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| 1971 |
Pasquale Macri 'Pat' Ferruccio was a member of the Pittsburgh Family based in Canton, Ohio.
The owner of several local businesses and both an overseer and contact man for LCN interests in the town, he remained criminally active into his eighties.
Born April 8, 1917 in Canton to Rocco Macri (34y) and Teresa Papasergio (32y). Family from Delianuova comune of Reggio Calabria.
The Ferruccios resided at 914 Liberty St, where Rocco operated a grocery.
On October 18, 1933 sixteen-year-old Pasquale and his older brother Angelo, referred to in press accounts as 'public enemy' of Canton, robbed the Fredonia National Bank. The Pittsburgh Press later summarized: "[The] youthful bandits walked into the Fredonia bank and ordered the four occupants - two employees and two customers - to put up their hands, but to 'act natural'. Taking $4,000, mostly in small bills and silver, the [pair] fled to their car and escaped."
Angelo was apprehended two days later.
On October 23 Pat was arrested by American Banking Association Detectives in Canton. International News Service reported: "[Ferruccio arrested] after the Stark County Sheriff had received a tip he was distributing nickels and dimes lavishly during the latter part of the week...Police have identified two girls, who gave the names of Rose and Connie Macri, as sisters of the Ferruccio brothers. They were detained when they attempted to claim Angelo's car in a Greenville garage the day after the stickup." On October 30 The Record-Argus reported that the brothers may have been involved in an August 29 bank robbery as well and noted: "Officers say thus far they have been unable to connect [Angelo] Ferruccio with any of the known gangs operating in Ohio and Indiana, and prefer to believe that he headed his own gang, using amateurs to aid him."
On December 6 the brothers were formally indicted by a Mercer County, PA Grand Jury. Angelo pleaded guilty.
On December 13 convicted on larceny and threat charges. The Pittsburgh Press noted: "[Pat's brother] Angelo also implicated Happy Marino as a third member of the gang. He is now serving a term for a Columbus, O., bank robbery."
On January 2, 1934 sentenced by Mercer County Court Judge J. A. McLaughry to five-to-ten years at Western State Penitentiary. (Ferruccio's receiving blotter records indicates the lower end of his sentence was reduced from 5 to 1.5 years.)
On January 15, 1935 application for clemency denied.
On July 3, 1935 sentence commuted by State Board of Pardons.
By April 1940 listed occupation as phonograph distributor.
That summer married Roxy Ferraro (22y). Bride's father also from Calabria.
By the fall the couple was living at 2025 Cleveland Ave. Pat operated Ferruccio Automatic Phonographs at the family address on Liberty Ave.
The owner of several local businesses and both an overseer and contact man for LCN interests in the town, he remained criminally active into his eighties.
Born April 8, 1917 in Canton to Rocco Macri (34y) and Teresa Papasergio (32y). Family from Delianuova comune of Reggio Calabria.
The Ferruccios resided at 914 Liberty St, where Rocco operated a grocery.
On October 18, 1933 sixteen-year-old Pasquale and his older brother Angelo, referred to in press accounts as 'public enemy' of Canton, robbed the Fredonia National Bank. The Pittsburgh Press later summarized: "[The] youthful bandits walked into the Fredonia bank and ordered the four occupants - two employees and two customers - to put up their hands, but to 'act natural'. Taking $4,000, mostly in small bills and silver, the [pair] fled to their car and escaped."
Angelo was apprehended two days later.
On October 23 Pat was arrested by American Banking Association Detectives in Canton. International News Service reported: "[Ferruccio arrested] after the Stark County Sheriff had received a tip he was distributing nickels and dimes lavishly during the latter part of the week...Police have identified two girls, who gave the names of Rose and Connie Macri, as sisters of the Ferruccio brothers. They were detained when they attempted to claim Angelo's car in a Greenville garage the day after the stickup." On October 30 The Record-Argus reported that the brothers may have been involved in an August 29 bank robbery as well and noted: "Officers say thus far they have been unable to connect [Angelo] Ferruccio with any of the known gangs operating in Ohio and Indiana, and prefer to believe that he headed his own gang, using amateurs to aid him."
On December 6 the brothers were formally indicted by a Mercer County, PA Grand Jury. Angelo pleaded guilty.
On December 13 convicted on larceny and threat charges. The Pittsburgh Press noted: "[Pat's brother] Angelo also implicated Happy Marino as a third member of the gang. He is now serving a term for a Columbus, O., bank robbery."
On January 2, 1934 sentenced by Mercer County Court Judge J. A. McLaughry to five-to-ten years at Western State Penitentiary. (Ferruccio's receiving blotter records indicates the lower end of his sentence was reduced from 5 to 1.5 years.)
On January 15, 1935 application for clemency denied.
On July 3, 1935 sentence commuted by State Board of Pardons.
By April 1940 listed occupation as phonograph distributor.
That summer married Roxy Ferraro (22y). Bride's father also from Calabria.
