Update

F. Lastorino

New Posts:

1. Frank Lastorino (Lucchese) : Brooklyn-based Lucchese Captain in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Focused primarily on his crew members circa 1991.

2. Joseph Taglianetti (Bonanno) : Fairly obscure member inducted in the 1970s and later convicted of extortion and narcotics.

3. Robert Amuso (Lucchese) : Boss Vic Amuso's older brother and a Lucchese Captain during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Updated Posts:

1. Gravano-Conte Meeting (1990) (Gambino) : Added 1992 surveillance shot of Conte and Versaglio.

2. Joseph Abate (Lucchese) : Updated the list of Abate crew members circa 1979 to include Anthony 'Tony Chocolate' Consalvo. Added mention of Abate's 'safe' status during the late 1980s conflict and clarified his rank in the early 1980s with the following new info:

A. Accetturo

By August 1982 Anthony Accetturo served as Abate's Acting Captain.

Late that month crew member Joseph LaMorte was inducted into the Lucchese Family under Accetturo's sponsorship.

CW Alfonso D'Arco, who was made in the same ceremony and who subsequently rose to Acting Boss before defecting in 1991, later testified: "Joe LaMorte was sponsored by the Jersey faction, his Captain at that time was Anthony Accetturo [who was] an Acting Captain at that time...[The] old captain was Joe Abate, but Accetturo was doing all the running around. Joe was old."

By the mid-to-late 1980s Abate stepped down as Captain and was officially succeeded by Accetturo.

Full list of posts here.

Frank Lastorino (Lucchese)

Gang Land News

Breakdown of known members reporting to Lucchese Captain 'Big Frank' Lastorino by early 1991.

Born April 1939 to a family with roots in Santa Lucia del Mela comune of Messina, Sicily, and Rossano comune of Cosenza, Calabria, Lastorino grew up on E 87th St in Canarsie, Brooklyn and later moved to Howard Beach in Queens.

By the early 1980s he was known to associate with various local LCN figures, including members of the Gambino Family's DeMeo crew, and frequented DeMeo associate Richard Mastrangelo's R-Twice Collision located on Ralph Ave in the Flatlands neighborhood.

Suspected co-conspirator in January 1983 murder of the crew's leader, Gambino Soldier Roy DeMeo.

R. Amuso

By Spring 1987 formally inducted member of Lucchese Family and believed reporting to Captain Robert 'Bobby' Amuso.

Crew previously headed by Bobby's younger brother Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso, who was appointed Family Boss the previous Fall, and subsequently by Anthony 'Gaspipe' Casso, by that time named the Family's (Acting?) Consigliere.

Lastorino was involved, often as an active participant, in several murders carried out on behalf of Amuso and Casso during the mid-to-late 1980s and into the early 1990s:

1. James 'Jimmy' Hydell (Gambino Associate; 27y) (October 18, 1986) - Helped dispose of the body per CW Casso.
2. James Bishop (Lucchese Associate; 60y) (May 17, 1990) - On scene as blocker.
3. Bruno Facciolo (Lucchese Soldier; 53y) (August 24, 1990) - Personally stabbed Facciolo multiple times in the back before another participant finished victim off with gunshots to the head.
4. Laurence 'Larry' Taylor (Lucchese Associate; 31y) (February 5, 1991) - Co-conspirator; suggested his 'cousin', Associate Thomas 'Tommy Red' Anzeulotto, be used as a shooter.
5. Alfred 'Flounderhead' Visconti (Lucchese Associate; 51y) (March 26, 1991) - Co-conspirator.
6. Bartholomew 'Bobby' Borriello (Gambino Acting Captain; 46y) (April 13, 1991) - Identified as shooter.
7. Anthony Fava (Lucchese Associate / Architect; 37y) (April 13, 1991) - Suspected by CW D'Arco of having personally participated, as Fava was stabbed and, as D'Arco later agreed in court, 'Lastorino's way of killing was stabbing'.
8. Patrick Testa (Lucchese Soldier; 35y) (December 2, 1992) - Identified by CW Casso as the shooter.

By 1988 made members of Robert Amuso's crew believed included Frank Bellino, Peter Chiodo, Angelo Defendis, Nicola 'Nicky Edkins' DiCostanzo, Frank Lastorino, John Petrucelli and George 'Georgie Neck' Zappola.

By early 1989 Robert Amuso stepped back due to health and George Zappola was named the crew's Acting Captain. CW Alfonso D'Arco later testified: "[Bobby] had cancer and it was pretty serious...Vic removed him. He didn't remove him, he just gave him that nobody should bother him and Bobby was told to like take it easy. They appointed an Acting Captain in his place [meaning] George Zappola."

In March of that year Lastorino was promoted to Captain over a new crew believed to have consisted primarily of men who formerly reported to Amuso. Promotion announced at Family meeting held in Brooklyn residence of unspecified Lastorino relative.

Attendees included Boss Vittorio Amuso, Consigliere Anthony Casso, Captain Peter Chiodo, Captain Alfonso D'Arco and Soldier Michael Perna, a member of the New Jersey crew formerly headed by outlaw Anthony 'Tumac' Accetturo.

Several Accetturo crew members had refused to attend a meeting called by Amuso and Casso the previous December.

The situation was temporarily smoothed over at a subsequent meeting, where the Jersey crew was assigned to Alfonso D'Arco and Michael Perna was elected the crew's spokesman by the other members.

Perna was brought to the March 1989 meeting by Lastorino.

D'Arco, who became a Cooperating Witness in September 1991, later testified:
"

[Lastorino], some relative of his, he said, he got a safe house, and we assembled in the house. It was myself, Anthony Casso, Vic Amuso, Frank Lastorino and Petey Chiodo, and Michael Perna was brought in.

Again, [Mike Perna] didn't know where he was going, and he had made a complaint before that, that he didn't like the basement, but he came to the house anyway, and he was pretty shaken up that he was being brought into the house. He didn't know where he was at and whatnot, but he did show up.

...[Amuso and Casso] made Frank Lastorino a Captain. He wasn't a Captain up until that time and they made him a Captain, and then there was a conversation regarding [Jersey crew].

"

D'Arco also testified: "[Lastorino crew was in] Canarsie. It's another group there...[Peter] Chiodo was also a Captain, and he was down on a little different section of Brooklyn, like the McDonald Avenue section." At a later date D'Arco also referred to Lastorino's regime as the 'Utica Avenue' crew. (It appears that by 1989 the original 19th Hole crew under Chris 'Christy Tick' Furnari had been split three ways among Amuso, Lastorino and Chiodo.)

Lastorino and his crew would participate in the murder plots ordered against several Jersey crew members after they again fled a follow-up meeting called to introduce them to their new Captain, Peter Chiodo. (The murder contracts were still active at the time of D'Arco's defection in 1991.)

During his time as Captain, Lastorino took an active role in other murders ordered by the leadership (see above), and was also a co-conspirator in many additional murder plots that never came to fruition.

He was also responsible, along with fellow Captain Robert Amuso, for overseeing the Family's shylock bank.

J. DeFede

In October 1989 Joseph 'Little Joe' DeFede, an Associate direct with Vic Amuso, visited by Robert Amuso at The Liberty Lounge in Ozone Park. DeFede later testified: "[Vic] put me on what we call on his list, I was proposed, and I didn't know exactly when [until Bobby] called me to come down...[Bobby] told me to get dressed. This was on Saturday, to get dressed, on Monday somebody will pick you up, which they did, they dropped me off at a Canarsie restaurant, met a few other people there, in turn we went into Brooklyn."

