACRL was spearheaded by Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, who was shot and disabled during the previous year's League-sponsored Italian Unity Day.)

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 190 identified Genovese Family members.

V. Generoso

That same month the FBI provided an outline of the Genovese Family hierarchy, naming Frank Tieri as the Boss and listing Vincenzo Generoso and thirteen other Captains. Identified Generoso crew members included John 'Buster' Ardito, Lawrence 'Larry Black' Centore, Tobia DeMicco, Maurice Longo, Nicholas Rattenni and Eugene 'Gene the Tailor' Uricola.

S. Scala

On January 16, 1974 Unsub (Former NYPD) provided the FBI's New York Office with background on the burglary crew headed by recently murdered Colombo Captain Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo:
"

[UM] working burglary matters currently employed as an investigator with Holmes Protective Service [advised] Dominick Scialo, a Captain in the Colombo LCN Family, is in charge of a large burglary crew responsible for probably every major safe job committed in the New York City area...He stated [NYPD] investigations had shown that Scialo's present burglary crew consists of two groups known as the 'Scala Group' aka 'The Avenue U Gang' and the '1717 Club Group'.

The 'Scala Group' was originally responsible to Chubby Longo, who may now be operating as a fence and shylock out of Jay's II Lounge on 86th Street in Brooklyn. This group consists of the following: 1. [Redacted]: He is considered the leader of the group and the primary safe expert. He was released from prison about three weeks ago after serving an approximate three year sentence. 2. Salvatore Scala: He is second in command. He owns a car service on Kings Highway near W 7th or 8th Street in Brooklyn. [Thirteen Additional Names].

"

Salvatore 'Fat Sally' Scala was by the mid-to-late 1970s part of a crew of Gambino Associates reporting directly to Underboss Aniello 'Neil' Dellacroce. Others in the crew included Edward Lino and Ciro Riccardi, who were likely among the thirteen redacted members of the 'Scala Group' named above.

Scala participated as a shooter in the December 16, 1985 murder of Gambino Boss Paul Castellano and was inducted early the following year by Castellano's successor John Gotti. He later reported to Captain Peter Gotti, John's older brother, and took over the crew when Peter succeeded his brother in the early 2000s. (Scala's associate Edward Lino was also a shooter in the Castellano murder and is believed to have been inducted along with Scala and others in the same 1986 ceremony. In November 1990 Lino was himself shot to death in an unsanctioned killing orchestrated by the Lucchese Family. Ciro Riccardi, who at least one source later described as a made member, was murdered in 1980.)

M. Generoso

By April 1974 Vincenzo Generoso had retired and was officially replaced by his son Michele.

Made members of Generoso's crew included Peter 'Patty Shark' Bivona, Dominick 'Buddy' Cappolla, Cosmo 'Collie' DiPietro, Salvatore Lauro, Ernest Lazzara, Maurice Longo and Eugene Uricola. (Federal reports from both before and after this time period instead place Lazzara with the LaPlaca crew in New Jersey.)

By 1975 resided at 1170 Ocean Parkway in Midwood, Brooklyn.

On January 14, 1976 FBI CI reported: "[Chubby] Longo is usually available at the Jays II Lounge, 86th Street and Stillwell Avenue, Monday through Friday nights. Informant also stated that Longo is active in installing pinball machines locally through the Eagle Vending Machine Company of Long Island."

A February 1974 report described Jays Lounge as 'a drop to collect usury payments' and a place used 'for sitdowns and arbitration between hoodlums'.

On February 13, 1976 FBI CI reported: "[The] word on the street is that Chubby Longo's friend, Jimmy DiBartolo aka Jimmy the Bart, a W/M, approximately 34y, 5'3" - 5'4", 160 lbs, black hair, [redacted], Staten Island, has disappeared. Informant has heard in approximately November or December 1975, Jimmy the Bart, who allegedly was a karate expert, worked over Joseph Colombo LCN [Redacted]. As a result, informant has heard [Redacted] DiBartolo 'whacked out'. Informant has also heard [Redacted] might know something about Jimmy DiBartolo's disappearance." (DiBartolo was another member of the Gravesend crowd that included Salvatore Scala, Edward Lino and others. His family is believed to have hailed from Caltagirone in Catania, Sicily.)