By the fall the couple was living at 2025 Cleveland Ave. Pat operated Ferruccio Automatic Phonographs at the family address on Liberty Ave.
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| 1944 |
On February 13, 1944 arrested by Sheriff's Office.
By April 1950 resided at 1230 22nd St NE and operated vending machine company.
That year Pat and other relatives formed Macri Corporation at 704 4th St SW. After about a year the company officially dissolved for failing to pay franchise taxes.
On April 8, 1951 subpoenaed to testify before Stark County GJ investigating gambling. Appeared before GJ nine days later.
In late April 1952 a Canton Police Department Captain was fired after quashing a reckless driving arrest for Ferruccio. Press State Service reported: "[Captain] persuaded the rookies to release Ferruccio 'and even make them shake Ferruccio's hand'." Ferruccio was re-arrested on the charge and received a $100 fine after pleading guilty. (The firing of the Police Captain was reversed and he was instead suspended and demoted.)
Around April 17, 1953 hit with tax lien for $67,726 (about $840,000 in today's value).
It's not known when Pat Ferruccio was inducted into the Pittsburgh Family but he was likely a member by the mid-to-late 1950s.
On October 14, 1958 firearms and related paraphernalia were taken in robbery of the Ohio National Guard Armory in Canton. Early the following month US Border Patrol in Morgantown, West Virginia seized a private plane carrying more than one hundred of the stolen guns bound for Cuban rebels.
An FBI investigation identified prime suspects in the robbery as including brothers Samuel and Gabriel aka 'Kelly' Mannarino, both Pittsburgh Members, as well as Associates Victor Carlucci and Daniel 'Speedo' Hanna.
On September 25, 1959 the FBI's Cleveland Field Office reported: "Informants were also questioned concerning the possible implication of Pat Ferruccio, local Canton hoodlum, being involved in the Canton Armory theft. Both informants indicated that, to their knowledge, Ferruccio was not implicated in the theft. They stated that Ferruccio is a gambler but he has not been known to engaged in any burglaries or robberies of any type."
As of Fall 1959 the supposedly defunct Macri Corporation held night club permit re Villa Lounge located at 704 4th St in Canton.
On December 9, 1959 Ferruccio, listed as the corporation's statutory agent, was cited by Liquor Control Board re failure to pay franchise tax and filing false statements to obtain permit. Associated Press reported: "[Attorney General] said information on the allegedly irregular liquor license was obtained during his investigation of gambling and vice in Stark County."
By summer 1962 moved to 401 High St SW.
By 1963 involved in United Music Company.
On September 12 of that year Buffalo Boss Stefano Magaddino was visited by Samuel Brocato and Carl Rizzo. Others present included Buffalo Underboss Frederico 'Fred' Randaccio. Discussion surreptitiously recorded by FBI bug. Magaddino was recorded adjudicating a dispute involving a loan taken out by Rizzo from Pat Ferruccio and others for a rental service in Canton. (The FBI's full transcript of the meeting can be found here.)
By April 1950 resided at 1230 22nd St NE and operated vending machine company.
That year Pat and other relatives formed Macri Corporation at 704 4th St SW. After about a year the company officially dissolved for failing to pay franchise taxes.
On April 8, 1951 subpoenaed to testify before Stark County GJ investigating gambling. Appeared before GJ nine days later.
In late April 1952 a Canton Police Department Captain was fired after quashing a reckless driving arrest for Ferruccio. Press State Service reported: "[Captain] persuaded the rookies to release Ferruccio 'and even make them shake Ferruccio's hand'." Ferruccio was re-arrested on the charge and received a $100 fine after pleading guilty. (The firing of the Police Captain was reversed and he was instead suspended and demoted.)
Around April 17, 1953 hit with tax lien for $67,726 (about $840,000 in today's value).
It's not known when Pat Ferruccio was inducted into the Pittsburgh Family but he was likely a member by the mid-to-late 1950s.
On October 14, 1958 firearms and related paraphernalia were taken in robbery of the Ohio National Guard Armory in Canton. Early the following month US Border Patrol in Morgantown, West Virginia seized a private plane carrying more than one hundred of the stolen guns bound for Cuban rebels.
An FBI investigation identified prime suspects in the robbery as including brothers Samuel and Gabriel aka 'Kelly' Mannarino, both Pittsburgh Members, as well as Associates Victor Carlucci and Daniel 'Speedo' Hanna.
On September 25, 1959 the FBI's Cleveland Field Office reported: "Informants were also questioned concerning the possible implication of Pat Ferruccio, local Canton hoodlum, being involved in the Canton Armory theft. Both informants indicated that, to their knowledge, Ferruccio was not implicated in the theft. They stated that Ferruccio is a gambler but he has not been known to engaged in any burglaries or robberies of any type."
As of Fall 1959 the supposedly defunct Macri Corporation held night club permit re Villa Lounge located at 704 4th St in Canton.