DeFede was driven by Lucchese Associate James 'Jimmy' McCann to The Pier restaurant in Canarsie. From there he and others were taken to a residence on Farragut Rd where the ceremony occurred. (The house was owned by Lucchese Soldier Peter 'Rugsy' Vario's son-in-law, named by CW D'Arco as [FNU] Albanese. This may be Lucchese Associate Anthony 'Tony Shape' Albanese.)

Ceremony presided over by Boss Vic Amuso and Consigliere Anthony Casso.

Others present included Captains Robert Amuso, Salvatore Avellino, Anthony Baratta, Peter Chiodo, Alfonso D'Arco and Soldier John Conti.

Others inducted in addition to DeFede (55y) were Michael DeSantis (34y), Frank 'Frankie Pearl' Federico (61y), Richard Pagliarulo (40y) and Frank 'Frankie Bones' Papagni (32y).

D'Arco's debriefing on the ceremony states that DeFede and Papagni were assigned to the Amuso crew after induction.

During his court appearances DeFede made no mention of being in Amuso's crew and instead testified that he was placed with Frank Lastorino.

By mid-1990 several of Peter Chiodo's men were given to Lastorino after Chiodo fell into disfavor with the leadership.

By 1991 made members of Lastorino's crew included:

1.) George 'Goggles / Little Georgie' Conte

G. Conte
Gang Land News

Born 1960 in Manhattan, Conte was an Associate of the Genovese Family on-record with Possible Captain Dominick 'Swaggy' Carlucci by the early 1980s.

Around late 1986 several of Carlucci's associates, including Conte, were transferred to the Lucchese Family. Lucchese Soldier turned CW Frank Gioia Jr. later testified: "[The] Genovese Crime Family had their books closed for so many years. When I say their books closed, their books have to be open for them to take in new members, [the] Genovese Family were not making any new guys for about 15 years, Luccheses were, we had a brand new Boss [meaning Amuso], Underboss, and Swaggy transferred those guys over so they could become made members."

Inducted with five others around August-September 1988.

Alfonso D'Arco's debriefing report states that Conte and three other inductees were all assigned to the Robert Amuso crew.

By mid-to-late 1990 Conte was reporting to Lastorino. D'Arco: "[At that time Conte] was a member of the Family and he was with Lastorino but he did a lot of things for [Underboss] Anthony Casso."

As part of Lastorino's crew Conte participated in the May 1990 murder of Lucchese Associate James Bishop and the attempt on Captain Peter Chiodo's life the following year. (Chiodo, shot a dozen times, survived and began cooperating with the government.)

Appointed Acting Captain for George Zappola following the October 2, 1991 induction ceremony.

(The exact succession from Lastorino to the Zappola and Pagliarulo crews isn't clear; Conte and a few others, possibly including Zappola as well, are believed to have been taken out of Lastorino's regime and made part of a newly formed crew.)

Zappola and Conte were both later demoted and shelved for their suspected involvement in a plot against the Amusos; Conte was then convicted of Federal racketeering charges and released from prison in March 2014.

2.) Joseph 'Joe D. / Little Joe' DeFede

J. DeFede
Gang Land News

Born February 1934 in Brooklyn, DeFede started out as an Associate with the Colombo Family before being released to the Luccheses around the summer of 1988.

Initially reported direct to Boss Vic Amuso, who sponsored him for membership in October 1989.

Following induction assigned to the Lastorino crew.

After the defections and first wave of indictments, the now-imprisoned Amuso promoted DeFede to Captain in October 1993, then named him Acting Boss the following April.

He served in that position over the next five years until his demotion in September 1999 while serving time for extortion.

Two years later, nearing release and fearing for his life, DeFede voluntarily reached out and began cooperating with the government.

Died November 2012.

Full bio here.

3.) Angelo Defendis (1932-2014)

Gang Land News

Born September 1932 in Brooklyn to a father from Bisceglie comune of Bari, Puglia, Defendis was inducted into the Lucchese Family around 1978 through the sponsorship of Captain Chris Furnari, the 19th Hole's crew leader prior to Vic Amuso.

Identified as a member of Lastorino's crew around the time of Joseph DeFede's induction in October 1989.

Over the next couple of years Defendis operated a bar-restaurant and participated in at least two assaults on behalf of the Family.

In February 1995 he pleaded guilty, along with Acting Captain Nicola DiCostanzo, to Federal extortion charges.

He was released in early 2008 and died in the summer of 2014.

4.) Michael DeSantis

M. DeSantis
Gang Land News

Born 1954 in Brooklyn, DeSantis was sponsored for membership in October 1989 by Captain Peter Chiodo.

He had by then participated in multiple murders, assaults and attempted murders with Chiodo.

After falling into disfavor with the Family leadership, Chiodo lost several of his men including DeSantis, whom CW D'Arco named as a Lastorino crew member by September 1990.

D'Arco named on-record Associates of DeSantis as including Gabe Lombardo.

Around that time DeSantis and others acted as armed guards at a meeting between D'Arco and Gambino Underboss Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano. D'Arco, who noted that DeSantis was armed with an Uzi, later testified: "[I] believed at that time that Sammy Gravano was going to make a move on me and we were to protect ourself, and if it meant killing Sammy Gravano, so be it." (D'Arco flipped in 1991; two months later Gravano followed suit, becoming the first made member of the Gambino Family to cooperate.)

As a member of Lastorino's crew DeSantis operated the Concept body shop located on McDonald Ave in Brooklyn.

Visited at the shop by Alfonso D'Arco around June of 1991, DeSantis confided in the now-Acting Boss that, in the wake of Peter Chiodo's defection, plans were underway to move the body of Former Associate John 'Sonny' Morrissey, murdered by members of Chiodo's crew in September 1989.

The 'weird' behavior of DeSantis, his crew leader Frank Lastorino and others at a ruling panel meeting that September convinced D'Arco that he was to be murdered. D'Arco fled the meeting and within days became the second made member of the Lucchese Family to defect.

Indicted on Federal racketeering charges in October 1992, DeSantis pleaded guilty and was released from Federal prison in June 2010.

Gang Land News named him as the Family's Acting Boss by the middle of that decade.

5.) Nicola 'Nicky Edkins' DiCostanzo (1936-2007)

N. DiCostanzo

Born July 1936 in South Brooklyn to parents from Barano d'Ischia comune of Naples, Campania, DiCostanzo was inducted into the Lucchese Family in the late 1970s and reported to Chris Furnari.

Identified as a member of Lastorino's crew around the time of Joseph DeFede's induction in October 1989.

At the time DiCostanzo was residing in Dongan Hills, Staten Island and operated Edkins Auto Scrap located a few miles north in Port Richmond.

Named the crew's Acting Captain after Richard Pagliarulo's indictment in October 1992.

As Acting Captain DiCostanzo authorized the murder of 'Louie the Albanian' LNU after Louie pulled a pistol on Joseph DeFede during an argument. DeFede and two Unsubs were assigned by DiCostanzo to search Astoria, Queens but the victim was unable to be located.

In February 1995 pleaded guilty, along with crew member Angelo Defendis, to Federal extortion charges.