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.

Maurice Longo died February 7, 1978.

On February 9-10 waked at the Colombo-affiliated Prospero Funeral Home located at 2444 86th St in Bensonhurst.

Late the following month nephew Nino Martini (38y) and Michael 'Twipp' Mandelino (37y) were found shot to death in the trunk of a car left abandoned in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood. Victims, bound and wrapped in plastic, had each been shot multiple times in the head.

R. DeMeo (1981)

The murders were carried out by the Gambino Family's DeMeo crew as retaliation for the robbery of Peter LaFroscia. At the time Mandelino and possibly Martini were believed to be Associates in the Lucchese Family's Paul Vario crew.

In late January 1979 an FBI CI (Member Source?) identified Angelo Defendis as a Lucchese Soldier and noted: "Source claims Defendis used to be associated with the late Chubby Longo. Source advised Angelo Defendis was 'made' approximately one year ago in the Lucchese Family after being sponsored for membership by [Redacted; probably Lucchese Captain Chris Furnari]."

More Genovese Family posts can be found in the Index.

John Ferrara (St. Louis)

c. 1960s

John Ferrara was a member of the St. Louis Family who served as Consigliere during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Born Giovanni Ferrara on January 2, 1901 in Palazzo Adriano comune of Palermo, Sicily to Francesco and Concetta Canzoneri (42y).

In October 1920 arrived at Port of New York destined for St. Louis.

By April 1930 resided at 5213 Shaw Avenue in the city's Italian enclave dubbed The Hill. Owned cleaning business.

Dec. 1931

On December 23, 1931 filed Declaration of Intention in US District Court St. Louis.

On January 30, 1934 filed Petition for Naturalization in USDC St. Louis. Listed occupation as waiter. Witnesses were Leo B. Donnewald (Clerk) and William C. Groff (Mechanic).

Naturalized May 4 of that year.

By the summer owned tavern at 7201 Picadilly Ave in the Ellendale neighborhood.

On July 6 robbed at the tavern by two armed assailants. St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported: "Four customers and John Ferrara, the proprietor, were held up by two men. [The] robbers, carrying a revolver and a shotgun, searched only Ferrara, taking $140, two rings and a pin set with diamonds valued at $450." (The St. Louis Star and Times referred to Ferrara as 'part-owner' of the tavern.)

Around August 1934 married Rose SanFilippo (21y). Bride, from Casteltermini in Agrigento, daughter of St. Louis Member Calogero SanFilippo (1874-1942).

By April 1940 the couple and their two children were living at 5708 Walsh St in Princeton Heights, St. Louis. John listed occupation as tavern owner.

By February 1942 the Ferraras resided at 5405 Elizabeth Ave in The Hill. John listed employment with Westinghouse Electric Company headquartered at 1011 Spruce St in Downtown St. Louis.

By September 1944 he owned another tavern at 916 North Kingshighway in Fountain Park.

On September 16 he and a waitress were arrested by St. Louis PD for violating state liquor law (selling to minors.)

By March 1950 operated Sardo's Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge at 5243 Delmar Blvd in the Academy / Sherman Park section.

On March 8, at approximately 1:35 AM, he and employee James Vaccaro were abducted and robbed outside the restaurant. The St. Louis Star and Times reported: "[Pair] were crossing Delmar to Ferrara's car when the [two] bandits stopped them. Forcing their victims to sit on the floor in the rear of Ferrara's auto, the robbers drove them several blocks, stopped in an alley and robbed Ferrara of $130 and Vaccaro of $45. Then they drove off in Ferrara's machine." The assailants were suspected of then using Ferrara's auto to carry out a second robbery a few hours later at the Fairgrounds Hotel.