On December 9, 1959 Ferruccio, listed as the corporation's statutory agent, was cited by Liquor Control Board re failure to pay franchise tax and filing false statements to obtain permit. Associated Press reported: "[Attorney General] said information on the allegedly irregular liquor license was obtained during his investigation of gambling and vice in Stark County."
By summer 1962 moved to 401 High St SW.
By 1963 involved in United Music Company.
On September 12 of that year Buffalo Boss Stefano Magaddino was visited by Samuel Brocato and Carl Rizzo. Others present included Buffalo Underboss Frederico 'Fred' Randaccio. Discussion surreptitiously recorded by FBI bug. Magaddino was recorded adjudicating a dispute involving a loan taken out by Rizzo from Pat Ferruccio and others for a rental service in Canton. (The FBI's full transcript of the meeting can be found here.)
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| D. Moio |
Eight days later Ferruccio and five others were subpoenaed to appear before state fire marshal investigators investigating the murder of Dominick Moio (61y), whose shot and burned body was found a few miles outside Canton on September 3.
Others subpoenaed were Cleveland Member Jasper 'Fats' Aiello (50y), Suspected Cleveland Member and fellow Canton resident Louis 'Bones' Battista (47y), Cleveland Associate Ronald Carabbia (34y), Pittsburgh Associate Joseph Naples (30y) and Louis Christian. Group refused to answer questions. (Joseph Naples was later inducted and, in August 1991, became the last confirmed made member of the Pittsburgh Family to be murdered. Ronald 'The Crab' Carabbia [1929-2021] is believed to have been made into the Cleveland Family by 1980.)
Others subpoenaed were Cleveland Member Jasper 'Fats' Aiello (50y), Suspected Cleveland Member and fellow Canton resident Louis 'Bones' Battista (47y), Cleveland Associate Ronald Carabbia (34y), Pittsburgh Associate Joseph Naples (30y) and Louis Christian. Group refused to answer questions. (Joseph Naples was later inducted and, in August 1991, became the last confirmed made member of the Pittsburgh Family to be murdered. Ronald 'The Crab' Carabbia [1929-2021] is believed to have been made into the Cleveland Family by 1980.)
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| J. Licavoli |
On January 15, 1964 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] stated Pat Ferruccio was the representative for [James] Licavoli for years, but lost out for some reason. Ferruccio still a member is not in good standing at present. [CI] stated he has heard a 'Bones' Battista of Canton, OH is more or less in control in that city at present. He had supported the right candidate in a local election there and was able to operate, but needed a 'bankroll' for his operation. He sought outside help and, therefore, Leo Moceri, Ernie LaSalla and Anthony Delsanter became his partners in a bookie and numbers operation." (James 'Jack White' Licavoli [1904-1985] and Calogero 'Leo' Moceri [1907-1976] were members in Detroit and then Cleveland; by mid-1976 both had risen into the latter Family's administration as Boss and Underboss respectively. Anthony Delsanter [1911-1977] was Cleveland's Consigliere in the early part of Licavoli's reign. Ernest 'Ernie LaSalla' Fusco [1903-1974] was a member in Detroit.)
On June 15, 1964 identified by FBI as Canton-based LCN member.
On June 29, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[In] conversation on the night of June 28, 1964, he learned from his source that Dominick Moio was involved in both the Billy Naples and the Cavallaro bombing murders, but did not know by whom he was employed. He stated Moio was killed because he 'knew too much,' and whoever was involved was afraid of him. [CI] also stated his source told him that Moio was allegedly a brother-in-law of Pat Ferruccio of Canton, Ohio, and it was behind Ferruccio's club in Canton that Moio was killed, and the body placed in the trunk of his car and driven to a rural section outside of Canton where it was recovered on September 3, 1963." (Charles Cavallaro [1902-1962] was a Cleveland Member at the time of his murder. William 'Billy' Naples [1928-1962] was a Pittsburgh Associate and an older brother of Future Pittsburgh Member Joseph noted above.)
On August 4, 1964 Mrs. Angelina Costantino interviewed by FBI Cleveland: "...She added that just prior to the death of [Dominick] Moio, he told her that Pat Ferruccio was 'giving him a bad time'. She was unable to furnish any other details in this regard...She reiterated Moio told her that Pat Ferruccio owed Billy Naples $4,000 for the printing of some football tickets."
By 1969 operated Liberty Vending Company at 401 High Ave SW.
On May 14, 1969 Canton PD raided the office of United Music Company at the same address. Search conducted in attempt to locate forgery tools, stolen drivers' licenses and bank checks. Multiple firearms located leading to a possession charge a couple of years later.
The same year Liberty Vending Company was subject to a raid conducted by IRS Agents and local officials. Large amount of cash and rare coins found underneath floor of business. IRS subsequently filed $655,000 (about $5.7 million today's value) claim against Ferruccio family; settled out of court.
By 1970 partner with Francis Petti in P & F Bonding Agency.