Sentenced that December to twenty-seven months, he was released in March 1998 and resumed involvement in Family activity.

Died August 21, 2007.

6.) 'Fat Frankie' Giacobbe (1957-2021)

F. Giacobbe (Dec. 1992)

Born September 1957 in Brooklyn, Giacobbe was an Associate of the 19th Hole crew by the late 1980s.

He was inducted under Anthony Casso's sponsorship in March 1991 and, according to the D'Arco debriefing report, assigned to Lastorino.

D'Arco: "George Zappola claimed Frank Jacoby had done a lot of work, meaning a lot of murders for Mr. Amuso and Mr. Casso, and that he was to be used in the [May 1991] shooting of Chiodo."

During this time involved in extortion and the vending machine business in both Staten Island and Manhattan.

In 1994 convicted of robbery and grand larceny and spent the next six years in New York State prison.

Also served a Federal prison sentence, being released in December 2008.

Died May 6, 2021.

7.) Butch LNU

No information on this individual except that he was named by DeFede as a Lastorino crew member, along with his father (below).

8.) Degar (ph) LNU

Father of Lastorino crew member Butch LNU; described by DeFede as '80-some odd years old'.

9.) Richard Pagliarulo (1949-1999)

R. Pagliarulo
Gang Land News

Born November 1948 in Brooklyn to a father whose family originated in Giffoni Valle Piana comune of Salerno, Campania, Pagliarulo was another Genovese Associate released to the Lucchese Family around late 1986.

Like Michael DeSantis, Pagliarulo was sponsored for membership by Captain Peter Chiodo in October 1989.

Also like DeSantis, Pagliarulo had by then been involved in several acts of violence, including at least three murders, as part of Chiodo's crew.

After falling into disfavor with the Family leadership, Chiodo lost several of his men including Pagliarulo, whom CW D'Arco named as a Lastorino crew member by September 1990.

As a member of the crew Pagliarulo gave out shylock loans and operated the Cafe Sicilia in Bensonhurst.

On-record Associate Corrado 'Dino' Marino owned the La Gondola coffee shop in the same neighborhood.

Participant with George Conte and others in the May 1991 shooting of former crew leader Peter Chiodo.

Identified as Lastorino's Acting Captain by July 1991.

Late that month the residence belonging to Pagliarulo's girlfriend was used for the Lucchese Family meeting where fugitive Boss Vic Amuso abolished the acting admin positions and reinstated a ruling panel. (A previous version of the panel had been tried for a time around 1989-1990.)

After Alfonso D'Arco was removed as Acting Boss and placed on the ruling panel, his control of murdered Lucchese Captain Michael Salerno's considerable loanshark book was given to fellow panel member Lastorino, who tasked Pagliarulo with handling the operation.

Within a couple of months Pagliarulo also replaced Former Captain Dominic Truscello as head of the Family's construction panel.

Both Lastorino and Pagliarulo are believed to have participated in the September 15, 1991 murder of architect Anthony Fava.

Promoted to official Captain at the October 2, 1991 induction ceremony.

One year later hit with Federal racketeering charges and opted for trial as the indictment's lone holdout.

Witnesses included former Associate Corrado Marino, who testified that his cooperation came about because he feared that Pagliarulo and others were planning to kill him.

Convicted and sentenced to life, Pagliarulo died behind bars in January 1999.

Buried in Green-Wood Cemetery located in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn.

10.) Anthony 'Blue Eyes' Santorelli

A. Santorelli

Born 1946 in Manhattan to a father whose family came to the US from Cava de' Tirreni in Salerno, Campania, Santorelli was a made member by the mid-to-late 1980s.

Likely reporting to Captain Samuel 'Sammy Bones' Castaldi during that time.

By the early 1990s transferred to the Lastorino crew in Brooklyn. CW Joseph DeFede later testified: "They had problems. [Santorelli] had problems in the Bronx. So Vic Amuso felt it was better that he will move them over to Brooklyn. This is done a long time [prior to 1995]."

DeFede made Santorelli an Acting Captain in the mid-1990s. (Not clear if over the old Lastorino crew or one of the Bronx-Westchester groups.)

11.) Patrick 'Patty' Testa (1957-1992)

P. Testa

Born March 1957 in Brooklyn, Testa and his brother Joseph were former Associates in the Gambino Family's DeMeo crew.

Following DeMeo's murder in 1983, the brothers were released and put on-record with the Lucchese Family's 19th Hole crew.

Patrick was extremely close to Vic Amuso and, when Amuso became a fugitive in May 1990, served as the Boss's primary messenger and intermediary with other Family members.

He was inducted under Amuso's sponsorship in March 1991 and assigned to Lastorino.

As a member of Lastorino's crew, Testa continued operation of the successful Patty Testa Motor Car Service located on E 89th St in Canarsie.

On more than one occasion Testa used the business to provide or dispose of hit cars.

In early December 1992 a gunman entered the car service's garage and opened fire, killing Testa with nine shots to the head and body.

Former Underboss Anthony Casso, who began providing information in early 1994, confessed to ordering the murder and named Frank Lastorino himself as the shooter.

Murder carried out without imprisoned Boss Vic Amuso's authorization. CW Frank Gioia Jr. later testified: "[There] was a lot of sneaks that were done in the Family, like Patty Testa. You know, people were getting killed without permission. Things were going on, you know...Guys were getting killed in the Family with no permission from anybody. We didn't know where it was coming from. Patty Testa was one of them [and] we were surprised to see Patty get clipped. Like, for what? Nobody knew what was happening." (Casso and Lastorino were both shelved after they were recorded plotting against Amuso's leadership.)

Possible Lastorino crew members included:

1.) Frank 'Frankie Bones' Papagni

F. Papagni
Gang Land News

Born 1957 in Brooklyn to father believed from Bisceglie in Bari, Puglia (same town as 19th Hole crew member Angelo Defendis), Papagni was another of Possible Genovese Captain Dominick Carlucci's men released to the Lucchese Family around late 1986.

Inducted in October 1989 and, according to D'Arco's debriefing report, assigned to Robert Amuso.

Papagni may have been among the Amuso crew members transferred to Lastorino by the early 1990s.

As of October 1991 he was assigned to Captain George Zappola; at least one other Zappola crew member, George Conte, was formerly under Amuso and then Lastorino.

Convicted as a result of the widespread Lucchese indictments of the early-to-mid 1990s, Papagni was released from Federal prison in November 2015.

2-3.) Anthony Senter and Joseph Testa (1955-2026)

L to R: J. Testa, A. Senter, F. Lastorino

Formerly two of the DeMeo crew's core members, Senter and Testa were released to the Lucchese Family sometime after DeMeo's murder.

Both were inducted around August-September 1988 and reported to Robert Amuso.

They may have been among the ailing Amuso's crew members who were re-assigned to Frank Lastorino following the latter's promotion in March 1989.

Both were sentenced to life imprisonment a few months after Lastorino was made a Captain.

4.) Joseph 'Jo Jo' Truncale

1990s

Born January 1931, Truncale was another of the Genovese Associates released to the Luccheses around late 1986.

Made under Vic Amuso's sponsorship in the August-September 1988 ceremony and reported to Vic's brother Robert.

He may have been another of those taken from the Amuso crew and placed with Lastorino. By 2001 he was named as a Soldier under Anthony Santorelli, who previously reported to Lastorino and was made an Acting Captain, possibly of that same crew, in the mid-1990s.