Likely a made member by the 1950s.

On January 10, 1962 FBI CI reported: "[The] number one don in the St. Louis area was John Ferrara who succeeded Pasquale Miceli on his death. Frank Pisciotta was named as number two don, and in the opinion of the informant, Anthony Giardano was closer to Ferrara and more powerful than John Joseph Vitale. [He] named Vincent Marchesi, aka Piggy Mac, a nephew of Pisciotta, as a close associate of this Italian element." (Former St. Louis Boss Pasquale Miceli [1895-1953] was from Burgio, Agrigento.)

By the time of the above report Ferrara was residing at 7369 Melrose Ave in the suburb of University City.

By 1963 the St. Louis Family hierarchy consisted of Boss Anthony Giardano and Underboss John Vitale. The Consigliere may have already been John Ferrara; more than one report describes him as an 'arbitrator'. Total membership numbered around 25.

By 1964 affiliated with Costa Grocery Wholesalers and Importers located at 1029 N 7th St in Columbus Square near the city's downtown. The company's former president Mariano Costa (1877-1956), who like Ferrara was from Palazzo Adriano, was a probable early Family member.

On March 4, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[He] had overheard a conversation between Patrick LoPiccolo, a close associate of John Joseph Vitale, and a hoodlum known only to [CI] as 'Turk'. [CI] advised that 'Turk' was closely associated with the Italian hoodlum element of both Kansas City, Missouri, and St. Louis, Missouri. LoPiccolo and 'Turk' were discussing the 'Family' and the 'Syndicate' in St. Louis. 'Turk' stated that in a recent conversation that he had had with Ralph Caleca that 'Turk' had commented that if 50 young Italians in St. Louis had to depend on Anthony Giardano, Ralph Caleca and Vitale for a living they would starve to death. 'Turk' said that St. Louis was the only city in the United States where you could kill off approximately five individuals and thereby eliminate the entire 'Family' syndicate."

A. Giardano (L), J. Vitale
FBN Mafia Book

Early the following month an informant reported of an attempt by Boss Anthony Giardano to threaten one Philip Catanzaro, business owner and associate of Underboss John Vitale in the city's Produce Row marketplace:
"

...Vitale told Catanzaro that the produce market was his and that he (Vitale) was taking the heat that was being passed out there and that if anybody was going to start anything on Produce Row and do any bombing it would be himself and not Tony Giardano. Vitale said that he had made a big mistake when he took Tony Giardano in and that Giardano was beginning to hurt them all over the country with his maneuvers. Vitale said that Giardano was taking action without consulting with him beforehand with others with whom he should discuss these things in advance. [CI] stated that Vitale had indicated to Catanzaro that the way they operated was to sit down and talk things over and decide in advance who was going to get what and how things were to be divided up, but in doing so you do not step on other Italian people.

[CI] said that as a result of this discussion between Vitale and Catanzaro, Vitale contacted Giovanni Ferrara [of] the Costa Grocery, and requested that Ferrara meet with him to resolve a problem. [CI] said that Vitale explained to Catanzaro that Ferrara and he together were the ones who decided what action Tony Giardano would or would not be able to take and that Giardano would not make the decisions but he and Ferrara would decide at a meeting what the fair decision would be.

[CI] stated that subsequently Ferrara and Vitale met at which time it was decided by them that Giardano was wrong in making the threats that he had made and that no harm would come to Catanzaro. [CI] said that it was his impression that Ferrara, Vitale, Giardano and Ralph Caleca were bound together by an organization stronger than their personal feelings toward each other; and that although Giardano was out of line and it was necessary to reprimand him, he was still one of their group.

"

On July 23, 1964 the FBI's St. Louis Field Office reported: "Investigation reflects that Giovanni Ferrara [who] is ostensibly a legitimate businessman, is higher up in the organization and an arbitrator for any disputes arising in St. Louis 'Family'."