Around July 15, 1971 Ferruccio and five others were indicted by the US Attorney's Office in Cleveland on charge of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Others indicted were Suspected Cleveland Member Louis Battista (55y), Louis' older brother Joseph Battista (66y), Joseph Paone (56y), Charles J. Parise (60y) and Peter Manoff (38y). The case against Ferruccio, charged with three counts, resulted from the guns discovered during Canton PD search of United Music Co. two years earlier. (In January 1975 Peter Manoff was murdered during the apparent robbery of a real estate office in Plain Township. One Ralph Garduno was charged.)
In 1973 Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp vetoed Ferruccio's appeal for a pardon of his old bank robbery conviction.
By 1977 resided at 2025 Cleveland Ave.
The following year appeared before a Federal Grand Jury investigating the vending machine business.
On June 15, 1964 identified by FBI as Canton-based LCN member.
On June 29, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[In] conversation on the night of June 28, 1964, he learned from his source that Dominick Moio was involved in both the Billy Naples and the Cavallaro bombing murders, but did not know by whom he was employed. He stated Moio was killed because he 'knew too much,' and whoever was involved was afraid of him. [CI] also stated his source told him that Moio was allegedly a brother-in-law of Pat Ferruccio of Canton, Ohio, and it was behind Ferruccio's club in Canton that Moio was killed, and the body placed in the trunk of his car and driven to a rural section outside of Canton where it was recovered on September 3, 1963." (Charles Cavallaro [1902-1962] was a Cleveland Member at the time of his murder. William 'Billy' Naples [1928-1962] was a Pittsburgh Associate and an older brother of Future Pittsburgh Member Joseph noted above.)
On August 4, 1964 Mrs. Angelina Costantino interviewed by FBI Cleveland: "...She added that just prior to the death of [Dominick] Moio, he told her that Pat Ferruccio was 'giving him a bad time'. She was unable to furnish any other details in this regard...She reiterated Moio told her that Pat Ferruccio owed Billy Naples $4,000 for the printing of some football tickets."
By 1969 operated Liberty Vending Company at 401 High Ave SW.
On May 14, 1969 Canton PD raided the office of United Music Company at the same address. Search conducted in attempt to locate forgery tools, stolen drivers' licenses and bank checks. Multiple firearms located leading to a possession charge a couple of years later.
The same year Liberty Vending Company was subject to a raid conducted by IRS Agents and local officials. Large amount of cash and rare coins found underneath floor of business. IRS subsequently filed $655,000 (about $5.7 million today's value) claim against Ferruccio family; settled out of court.
By 1970 partner with Francis Petti in P & F Bonding Agency.
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| 1971 |
In 1973 Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp vetoed Ferruccio's appeal for a pardon of his old bank robbery conviction.
By 1977 resided at 2025 Cleveland Ave.
The following year appeared before a Federal Grand Jury investigating the vending machine business.
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| Feb. 80 Meeting Attendees (L to R): J. Licavoli, A. Lonardo, G. Mannarino, T. Ciancutti and P. Ferruccio Mannarino: FBN Mafia Book |
On February 5, 1980 FBI surveilled a meeting held at a hotel in Boston Heights, Ohio. Those present included Cleveland Boss James Licavoli, Cleveland Underboss Angelo Lonardo, Pittsburgh Underboss (?) Gabriel Mannarino and Pittsburgh Members Thomas 'Sonny' Ciancutti and Pasquale Ferruccio. The Akron Beacon Journal later reported: "At that time, five men had died in the war between the Cleveland and Pittsburgh families for control of Youngstown. Six more men were murdered before a settlement could be reached." (Lonardo, who later cooperated, is stated in press accounts as having identified Gabriel Mannarino as the Underboss at the time.)
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| L to R: J. LaRocca, G. Mannarino, A. Lonardo |
Around this time another meeting between the Families was held at Gabriel Mannarino's summer residence in Leechburg, PA. Those present were Pittsburgh Boss Sebastian John LaRocca, Cleveland Underboss Angelo Lonardo and Pittsburgh Underboss (?) Gabriel Mannarino.
Lonardo was driven to Pittsburgh by Pasquale Ferruccio, who dropped him off at Mannarino's business in the city. From there Lonardo and Mannarino drove to the meeting. Topics of discussion included a plot against the life of Cleveland Associate Charles Carabbia, older brother of the imprisoned Cleveland Member Ronald Carabbia. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "[Lonardo] told the Pittsburgh bosses he believed a contract killing could be avoided by talking with Charles Carabbia. At the time, Lonardo said, everyone agreed to allow Carabbia to live, 'on the condition that he make no further problems for them'." (Carabbia's behavior continued and he disappeared in December 1980.)