July 1991 - 2000s

In July 1991 Boss Vic Amuso removed Captains Alfonso D'Arco, Anthony 'Bowat' Baratta and Steven Crea from their Acting Admin positions and instated a ruling panel in their place. Panel members were D'Arco, Baratta, Captain Salvatore Avellino and Captain Frank Lastorino.

By this time Peter Chiodo, recovering from his gunshot wounds, had become a Cooperating Witness.

Alfonso D'Arco, suspecting a plot against his life, went to the government that September.

The following month Lastorino was present for the ceremony where five new members formally inducted, including Gregory 'Whitey' Cappello (1958-1997) and Frank Gioia Jr.

At this point it appears that some or all of Lastorino's crew was split up.

Gioia Jr., who became a cooperating witness in 1994, later testified that following the inductions George Conte was named Acting Captain for fugitive George Zappola; Conte, at least, was a former Lastorino crew member.

Gioia also stated that Richard Pagliarulo, who had been taken from Chiodo and assigned to Lastorino by late 1990, was announced as an official Captain.

Lastorino crew member Joseph DeFede, who served as Acting Boss during the mid-to-late 1990s before becoming a cooperator himself, later made statements in court implying that Pagliarulo took over Lastorino's crew.

DeFede: "[Around October 1991] I went up to one of [Pagliarulo's] restaurants to have lunch and he was there, few people there, he got me off to the side, he introduced me to another inductee, Whitey Cappello. He said, Joe, amica nostra [means] Our friends. He introduced me [then Cappello] says Richie Pagliarulo is my captain. Richie told me, I am your captain too, which I didn't know."

During follow-up questioning, DeFede was specifically asked about the subject and gave the following clarification:
"

Q: You were transferred to another crew in 1991 or '92, is that right?

A: No, sir. I stayed in that crew up until '93.

Q: But didn't there come a time in '91 or '92 when you told the authorities you were transferred into a crew headed by a man by the name of Pagarulli?

A: No, sir. He was still the same crew. He just took over as Capo.

Q: You said same crew, but there was a new Captain?

A: Yes.

Q: And there came somebody by the name of DeConstanzo who became the Captain?

A: Acting Captain.

Q: In the same crew?

A: Same crew.

"

(It's possible Lastorino was promoted to Acting Consigliere and his crew given to Pagliarulo, although Gioia specifically identifies him as being part of the ruling panel at the time of the October 1991 ceremony; there are other examples of panel members mistakenly being labeled as administration members.)

Lastorino served as Best Man when Pagliarulo married in April 1992.

Like many others, he was caught up in the indictments issued in the wake of Chiodo and D'Arco's defections.

He pleaded guilty to multiple racketeering counts and on September 16, 1994 was sentenced to eighteen years imprisonment, twenty-one years supervised release and ordered to pay a special assessment of $550.

Prior to entering his guilty plea, Lastorino was set to stand trial with Richard Pagliarulo, who, as noted above, was convicted and died while serving his life sentence.

A few months before pleading guilty, Lastorino and Former Underboss Anthony Casso were shelved on the orders of imprisoned Boss Vic Amuso after it was discovered that the pair were plotting against Vic's brother Robert and Associate Oscar Ansourian.

2000s

According to Lucchese Member turned CW John Pennisi, Lastorino remained shelved after his release from prison in 2008 until at least the mid-to-late 2010s.

He died 2022 and was waked from the Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

More Lucchese Family posts can be found in the Index.

Joseph Taglianetti (Bonanno)

2000s

Joseph 'Joe Curly' Taglianetti was a Bonanno Soldier active in Brooklyn, Staten Island and South Florida.

Inducted in the late 1970s, he was referred to in multiple sources as a suspected narcotics dealer in the years leading up to his 1992 conviction for heroin possession.

Born May 19, 1933 in New York to Pietro (33y), a macaroni maker, and Giuseppina 'Josie' DiBiase (24y). Parents from Campagna and Sessa Cilento comunes of Salerno, Campania.

At the time of Joseph's birth the family was believed to be living at 382 Broome St in Manhattan's Little Italy.

Within a couple of years they moved to Brooklyn, residing at multiple addresses on 80th and then 79th St in the Bensonhurst neighborhood.

In 1953 married first wife.

On October 29, 1958, at approximately 10:00 AM, Taglianetti and fellow Bensonhurst resident Anthony Soldano (30y) were arrested while attempting to rob the Carolina Garment Company located at 1406 65th St. New York Daily News reported: "[They] had grabbed the $5,159 payroll [in] front of the building Wednesday morning and told Anthony Cintorino, 32, carrying the money from a bank, to count to 30 while they made their getaway. Cintorino had hardly got through the count when Tony and Joe were pinched by the alert radio cops." Pair, charged with assault and robbery, arraigned before Brooklyn Felony Court Magistrate Louis Wallach and held on $25,000 bail each pending hearing scheduled for November 10. Taglianetti pleaded guilty to final charge robbery 2nd degree and sentenced to seven-and-one-half to fifteen years NYS prison.

On June 17, 1959 received at Sing Sing Prison.

Released by October 1967, when arrested by NYPD on unspecified charge.

On April 2, 1971 among twenty-seven indicted by US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York on Federal gambling charges.

Co-defendants included:

- Joseph Colombo (Colombo Boss)

- Gaetano 'Tommy Scar' Amato (Genovese Soldier)
- Michael Savino (Colombo Soldier)

- Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca (Colombo Associate)
- John Coiro (Colombo Associate)
- Pasquale 'Patty Box-Cars' Cosoleto (Bonanno Associate)
- Joseph 'Joe Notch' Iannaci (Colombo Associate)
- Anthony 'Pee Wee' Lanza (Genovese Associate)
- Joseph 'Sonny' Juliano (Gambino Associate)
- Nicholas Mainello (Colombo Associate)
- Thomas Spero Jr. (Colombo Associate)

Group specifically accused of participation in bookmaking, numbers and sports betting operation conducted from social club in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. Arrests described as first 'major result' of 1970 Organized Crime Control Act signed into law previous October.

Taglianetti subsequently convicted and on March 8, 1974 sentenced to two years Federal imprisonment; arrest record noted he was to serve six months with eighteen months probation.

One week later received at FCI Danbury, Connecticut.

Released by early 1975 when he divorced his first wife.

On May 17, 1975 body of Frank Leonard (30y), wrapped in canvas, recovered from drainage ditch in South Dade, Florida. Determined victim, exhibiting multiple gunshot wounds, in water for two or three days. Taglianetti later named as suspected participant.

In August 1977 described in DEA file as reported drug trafficker.

This entry might have been related to news of Taglianetti's induction into the Bonanno Family; he was a confirmed member by 1979.

On May 9 of that year among ten indicted by USAO Atlanta, Georgia on conspiracy charges re interstate transport of stolen property and violating firearms laws. Others indicted included Bonanno (Colombo?) Associate Michael 'Mikey Head' Gulemmo (1928-2001).

The Associated Press reported: "In one of the counts, all the defendants were charged with receiving and selling stolen goods worth at least $5,000 and transporting stolen goods from Georgia to Florida and New York. The indictment, in another count, describes a firearms operation which allegedly involved transferring, trading, selling and giving stolen firearms from Riverdale, Ga., to a Florida man, John Charles Piazza. Piazza, a convicted cocaine dealer who has been cooperating with authorities, was not indicted...The remaining charges in the indictment deal with the defendants' alleged actions in completing the sale of firearms, including shotguns, revolvers, rifles and one automatic rifle."