On July 8, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Frank] Pisciotta as well as John Ferrara are members of the 'outfit' who were utilized to act as arbitrators." (Frank Pisciotta [1892-1990] was from Montelepre, Palermo.)

On June 14, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] said in the old days in St. Louis, when Pasquale Miceli was alive and head of the organization, the higher-ups in the Family in St. Louis met at the 'council table' at the Miceli Funeral Parlor where they decided on matters of policy...[CI] stated in those days the policy makers would be such individuals as Pasquale Miceli, Sam Viviano and others, many of whom are now deceased. Other policy makers were Joe Giardano and John Ferrara, both of whom are still residing in St. Louis." (Joseph Giardano [1900-1989] was Anthony's brother.)

On same date CI reported: "John Ferrara, known as 'Mr. John', is also a member of the St. Louis 'Family' who would appear to the general public to be a strictly legitimate businessman, but who is actually an 'arbitrator'. Ferrara would not be involved in criminal activities as such but would be called upon to give an opinion and arbitrate disputed matters rising within the organization. Ferrara has made a recent trip to Sicily in Italy."

On October 20, 1967 included in FBI's list of 12 identified St. Louis Family members. One suspected member listed.

Same date FBI reported: "Other persons close to Anthony Giardano, and who are considered highly placed members of this 'family', according to [three CIs] are: John Vitale, Joseph Giardano, Ralph Caleca, John Ferrara, Frank Pisciotta." (Joseph Giardano [1900-1989] was Anthony's brother.)

On August 26, 1968 included in FBI's list of 13 identified St. Louis Family members.

F. Bompensiero

In early December 1968 FBI CI and Los Angeles Soldier Frank Bompensiero visited Anthony Giardano in St. Louis in an attempt to secure a Teamsters loan. During the visit Giardano confided in Bompensiero that the St. Louis Family consisted of about 23 members and introduced him to several of them. He later reported: "...[On 12/6/68], the informant was introduced to another LCN member whom Tony [Giardano] indicated was their consigliere. Informant believed he was also named John but could not recall his last name."

On November 6, 1969 included in FBI's list of 15 identified St. Louis Family members. An additional two or three individuals listed as suspected members.

On November 21, 1972 FBI's New York Office reported:
"

St. Louis

Anthony Giardano continues as boss of this 'family'. He has held this position since his release from Federal custody in the early 1960's.

John Vitale remains underboss of the St. Louis 'family'. Vitale has been in poor health in recent years and has been confined to a hospital on several occasions.

Giovanni Ferrara is the Consiglieri of this 'family'.

"

Ferrara died January 14, 1976 and was waked the following day at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary in St. Louis Hills.

Buried in Resurrection Cemetery located in Affton, Missouri.

The Consigliere position remained vacant for at least a couple of years after his death.

More St. Louis Family posts can be found in the Index.

Peter Bivona (Genovese)

c. Mid-1960s

Peter 'Patty Shark' Bivona (also spelled Bevona) was a member of the Genovese Family based in Lower Manhattan.

Older brother Vincent 'Jimmy Blink' Bivona (1908-1982) was also a Genovese member.

Born Pietro Bivone on February 26, 1912 in Manhattan to Accursio (43y) and Mary Sclafani (28y). Family from Sciacca comune of Agrigento, Sicily.

Over the next couple of decades the family resided in the borough's Little Italy neighborhood, first at 85 Elizabeth St (1920) and then at 16 Spring St (1939). Accursio worked as a fish peddler.

On February 12, 1939 Peter married Frances Dabbico (23y) in Manhattan. Bride's parents from Licodia Eubea and Caltagirone comunes of Catania, Sicily.

F. Celano

Witnesses were Genovese Soldier Frank Celano (41y) and his wife Mary.

Born 1896 in Canna comune of Cosenza, Calabria, Celano resided at 86 Kenmare St in Little Italy, where he also ran a restaurant. In addition he owned an apple farm in Highland Falls, New York. His Captain at the time was probably Thomas 'Tommy Palmer' Greco.