Around 1981 Ferruccio was introduced to FBI UCA 'Tony Conti', who was posing as a Bonanno Associate active in Florida. 1991 The Plain Dealer article summarized: "Prosecutors have said in court documents that [Agent] would testify at trial that, while he was working undercover in Florida, Pasquale Ferruccio was introduced as a made member of the Mafia by members and associates of New York's Bonanno family. [Agent] would have testified Ferruccio was introduced 'as the Family's specialist in video poker machines' and Ferruccio had [Agent] travel to Canton to observe Ferruccio's operation in an effort to start a gambling partnership in Florida, prosecutors said. 'Further evidence demonstrates that Ferruccio admitted he had to seek permission from the Mafia to run the Pennsylvania [operation]', the prosecutors said." ('Tony Conti' was acting in concert with the better-known FBI UCA 'Donnie Brasco'.)
Around September 1981 FBI CV compiled report re proposed investigation into LCN-linked vending machine businesses. Those listed as subjects included Ferruccio. Report noted: "While [Ferruccio] has not been identified by any LCN member source as a member of the New Kensington, Pennsylvania family, he is believed to be so nonetheless. It is known that Ferruccio associates with LCN members and he is thought to be aligned with the LaRocca family from Pittsburgh. Ferruccio is obliged to pay tribute to the Cleveland LCN Family for his operations in Northeastern Ohio."
On March 12, 1982 visited as his Canton office by Frank Lonardo, a younger brother of Cleveland Acting Boss Angelo Lonardo, as well as unnamed representatives of the Gambino Family. (Frank Lonardo was suspected to be a Cleveland Member himself).
Lonardo was driven to Pittsburgh by Pasquale Ferruccio, who dropped him off at Mannarino's business in the city. From there Lonardo and Mannarino drove to the meeting. Topics of discussion included a plot against the life of Cleveland Associate Charles Carabbia, older brother of the imprisoned Cleveland Member Ronald Carabbia. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "[Lonardo] told the Pittsburgh bosses he believed a contract killing could be avoided by talking with Charles Carabbia. At the time, Lonardo said, everyone agreed to allow Carabbia to live, 'on the condition that he make no further problems for them'." (Carabbia's behavior continued and he disappeared in December 1980.)
Around 1981 Ferruccio was introduced to FBI UCA 'Tony Conti', who was posing as a Bonanno Associate active in Florida. 1991 The Plain Dealer article summarized: "Prosecutors have said in court documents that [Agent] would testify at trial that, while he was working undercover in Florida, Pasquale Ferruccio was introduced as a made member of the Mafia by members and associates of New York's Bonanno family. [Agent] would have testified Ferruccio was introduced 'as the Family's specialist in video poker machines' and Ferruccio had [Agent] travel to Canton to observe Ferruccio's operation in an effort to start a gambling partnership in Florida, prosecutors said. 'Further evidence demonstrates that Ferruccio admitted he had to seek permission from the Mafia to run the Pennsylvania [operation]', the prosecutors said." ('Tony Conti' was acting in concert with the better-known FBI UCA 'Donnie Brasco'.)
Around September 1981 FBI CV compiled report re proposed investigation into LCN-linked vending machine businesses. Those listed as subjects included Ferruccio. Report noted: "While [Ferruccio] has not been identified by any LCN member source as a member of the New Kensington, Pennsylvania family, he is believed to be so nonetheless. It is known that Ferruccio associates with LCN members and he is thought to be aligned with the LaRocca family from Pittsburgh. Ferruccio is obliged to pay tribute to the Cleveland LCN Family for his operations in Northeastern Ohio."
On March 12, 1982 visited as his Canton office by Frank Lonardo, a younger brother of Cleveland Acting Boss Angelo Lonardo, as well as unnamed representatives of the Gambino Family. (Frank Lonardo was suspected to be a Cleveland Member himself).
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| Press |
In late 1983 spoke with The Akron Beacon Journal: "[Ferruccio said] that he knew and had done business with the alleged Mafia figures. But he said that was simply because of the vending business. 'It's just the people I do business with,' said Ferruccio, 66. 'I don't think it's fair...how do you repair the damage?'" Re 1980-1982 meetings with LCN figures stated: "We're in the vending machine business and from time to time we meet a lot of people."
On January 23, 1984 the newspaper published an article on Ferruccio titled "Crime Hearings in Washington to Spotlight Canton Businessman." Article noted:
"
On January 23, 1984 the newspaper published an article on Ferruccio titled "Crime Hearings in Washington to Spotlight Canton Businessman." Article noted:
"
Canton vending executive Pasquale 'Pat' Ferruccio will be spotlighted in Washington organized crime hearings this week as a mob middleman, a diplomat who tries to resolve disputes between the families. [Local LE] contend that Ferruccio is one of the leading organized crime figures in Northern Ohio...According to a recently released FBI affidavit and the 1983 report of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, Ferruccio in 1980 and 1982 met with top Mafia leaders from Cleveland, Youngstown and New York.