Taglianetti released on bond and spent the next several months as a fugitive.

In June 1979 included in the FBI's list of 123 identified Bonanno Family members.

On February 7, 1980 apprehended on ITSP - firearm conspiracy charges.

Most of his co-defendants had been acquitted the previous July.

In early March 1980 married second wife.

On July 30, 1980 convicted of ITSP conspiracy in US District Court Atlanta. Universal Press International later reported: "Testimony during his trial revealed that Taglianetti and others associated with the Bonanno Family came to Atlanta in January 1975 to purchase what they believed was going to be $300,000 worth of stolen jewelry for shipment back to New York City. According to testimony, the purchase price was between $50,000 and $60,000. But the reputed deal never went through and witnesses testified during the trial that the proposed sale of the stolen jewelry was an apparent 'ripoff' attempt. Taglianetti was arrested last year."

On September 4, 1980 sentenced by USAO Atlanta Judge Marvin Shoob to five years Federal imprisonment and remanded without appeal bond. United Press International reported: "Shoob said, 'I think the man is a danger to the community and I order him committed immediately.'...Judge Shoob, citing a confidential pre-sentencing report on the convicted man, said Taglianetti was suspected of being involved in the murder of another organized-crime figure, Frank Leonard of Homestead, Fla., and drug smuggling."

It was noted that during the trial FBI Agent Douglas Fencl and NYPD Detective Kenneth McCabe provided testimony on Taglianetti's known association with both Bonanno and Colombo members.

Same day of sentencing received at USP Atlanta. Volunteered for assignment as orderly in Food Services Department (dining room table upkeep).

Later that month USP Atlanta staff filed an In-Transit Information report concerning Taglianetti's upcoming trip to New York to attend his father's funeral: "Serious prior history since early age. Is connected closely with organized crime. Jumped bond for over six months on instant case."

Early the following month staff compiled Classification Study on Taglianetti:
"

According to the official report, Taglianetti was involved in a 7-man conspiracy to sell stolen jewelry from a hold-up on January 7, 1975, which netted an estimated $30,000.00 in diamonds and jewelry. The official report reflects that six co-defendants all received a direct verdict of acquittal [in late July] 1979.

Mr. Taglianetti incurred his first adult conviction in [10/58], when he was sentenced to 7 1/2 - 15 years for Unarmed Robbery. He has also been arrested and convicted for Robbery and Gambling. As a juvenile, he was summoned before the Children's Court for Being a Delinquent Child, for which he received probation. Mr. Taglianetti is currently under investigation in the State of Florida and law enforcement authorities in that State indicated he is to be indicted for Murder.

"

T. Farese

On December 4, 1980 The Miami Herald reported on trial of Colombo Soldier Thomas Farese: "By the third day of the drug-conspiracy trial, [lawyers] and witnesses have said: Farese has put out a 'contract' on chief prosecution witness John Charles Piazza, who ordered 'hits' on one-time associates Rhett Zambito and Charles Keck. And drug dealers Patty Tammary and Joe (Curley) Taglianetti threatened to kill Piazza after murdering Piazza's partner [Frank Leonard]."

On December 23, 1980 transferred to USP Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

During his time at the facility Taglianetti was assigned to the Clothing Issue Department, where he sorted shoes, and later to the Arts and Crafts Department as an orderly.

Divorced second wife in April 1981.

Around November 23, 1983 released from USP Lewisburg.

Following his release he may have been assigned to the crew of Bonanno Captain Gabriel 'Gabe' Infanti (1935-1987).

G. Infanti

Infanti, who used a travel agency located on E 4th St in Manhattan's East Village as headquarters, supervised a large crew consisting of members from across the city as well as New Jersey and South Florida.

A. Spero

Alternatively, Taglianetti might have been reporting to Anthony Spero, whose crew members included brothers Gerald 'Jerry' Chilli and Joseph 'Junior' Chilli.

In August 1986 DEA flagged Taglianetti in the Treasury Enforcement Communications System (TECS) database. Later report summarized: "[Taglianetti] may smuggle cocaine or heroin into U.S. from on body or in luggage."

Captain Gabriel Infanti disappeared December 17, 1987 in a Family-ordered murder.

In early February 1988 FBI CI reported: "Source noted that he has recently heard rumors to the effect that 'Joe Curly' (TN unknown), who was reportedly in trouble with the Bonanno Family, is now believed to be dead. Source advised 'Joe Curly', Bonanno Captain Gabe Infanti, who is currently missing, and [Redacted] were all closely associated and frequently were in on the same deals, including narcotics trafficking."

A. Persico
New York Daily News

On September 13-14, 1989 wake for Colombo Consigliere Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico held at Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home on 86th St. Attendees included Gambino Boss John Gotti, Colombo Acting Boss Vic Orena, Colombo Acting Underboss William Cutolo, Gambino Consigliere Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano, Lucchese Consigliere Anthony 'Gaspipe' Casso, Bonanno Consigliere Anthony Spero as well as several Captains and dozens of Soldiers from the various Families including Joseph Taglianetti.

By early 1990s resided in Staten Island.

J. Tartaglione
Gang Land News

By 1991 reported to Captain James 'Big Lou' Tartaglione.

Tartaglione, promoted to Captain through the influence of imprisoned Underboss Joseph Massino, inherited men from various former crews including Infanti's.

By 1991 made members of Tartaglione's crew included Frank Coppa (Acting Captain), Salvatore 'Sally Paintglass' D'Ottavio, Alfred 'Al Walker' Embarrato, Ronald Lorenzo, Salvatore 'Chubby' Maiorino, Richard 'Junkyard Richie' Musumeci, John Palazzolo, Anthony Rabito, Salvatore 'Sally Bross' Scudiero, Joseph Taglianetti and Charles 'Crazy Charlie' Travella.

Associates of interest included Generoso 'Jimmy General' Barbieri, Ronald 'Ronnie Mazzarella' Carlucci, Vincenzo D'Antoni, Bari Mascitti and Armando 'Mondo' Rea. All were inducted within a few years, with Barbieri serving as Tartaglione's Acting Captain during the latter half of the 1990s.

B. Borriello

On April 15-16, 1991 wake for Gambino Acting Captain Bartholomew 'Bobby' Borriello held at Raccuglia Funeral Home in South Brooklyn. Bonanno Family attendees included Consigliere Anthony Spero, Captain James Tartaglione and a few of his crew members including Joseph Taglianetti. Taglianetti was photographed at the wake in the company of Spero and Captain Salvatore Vitale.

P. Rastelli (1991)

On June 25-27, 1991 wake for Bonanno Boss Philip 'Rusty' Rastelli held at Papavero Funeral Home in Maspeth, Queens. Majority of active Bonanno membership attended, along with representatives from other NY Families.

Tartaglione, Taglianetti and several other crew members were present, as was Associate Michael Gulemmo, one of Taglianetti's co-defendants in the 1979 Atlanta case.

On September 16, 1991 FBI surveillance conducted on Grand Avenue Social Club in Maspeth. Many Bonanno members and associates present included Captain James Tartaglione along with several of his crew, including Soldiers Generoso Barbieri, Vincenzo D'Antoni, Salvatore Maiorino, John Palazzolo, Anthony Rabito and Joseph Taglianetti.