By April 1940 Bivona and his wife were living at 65 2nd Ave in nearby East Village.

Peter owned a barber shop but within a couple of years he began selling jewelry in the Bowery neighborhood adjacent to Little Italy.

In April 1950 listed occupation as self-employed concession broker.

By 1958 Peter and his brother Vincent were both formally inducted members of the Genovese Family.

Their initial crew leader isn't known. Given the Sciacca heritage and Elizabeth Street roots, the brothers may have reported to Captain Vincenzo 'Jimmy Dimino' Generoso. (The Bivonas' paternal grandmother was a Dimino.)

By 1960 one or both of the brothers were possibly transferred to the recently promoted Frank Celano, who had previously witnessed Peter's marriage. Alternatively they may have been placed under Peter DeFeo, another recently appointed Captain whose crew was based in the neighborhood. (Little is known of Celano's crew and as noted below the Bivonas are later placed with DeFeo's regime. In addition Vincent was specifically identified by a member source in 1968 as a DeFeo crew member.)

On January 29, 1964 both Bivonas, under their nicknames, were included in the FBI's list of 23 recently identified Genovese members. (Some of those named were actually with other Families and at least one of those listed was not yet a member.)

On August 21, 1964 included in the FBI's list of identified Genovese members.

On October 20, 1967 the Bivonas were included in the FBI's list of suspected Gambino Family members. (This was not the only time Bivona was misidentified as a Gambino member.)

In September 1968 among 46 identified by FBI as suspected Genovese Family members. 209 listed as confirmed members.

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 216 identified Genovese Family members.

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 190 identified Genovese Family members.

P. DeFeo

That same month the FBI provided an outline of the Genovese Family hierarchy, naming Frank Tieri as the Boss and listing Peter DeFeo and thirteen other Captains. Identified DeFeo crew members included Peter Bivona, Vincent Bivona, Lorenzo 'Chappie' Brescio, Frank 'The Bug' Caruso, Cosmo 'Collie' DiPietro, George 'Flip' Filippone, Edward 'Eddie Buff' Lanzieri, Vincent 'Jimmy Jones' Potenza, Eli Zeccardi and Carmine 'Sonny Pinto' DiBiase. (Carmine DiBiase may not have been a member. Eli Zeccardi was by then the Family's Underboss, and a few of the others listed are typically identified with different crews in other reports, Bivona included.)

M. Generoso (1970s)

By April 1974 identified by FBI CI as Soldier under Genovese Captain Michele 'Mickey Dimino' Generoso, son of the aforementioned Vincenzo.

Made members of Generoso's crew included Peter Bivona, Dominick 'Buddy' Cappolla, Cosmo DiPietro, Salvatore Lauro, Ernest Lazzara, Maurice 'Chubby' Longo and Eugene 'Gene the Tailor' Uricola. (Federal reports from both before and after this time period instead place Lazzara with the LaPlaca crew in New Jersey.)

Possible crew members included Paul 'Paulie Lefty' Della Universita and Joseph 'Little Joey' Giammarino.

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.

In June 1979 included in the FBI's list of 177 identified Genovese Family members.

That same month the FBI provided a breakdown of the Genovese Family hierarchy, naming Frank Tieri as Boss, Anthony 'Fat Tony' Salerno as Underboss and John 'Buster' Ardito as Consigliere. Matthew 'Matty the Horse' Ianniello was listed as Acting Underboss. Listed Captains included Peter DeFeo. Those named as DeFeo crew members included Peter Bivona, Vincent Bivona, Lorenzo Brescio and Edward Lanzieri. (The chart was out of date in at least one aspect: Harry Lanza, listed as a Captain, died in late 1977.)

Included in June 1983 Senate Chart of Gambino Family membership. Address shown as 385 Grand St in Little Italy.

Peter Bivona died in late May 1985 and was buried in Saint John Cemetery located in Middle Village, Queens.

More Genovese Family posts can be found in the Index.