These allegations came after 10 years of relative anonymity for Ferruccio and his family. The family's offices a few blocks southwest of downtown Canton are unnamed and unnumbered. But behind the peeling paint, the family controls one of Stark's largest vending machine companies, with machines in scores of area bars.
The family also controls or has an interest in Stark's only bail bond company and Canton-area real estate and restaurants.
These allegations came after 10 years of relative anonymity for Ferruccio and his family. The family's offices a few blocks southwest of downtown Canton are unnamed and unnumbered. But behind the peeling paint, the family controls one of Stark's largest vending machine companies, with machines in scores of area bars.
The family also controls or has an interest in Stark's only bail bond company and Canton-area real estate and restaurants.
"
On January 26, 1984 Stark County Sheriff testified before Senate subcommittee investigating organized crime. During testimony identified Ferruccio as 'key figure' in local investigations: "Ferruccio is alleged to be one of the three most powerful LCN figures in the state of Ohio. [His] name has been repeatedly associated with attempts to establish gambling activities in Summit County for the past several years." Also testified: "Ferruccio's tentacles reach out into varying aspects of legitimate business such as real estate, restaurant-bars, vending machines, amusements machines and even liquor licenses...It has been our observation that he exudes a tremendous influence within the business world and the political arena. Law enforcement information has had him linked to several organized criminal activities."
Absent from 1985 Federal chart.
On April 24, 1985 LE raids conducted on nine social clubs in Berberton, Ohio. Gambling machines seized were believed part of an operation connected to Ferruccio.
On June 5, 1985 FBI search warrant executed on Liberty Vending Company. Six video poker machines and various slot machine parts seized.
On July 6, 1985 The Akron Beacon Journal reported that Ferruccio, part-owner of Discount Fireworks in North Canton, was under investigation by local LE re illegal sale fireworks. Article noted: "Ferruccio did not return a phone call to Liberty Vending and could not be reached at home Friday. [He] has previously denied any involvement with organized crime." Company subsequently ordered to stop sales due to not being state-licensed.
The FBI's continued investigation into Ferruccio's gambling operation resulted in additional searches carried out July 24, 1985 at offices linked both to Ferruccio and to his former attorney.
On October 13, 1987 three employees of Liberty Vending Company were indicted by USAO Cleveland on perjury charges for not cooperating with the investigation. The Akron Beacon Journal reported: "[One of the indicted employees] said allegations about Ferruccio's organized crime dealings were started years ago by 'drunks in bars'...[He] theorized there is widespread talk about Ferruccio because he is envied for being a 'rich, smart businessman'." In December 1987 the trio pleaded guilty and agreed to provide information. In February 1988 they were given suspended prison sentences and five years probation each. A fourth employee, indicted the same month, pleaded guilty mid-trial.
By 1989 resided on Johnnycake Ridge NE.
On January 26, 1984 Stark County Sheriff testified before Senate subcommittee investigating organized crime. During testimony identified Ferruccio as 'key figure' in local investigations: "Ferruccio is alleged to be one of the three most powerful LCN figures in the state of Ohio. [His] name has been repeatedly associated with attempts to establish gambling activities in Summit County for the past several years." Also testified: "Ferruccio's tentacles reach out into varying aspects of legitimate business such as real estate, restaurant-bars, vending machines, amusements machines and even liquor licenses...It has been our observation that he exudes a tremendous influence within the business world and the political arena. Law enforcement information has had him linked to several organized criminal activities."
Absent from 1985 Federal chart.
On April 24, 1985 LE raids conducted on nine social clubs in Berberton, Ohio. Gambling machines seized were believed part of an operation connected to Ferruccio.
On June 5, 1985 FBI search warrant executed on Liberty Vending Company. Six video poker machines and various slot machine parts seized.
On July 6, 1985 The Akron Beacon Journal reported that Ferruccio, part-owner of Discount Fireworks in North Canton, was under investigation by local LE re illegal sale fireworks. Article noted: "Ferruccio did not return a phone call to Liberty Vending and could not be reached at home Friday. [He] has previously denied any involvement with organized crime." Company subsequently ordered to stop sales due to not being state-licensed.
The FBI's continued investigation into Ferruccio's gambling operation resulted in additional searches carried out July 24, 1985 at offices linked both to Ferruccio and to his former attorney.
On October 13, 1987 three employees of Liberty Vending Company were indicted by USAO Cleveland on perjury charges for not cooperating with the investigation. The Akron Beacon Journal reported: "[One of the indicted employees] said allegations about Ferruccio's organized crime dealings were started years ago by 'drunks in bars'...[He] theorized there is widespread talk about Ferruccio because he is envied for being a 'rich, smart businessman'." In December 1987 the trio pleaded guilty and agreed to provide information. In February 1988 they were given suspended prison sentences and five years probation each. A fourth employee, indicted the same month, pleaded guilty mid-trial.
By 1989 resided on Johnnycake Ridge NE.