G. Amato (L) and S. Lombardi
Lombardi: Gang Land News

On the morning of December 3, 1991 Genovese Soldier Gaetano 'Tommy Scar' Amato (78y) fatally shot at social club located on McDonald Ave in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Colombo Associate Joseph Tolino (38y) wounded. Club operated by Tolino's uncle, Colombo Captain Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio.

Same day FBI wiretap recorded Amato's Captain, Salvatore 'Sally Dogs' Lombardi, placing multiple phone calls, including one to Joseph Taglianetti:
"

Lombardi: They just shot somebody I know very good. By accident, it has to be. Would you believe ... just told me they just shot Tommy Scar?

Taglianetti: Get the hell outta. It had to be by accident.

Lombardi: Of course it's by accident. ... They shot him by where, where Funzi's club is on McDonald Avenue...

Taglianetti: Is he in the hospital?

Lombardi: Eh, he's laying in the ... street. I don't know. In the street. In the club? How do I know? I just walked in the door, I got a call.

Taglianetti: Oh my God. These dumb...

Lombardi: I mean if they did something like this, that's a ... disgrace.

Taglianetti: I'm worried about Scar. The ... The way he gets, all he needs is ... to be shot. He's old.

Lombardi: I'm gonna try to get a report.

"

Confirmation of Amato's death received during a call Lombardi then placed to a luncheonette located across from the club.

Soon determined murder result of intra-Family Colombo war, and that the intended target was Joseph Tolino and possibly other Orena faction supporters.

About a week later an FBI informant reported that the Persico faction apologized to the Genovese Family, who responded that 'it was regrettable about Amato,' but there would be no retaliation as 'he should have known better' than to be at a Colombo location. (Joseph Tolino was again present when Persico gunmen returned to McDonald Ave the following month and killed his uncle, Orena faction leader Nicholas Grancio.)

On February 27, 1992 FBI Agents raided Grand Avenue Social Club in Maspeth.

Those present during raid included:

Louis Restivo (Bonanno Captain)
James Tartaglione (Captain)
Salvatore Vitale (Captain)

Michael 'Mickey Bat' Cardello (Acting Captain)

Joseph 'Joe Saunders' Cammarano (Captain?)

Joseph 'Joe Desi' DeSimone (Captain?)

Joseph Cammarano Jr. (Soldier)
John Cerasani (Soldier)
Francesco 'Cheech' Navarra (Soldier)
Joseph Taglianetti (Soldier)
Anthony 'Tony Green' Urso (Soldier)

Joseph Bonanno (Member?) (Not to be confused with the former Boss of the same name, this individual was an inducted member by the 2000s and defected in 2007.)

John Licata (Associate)
Joseph Marsala (Associate)

Evidence seized included cash and personal address books from those present as well as various gambling and loansharking records.

On June 9, 1992 Taglianetti was arrested by the NYPD's 5th Precinct in Manhattan on charges of conspiracy, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal sale of a controlled substance. Specifically accused of possessing 4.4 pounds of heroin.

On June 18 pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to final charge CPCS 2nd degree.

On July 10 sentenced by Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder to seventy-five months to life.

Taglianetti's conviction was tied to the June 24 indictment of several LCN members and associates connected with the New York Post, including fellow Tartaglione crew member Alfred Embarrato. New York Daily News reported: "[Taglianetti] played an important role in a mob drug ring that imported heroin for Europe for distribution here."

On July 28 received at Downstate Correctional Facility to begin serving sentence.

Five days earlier one Richard Taglianetti (32y) was killed by automatic gunfire outside his apartment building in New Springville, Staten Island. Murder carried out by Lucchese members in retaliation for, among other transgressions, Taglianetti's involvement in the 1983 murder of Lucchese Soldier Angelo Defendis's son.

Victim possibly related to Joseph Taglianetti, as both of their families originated in Campagna and followed a similar trajectory from Broome St in Little Italy to Bensonhurst and later Staten Island.

CW Frank Gioia Jr., Lucchese Soldier and a co-conspirator in the murder who defected in 1994, later testified: "...Gaspipe [Casso] thought it would be a good idea if we went to [Richard's] wake to basically make a mockery out of his death, so we all got [dressed] up, wore flowers, walked into his wake...We visited his relatives at one time. He had a cousin that we heard was peeping around, trying to locate Taglianetti before we killed him. We went to his house to send his family a message to tell them if they had a problem, they had a problem with the whole Family, knocked on their door, went there with about ten guys." (Joseph may be the cousin being referred to.)

F. Pastore

Joseph was paroled by summer 2001, when he became involved with Bonanno Associate 'Big Frank' Pastore (31y) in the extortion an of auto body garage located in Bayonne, New Jersey.

The Jersey Journal (Jul. 2001)

On July 2, 2001 an indictment for extortion conspiracy was unsealed. The following day both men were set upon by FBI Agents when they arrived at the garage.

The Jersey Journal reported: "The arrests followed a months-long investigation that included surveillance of the establishment, between Second and Third streets, [FBI spokeswoman] said...[The pair] ran a protection racket against the Bayonne business owner and forced him to pay a sum believed to be approximately $1,000 a week." Taglianetti and Pastore released on bonds of $250,000 and $100,000 respectively.

On December 17, 2002 both pleaded guilty to a single extortion count.

On June 24, 2003 appeared for sentencing before USDC Newark Judge Hochberg. Taglianetti sentenced to forty-six months imprisonment and three years supervised release; also ordered to pay $8,800 restitution. Pastore given thirty-nine months. (Pastore was inducted into the Bonanno Family shortly after being released in 2008.)

On August 7, 2003 received at Federal Medical Center in Devens, Massachusetts.

Released December 8, 2006 and remanded to New York State prison for violating parole.

On March 26, 2007 released from Downstate Correctional Facility.

In November 2014 among 129 included in Bonanno Organized Crime Family List compiled by Federal government.

Died January 25, 2016 in New York and buried in Green-Wood Cemetery located in Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn.

More Bonanno Family posts can be found in the Index.

Robert Amuso (Lucchese)

Jul. 1993

Robert 'Bobby' Amuso (1933-1994) was a Captain in the Lucchese Family with interests in Brooklyn, Queens and possibly Florida.

Younger brother Vittorio 'Little Vic' Amuso has remained the Lucchese Family's Boss since late 1986 despite spending the last 35 years in Federal prison.

Robert was born May 15, 1933 in Brooklyn to Giuseppe (40y), a tailor, and Theresa Petrelli (39y). Parents from Jatrinoli (present-day Taurianova) comune of Reggio Calabria.

At the time of Robert's birth the family resided at 103-02 Glenwood Rd in the neighborhood of Canarsie.

By the 1940s father Giuseppe owned a tailor shop about four miles to the west in Park Slope.

Served in US Army from May 29, 1953 to April 26, 1955.

In May 1973 possibly one of the incorporators of Lando Building Corporation located at 777 Lancaster Rd in Orlando, Florida. Others were Florida resident Frank Macina as well as Patsy Spallone and Joseph Luccisano, both of Howard Beach, Queens.

By Fall 1977 owned or held a financial interest in the Cricket Motel located at 164-49 Cross Bay Blvd in Howard Beach.

In July 1978 included in FBI list of approximately 80 identified Lucchese Family members. An asterisk next to the name indicated that Amuso's membership was suspected but not yet confirmed, a designation typically used when a newly inducted or previously unknown member had only been identified by a single source.

Both Robert and his brother Vic are believed to have been made around this time through the sponsorship of Captain Chris 'Christy Tick' Furnari (1924-2018).

C. Furnari

Furnari, born 1924 to a Sicilian father and inducted by the late 1950s, supervised his crew from the 19th Hole bar located in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

By the late 1970s made members of Furnari's crew included Robert Amuso, Vittorio Amuso, Frank Bellino, Anthony 'Gaspipe' Casso, Angelo Defendis, Nicola 'Nicky Edkins' DiCostanzo and Thomas 'Big Tommy' DiDonato. (Casso may have been reporting to Louis 'Louie Beans' Foceri for a time.)

Possible crew members included Victor Aita, Michael 'Mike the Cream' Jannotta, Saverio 'Sebby' Maimone and John Trematerra. (Trematerra may not have been made at the time. Aita, Jannotta and Maimone were suspected members.)

On August 25, 1980 FBI CI reported: "Source advised Christy Tick Furnari, Capo Lucchese LCN Family, meets with his crew every Wednesday evening at the 19th Hole, 1402 86th Street, Brooklyn."

By mid-to-late 1982 Furnari had been elected the Family's Consigliere and Robert's brother Vic took over the 19th Hole crew.

By October 1984 possibly resided on Conklin Ave in Canarsie.

By mid-1980s loanshark customers included Bonanno Associate Gasper 'Gary' Valenti, cousin of Bonanno Soldier Vincent Asaro. (Valenti subsequently left New York due to his mounting debts and decades later became a cooperating witness.)

Following the unsanctioned murder of Gambino Boss Paul Castellano in December 1985, the Amuso brothers became involved in a joint Genovese-Lucchese plot to kill Castellano's successor, John Gotti, as well as several of his supporters.

F. DeCicco

Robert was an on-scene participant in the April 13, 1986 bombing murder of Gotti's Underboss Frank DeCicco.

The hit team detonated the explosive when they mistook 19th Hole crew member Frank Bellino, who was standing with DeCicco, for intended primary target John Gotti.

1986

By July 1986 owned Surf Side III Motel located on Cross Bay Blvd in Howard Beach.

V. Amuso
Gang Land News

Around mid-November 1986 Lucchese Boss Antonio 'Tony Ducks' Corallo, facing impending conviction in the Commission case, met with other Family leaders and chose Vic Amuso as his successor.

A. Luongo (L)

On November 18 Lucchese Captain Anthony 'Buddy' Luongo disappeared.

Luongo was believed to have joined with Salvatore 'Tom Mix' Santoro, Corallo's Underboss and Commission case co-defendant, in a plot to take over the Family.

Victim lured to a meeting with Vic Amuso, Robert Amuso and Anthony Casso, the 19th Hole's New Captain, at an apartment linked to Genovese Member Dominick 'Swaggy' Carlucci.

During the meeting, one of the Amuso brothers (sources differ on which) walked into another room, retrieved a pistol and shot Luongo to death. Body disposed of in undisclosed location and victim's car left parked at JFK International Airport in Queens.

The day after Luongo's disappearance Corallo, Santoro and Consigliere Chris Furnari were convicted in the Commission case; each subsequently given 100 years.

By February 1987 Anthony Casso had moved up to Acting (?) Consigliere and Robert Amuso was designated Captain.

P. Chiodo

That month 19th Hole crew associate Peter 'Fat Pete' Chiodo was inducted into the Lucchese Family. Robert and Frank Lastorino drove Chiodo to the ceremony, which was presided over by Boss Vic Amuso and held above a Brooklyn funeral parlor.

C. Furnari Jr.

By the spring Chris Furnari's son, Chris 'Jumbo' Furnari Jr., had been inducted and named Acting Captain of the Amuso crew.

Furnari Jr. was soon demoted and shelved on Boss Vic Amuso's orders. CW Burt Kaplan, a long-time Furnari associate who flipped in 2005, later testified: "Furnari's son was given a position when Furnari went to prison, but he didn't get along with Anthony Casso...Casso told me that Chris's son was visiting him and when he came back, he would tell Vic and Gas, My father said this and my father said that, and there was no truth to it. The father never sent any messages like that." (Furnari Jr. also ordered a beating that he falsely claimed was authorized by Robert Amuso, according to a summary of CW Thomas Carew's testimony posted on The Black Hand Forum.)

By April 1987 Robert owned the Walnut Bar at E 92nd St and Flatlands Ave in Canarsie, later described by Former Lucchese Acting Boss turned CW Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco as the 19th Hole faction's headquarters.

Around late 1987 Alfonso D'Arco, then a Soldier, was ordered by Vic Amuso to pass along a message for Lucchese Captain (?) Anthony 'Curly' Russo to meet with Robert at the bar. (It was while relaying this message that D'Arco was first introduced to Lucchese Soldier Anthony 'Bowat' Baratta; D'Arco and Baratta would later serve in the Family's administration as Acting Boss and Acting Underboss respectively.)

By 1988 made members of Robert Amuso's crew believed included Frank Bellino, Peter Chiodo, Angelo Defendis, Nicola DiCostanzo, Frank Lastorino, John Petrucelli and George Zappola.

Associates included Oscar Ansourian, Thomas 'Tommy Irish' Carew, Michael DeSantis, Corrado 'Dino' Marino, James 'Jimmy' McCann and Richard Pagliarulo. (Carew and Dino Marino later became CWs.)

Amuso operated as loanshark for other high-ranking Lucchese Family members. Alfonso D'Arco later testified: "[Bobby] would lend out to all the captains 100,000 and up or 200,000, whatever they need. If they needed money, to go to him. He would charge certain guys, very few, a quarter of a point. Which was like -- they would re-lend this money or use it for their scheme, at up to three points."

Around late May-June 1988 Vic Amuso promoted both Peter Chiodo and Alfonso D'Arco to Captains at a meeting held inside the basement of a residence near the Walnut Bar.

Chiodo is believed to have been given a piece of Amuso's crew, including Associates Thomas Carew, Michael DeSantis and Richard Pagliarulo; Chiodo sponsored the latter two for membership the following year.

Robert attended the August-September 1988 ceremony where six new members were formally inducted.

Ceremony, presided over by Vic Amuso and Consigliere Anthony Casso, held in basement of residence owned by Genovese Member Dominick Carlucci. Others present included Captains Robert Amuso, Salvatore Avellino and Alfonso D'Arco.

Those inducted were:

1. Anthony 'Big Tony' Calagna (50y)
2. George 'Goggles' Conte (28y)
3. Joseph D'Arco (32y)
4. Anthony Senter (33y)
5. Joseph Testa (33y)
6. Joseph 'Jo Jo' Truncale (57y)

Alfonso D'Arco's debriefing report states that Conte, Senter, Testa and Truncale were all assigned to the Amuso crew.

The ceremony is further described in the 2013 book Mob Boss: The Life of Little Al D'Arco, the Man Who Brought Down the Mafia.

The book notes that Robert, using a 'big, nasty-looking' safety pin, left 'blood all over' by nearly punching 'right through' the inductees' trigger fingers.