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| P. Ferruccio (L) |
On January 19 of that year he and five others were indicted by USAO Cleveland on Federal racketeering charges re video poker machine business. Ferruccio, arrested six days later at Liberty Vending Company, released on $20,000 bail. (A local sheriff who pretended to be corrupt as part of the case later got his name cleared by having his undercover role revealed to the press.)
On February 5, 1989 The Akron Beacon Journal reported: "...Another police authority said: '[Ferruccio] had to have some kind of police connections. Every time we got close to him, he backed off. And sometimes, we couldn't get any assistance from some law enforcement entities."
On February 28, 1989 Canton Mayor held weekly press conference. The Akron Beacon Journal reported: "During the press conference, [Mayor] praised [LE] for the investigation that led to the indictment of reputed Canton mob figure Pasquale 'Pat' Ferruccio. 'From things I've heard on the street, [people] thought Pat Ferruccio would never be arrested. I think the community owes the police agencies involved in that case their gratitude. We congratulate you on that."
Around October 14, 1991 pleaded guilty re January 1989 Federal racketeering indictment. October 16 edition of The Plain Dealer reported: "[Ferruccio], 74, admitted leading a gambling operation that used the video poker machines in Akron, Kent and Ravenna and in Kentucky and DuBois, Pa., between 1978 and 1988...[His] trial on a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in 1989 was to begin yesterday. The agreement says prosecutors and Ferruccio and his lawyer agreed to a 30-month prison sentence and that Ferruccio would be allowed to self-report to prison in January."
On February 18, 1992 sentenced by USDC Cleveland Judge John M. Manos to two-and-one-half years imprisonment. The Plain Dealer reported: "[Ferruccio] was held in federal marshals' custody for about 2 1/2 hours yesterday while he came up with $25,000 as the first payment on a $100,000 forfeiture of profits he made from the operation."
Surrendered to FCI Forth Worth, Texas on April 3.
In May 1993 Ferruccio penned a three-page autobiography titled The Joy of Growing Up Italian focusing on his upbringing in Canton, the differences between Italian-Americans and other Americans and how those differences have gradually disappeared. (This was later shared publicly on Ancestry and can still be viewed by users.)
In June 1993 included in FBI's list of 11 identified Pittsburgh Family members.
On February 5, 1989 The Akron Beacon Journal reported: "...Another police authority said: '[Ferruccio] had to have some kind of police connections. Every time we got close to him, he backed off. And sometimes, we couldn't get any assistance from some law enforcement entities."
On February 28, 1989 Canton Mayor held weekly press conference. The Akron Beacon Journal reported: "During the press conference, [Mayor] praised [LE] for the investigation that led to the indictment of reputed Canton mob figure Pasquale 'Pat' Ferruccio. 'From things I've heard on the street, [people] thought Pat Ferruccio would never be arrested. I think the community owes the police agencies involved in that case their gratitude. We congratulate you on that."
Around October 14, 1991 pleaded guilty re January 1989 Federal racketeering indictment. October 16 edition of The Plain Dealer reported: "[Ferruccio], 74, admitted leading a gambling operation that used the video poker machines in Akron, Kent and Ravenna and in Kentucky and DuBois, Pa., between 1978 and 1988...[His] trial on a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in 1989 was to begin yesterday. The agreement says prosecutors and Ferruccio and his lawyer agreed to a 30-month prison sentence and that Ferruccio would be allowed to self-report to prison in January."
On February 18, 1992 sentenced by USDC Cleveland Judge John M. Manos to two-and-one-half years imprisonment. The Plain Dealer reported: "[Ferruccio] was held in federal marshals' custody for about 2 1/2 hours yesterday while he came up with $25,000 as the first payment on a $100,000 forfeiture of profits he made from the operation."
Surrendered to FCI Forth Worth, Texas on April 3.
In May 1993 Ferruccio penned a three-page autobiography titled The Joy of Growing Up Italian focusing on his upbringing in Canton, the differences between Italian-Americans and other Americans and how those differences have gradually disappeared. (This was later shared publicly on Ancestry and can still be viewed by users.)
In June 1993 included in FBI's list of 11 identified Pittsburgh Family members.
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On April 18, 1997 among 17 indicted by USAO on charges bribery, money laundering and fraud re attempted infiltration of gambling casino located on Rincon Reservation. Those indicted in addition to Ferruccio included Pittsburgh Member Henry 'Zeebo' Zottola (60y), Pittsburgh Associate Dominic Strollo (55y) and Associate John 'Duffy' Conley (32y). The Kansas City Star reported: "The goal was to tap the enormous potential profits from the casino and also to launder $2.1 million made in illegal activities elsewhere, officials said...Also indicted was former Rincon Tribal Council [member]. She allegedly accepted the use of a leased automobile from Ferruccio, described in the indictment as a friend, in exchange for helping the group get control of the casino and hide its true identity." (Dominic Strollo [1941-2006] was a younger brother of Pittsburgh Member Lenine 'Lenny' Strollo [1931-2021] who later cooperated.)