In late 1988 Vic Amuso and Consigliere Anthony Casso summoned the Family's New Jersey regime to a meeting in Brooklyn. The crew members were supposed to meet up at the Walnut Bar and then be taken to the site of the meeting in the basement of a nearby residence.

It was Robert Amuso, along with others not identified, who subsequently brought the news to the waiting administration members that the Jersey crew members, after arriving at the bar, refused to go to the second location and abruptly left. This was the first of multiple aborted meetings that resulted in murder contracts being issued on Jersey Captain Anthony 'Tumac' Accetturo and others; the contracts were still open when Alfonso D'Arco became a cooperating witness three years later.

T. Gilmore

Around the same time D'Arco met with Vic Amuso at a restaurant in Queens, where Amuso ordered the murder of D'Arco crew Associate Thomas 'Red' Gilmore. According to D'Arco, Amuso suspected Gilmore of being an informant and of having robbed Robert Amuso's residence.

In early February 1989 members of D'Arco's crew shot Gilmore to death outside his residence in Ozone Park, Queens.

Also around this time Lucchese Associate Burt Kaplan, who acted as the intermediary between Consigliere Anthony Casso and two corrupt NYPD Detectives, was informed by one of the cops that the pair had been approached by Lucchese Associate Julio 'Red' Calder. Kaplan was told that Calder had attempted to enlist the pair in a plot to burglarize Robert Amuso's home. Calder was murdered later that year.

G. Zappola
Gang Land News

By the spring of 1989 Robert stepped back due to health and George Zappola was named the crew's Acting Captain. CW Alfonso D'Arco later testified: "[Bobby] had cancer and it was pretty serious...Vic removed him. He didn't remove him, he just gave him that nobody should bother him and Bobby was told to like take it easy. They appointed an Acting Captain in his place [meaning] George Zappola."

F. Lastorino
Gang Land News

Amuso remained an official Captain but several of his men were transferred to Frank Lastorino, who was promoted to Captain of a new crew around the same time. (It appears that by 1989 the original 19th Hole crew under Furnari had been split up three ways among Amuso, Lastorino and Peter Chiodo.)

J. Petrucelli
FBI Wanted Poster

In September 1989 Lucchese Soldier John Petrucelli, an Amuso crew member, was shot to death in White Plains, New York for harboring fugitive Gus Farace.

Alfonso D'Arco, tasked with supervising the murder, left the ailing Amuso out of the plotting.

J. DeFede

In October 1989 visited Joseph 'Little Joe' DeFede, an Associate direct with Robert's brother Vic, at The Liberty Lounge in Ozone Park. DeFede later testified: "[Vic] put me on what we call on his list, I was proposed, and I didn't know exactly when [until Bobby] called me to come down...[Bobby] told me to get dressed. This was on Saturday, to get dressed, on Monday somebody will pick you up, which they did, they dropped me off at a Canarsie restaurant, met a few other people there, in turn we went into Brooklyn."

DeFede was driven by Lucchese Associate James McCann to The Pier restaurant in Canarsie. From there he and others were taken to a residence on Farragut Rd where the ceremony occurred. (The house was owned by Lucchese Soldier Peter 'Rugsy' Vario's son-in-law, named by CW D'Arco as [FNU] Albanese. This may be Lucchese Associate Anthony 'Tony Shape' Albanese.)

Ceremony presided over by Boss Vic Amuso and Consigliere Anthony Casso.

Others present included Captains Robert Amuso, Salvatore Avellino, Anthony Baratta, Peter Chiodo, Alfonso D'Arco and Soldier John Conti.

Others inducted in addition to DeFede (55y) were Michael DeSantis (34y), Frank 'Frankie Pearl' Federico (61y), Richard Pagliarulo (40y) and Frank 'Frankie Bones' Papagni (32y).

D'Arco's debriefing on the ceremony states that DeFede and Papagni were assigned to the Amuso crew after induction.

During his court appearances DeFede made no mention of being in Amuso's crew and instead testified that he was placed with Captain Frank Lastorino.

In late May 1990 Vic Amuso and Anthony Casso fled New York to avoid indictment in the Windows case.

They remained fugitives until their captures in July 1991 and January 1993 respectively.

A. D'Arco (L) and P. Modica

Around late 1990 Alfonso D'Arco was tasked with collecting on a $100,000 loan made by Amuso to Philip Modica, a Gambino Soldier in James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla's crew. D'Arco later testified:
"

Shylock money, I went and collected for [Bobby] that was owed by another Gambino member, Soldier named Phil Modica. [I] also collected some jewelry from Philip Modica, his son...The payments from Philly Modica went to Frankie Lastorino to pass on to [Bobby] Amuso. The $100,000 was lent by Bobby to Philip Modica and he was sick and Philly Modica wasn't paying.

I went to explain, you either have to pay the money fully, because he was a member, or pay it all up at once or pay the back payment which was $500 a week, which was the interest. And he did start commencing. I had another member take the money, myself first in the beginning, to Lastorino to give it to Bobby. I wouldn't go to Bobby because he was too hot. (Likely due to brother's fugitive status.)

"

B. Borriello

Suspected co-conspirator in the April 1991 murder of Gambino Acting Captain Bartholomew 'Bobby' Borriello.

Victim, shot to death outside his Bath Beach, Brooklyn, residence, killed for his involvement in an attempted hit on Anthony Casso nearly five years earlier.

In July 1991 Vic Amuso was apprehended in Scranton, Pennsylvania and held without bail to await trial on Federal racketeering charges. (He has remained incarcerated since.)

Two months later Former Acting Boss Alfonso D'Arco became a Cooperating Witness.

The following summer he testified against Amuso, who was convicted and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment.

Other witnesses included Former Captain Peter Chiodo, who flipped a couple of months before D'Arco.

Jul. 1993

On July 27, 1993 Robert appeared under subpoena at FBI's New York Office where fingerprinted and photographed.

Claimed ownership of the Surf Side Motel and also described himself as the former office manager for Paul Fire Protection Inc. in Astoria, Queens.

By the end of the summer it was learned that Underboss Anthony Casso, Acting Consigliere Frank Lastorino and others had been plotting to kill Robert Amuso and Associate Oscar Ansourian.

Casso and Lastorino were later demoted; Casso then made a failed attempt at cooperating with the government.

Around September 1993 multiple Lucchese Family Captains called in for questioning to ensure loyalty to the imprisoned Boss. Those involved in questioning included Captain Robert Amuso, Soldier Joseph DeFede, Soldier Frank Gioia Jr. and Associate Oscar Ansourian. Gioia Jr., who defected the following year, later testified:
"

The original structure with Vic and Gas, the Boss and Underboss, both of them had to go on the lam...Vic gets arrested, Gaspipe's on the street. Eventually, Gaspipe gets arrested. Then there's all kinds of things on tapes and stuff that there might be a demise in the Family. So Vic went to the other Families for help, and basically he broke everybody down and put Joe D [DeFede] as Acting Boss of the Family.

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

"

O. Ansourian
Press

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

The following April Vic Amuso named Joseph DeFede as his new Acting Boss. (DeFede, like his predecessor Alfonso D'Arco, later became a cooperating witness.)

Robert Amuso died September 5, 1994.

FBI video surveillance was conducted during his wake at Towers Funeral Home in Oceanside, Long Island.

Buried in Saint Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale, Long Island.

More Lucchese Family posts can be found in the Index.