On June 24, 1997 Federal probation re October 1991 racketeering conviction revoked. Returned to prison for additional two years.
On November 7, 1997 Rincon case co-defendant John Conley (32y) pleaded guilty in USDC Pittsburgh re April 1997 casino indictment. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "In pleading guilty yesterday, Conley [said] that he deceived the National Indian Gaming Commission by concealing the true source of funds behind [corporation] that sought to manage the casino. Commission members were told [corporation]'s investors were lawyers and doctors, but the money actually came from Conley, [Henry] Zottola, [Dominic] Strollo and Ferruccio."
By mid-April 1998 both Ferruccio and Dominic Strollo had also pleaded guilty in the Rincon case.
On June 18, 1999 released from Federal prison.
On November 5, 2000 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published article on current status of Pittsburgh Family. Article noted: "In the end, [FBI Special Agent Greenberg] says, the Pittsburgh mob was done in by RICO and its members' greed for profits from the drug trade. It hasn't recovered. These days, no more than a handful of members remain, all of them old men. None are under 70. [Thomas] Ciancutti, recently arrested on gambling charges, is 70. Two other longtime members, Frank Amato Jr. of East McKeesport and John Bazzano Jr. of McMurray, are well into their 70s. And although [Michael] Genovese has a pacemaker that has rejuvenated his bad heart, he's older than all of them."
In April 2002 an informant claimed that Ferruccio was involved in the June 16, 2001 murder of civilian Jeff Zack. The Plain Dealer reported: "The informant told investigators that he was at Nick Anthe's restaurant in Akron about two weeks after the Zack murder. The informant was having a drink with an old friend, Joe Rea, who, the informant said, sold jewelry out of the trunk of his Oldsmobile. Rea confided to the informant that [husband of cleared suspect in murder] had 'reached out to him.' Then Rea - with the help of Pasquale Ferruccio, a made member of the Pittsburgh mob -- contacted a shooter in Pittsburgh, according to the investigative file. The shooter drove to Akron in a rented truck with a motorcycle in the back." (No evidence aside from the informant's statement was made public and that information itself wasn't published until after Ferruccio's death. Given that Ferruccio was a known figure, it's possible he was just one of many unconnected names thrown into a highly publicized case.)
In Rick Porrello's Superthief, published on October 2005, Ferruccio is described as an 'old-timer who was well-connected to the Pittsburgh Mafia'
Pasquale Ferruccio died March 21, 2006.
On June 24, 1997 Federal probation re October 1991 racketeering conviction revoked. Returned to prison for additional two years.
On November 7, 1997 Rincon case co-defendant John Conley (32y) pleaded guilty in USDC Pittsburgh re April 1997 casino indictment. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: "In pleading guilty yesterday, Conley [said] that he deceived the National Indian Gaming Commission by concealing the true source of funds behind [corporation] that sought to manage the casino. Commission members were told [corporation]'s investors were lawyers and doctors, but the money actually came from Conley, [Henry] Zottola, [Dominic] Strollo and Ferruccio."
By mid-April 1998 both Ferruccio and Dominic Strollo had also pleaded guilty in the Rincon case.
On June 18, 1999 released from Federal prison.
On November 5, 2000 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette published article on current status of Pittsburgh Family. Article noted: "In the end, [FBI Special Agent Greenberg] says, the Pittsburgh mob was done in by RICO and its members' greed for profits from the drug trade. It hasn't recovered. These days, no more than a handful of members remain, all of them old men. None are under 70. [Thomas] Ciancutti, recently arrested on gambling charges, is 70. Two other longtime members, Frank Amato Jr. of East McKeesport and John Bazzano Jr. of McMurray, are well into their 70s. And although [Michael] Genovese has a pacemaker that has rejuvenated his bad heart, he's older than all of them."
In April 2002 an informant claimed that Ferruccio was involved in the June 16, 2001 murder of civilian Jeff Zack. The Plain Dealer reported: "The informant told investigators that he was at Nick Anthe's restaurant in Akron about two weeks after the Zack murder. The informant was having a drink with an old friend, Joe Rea, who, the informant said, sold jewelry out of the trunk of his Oldsmobile. Rea confided to the informant that [husband of cleared suspect in murder] had 'reached out to him.' Then Rea - with the help of Pasquale Ferruccio, a made member of the Pittsburgh mob -- contacted a shooter in Pittsburgh, according to the investigative file. The shooter drove to Akron in a rented truck with a motorcycle in the back." (No evidence aside from the informant's statement was made public and that information itself wasn't published until after Ferruccio's death. Given that Ferruccio was a known figure, it's possible he was just one of many unconnected names thrown into a highly publicized case.)
In Rick Porrello's Superthief, published on October 2005, Ferruccio is described as an 'old-timer who was well-connected to the Pittsburgh Mafia'
Pasquale Ferruccio died March 21, 2006.
More Pittsburgh Family posts can be found in the Index.
