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| 1965 |
Paul Lombardino (1904-1998) was a New Jersey-based Colombo Soldier and a probable former member of the Newark Family prior to its disbandment in the late 1930s.
Several relatives were confirmed Colombo (Former Newark?) Members:
- Salvatore 'Turi' Lombardino (1891-1967) was the Colombo Family's Jersey Captain by the 1950s.
- Salvatore's sons Rosario (1925-1988) and Salvatore Jr. (1931-2015) were members, the latter serving as Captain during much of the 1970s. Rosario married Paul's daughter Marie.
- Andrew Lombardino (1904-1979), the elder Salvatore's nephew, was another member in the Family's Jersey crew.
A few additional relatives were possible members.
Born Paolo Lombardino on September 20, 1904 in Gibellina comune of Trapani, Sicily to Giuseppe (30y) and Maria Genna (Zenna?) (34y).
On July 5, 1921 arrived with parents and four siblings at Ellis Island, New York aboard S. S.
Duca D'Aosta. Destined for Paul's older brother Carlo residing at 321 S 7th St in Newark, New Jersey's Central Ward.
On July 2, 1925 married Christine Balsamo (16y).
By April 1930 the couple were living in the household of Lombardino's mother Marie at 44 Stewart Ave in Irvington, New Jersey. Listed occupation as mixer at bakery.
Paul, along with relatives Salvatore and Andrew Lombardino, was by then believed to be a formally inducted member of the Newark (Colombo?) Family.
By 1933 he and his wife had moved further west to 187 Westervelt Ave in North Plainfield. Owned Lombardino-Balsamo Bread Company in Newark.
On March 13/14, 1933 Paul Lombardino (29y) and Newark resident Anthony Dideo (57y) picked up in Philadelphia for operating a numbers lottery in that city.
The Associated Press noted pair in possession of '50 numbers books' at time of arrest. (This Paul is probably identical with the Colombo-Newark member.)
On July 13, 1933 among 5 arrested by Essex County LE on charge of conspiring to defraud. Those arrested in addition to Paul were his wife Christine (24y), his sister Jennie Pizzolato (26y), sister Rose Lombardino (18y) and his brother-in-law (Jennie's husband) Benjamin Pizzolato (28y). One Angelo Castellano also sought. Lombardino picked up by North Plainfield PD and transferred into Newark custody.
The Courier-News reported: "[Lombardino]
is accused by the complainant, Mrs. Katherine Schilling, Westfield, with having swindled her out of $6,000 in a deal which was transacted in Newark."
The Associated Press reported: "
County detectives said Mrs. Schilling lived alternately with the Pizzolatos and the Lombardinos. Later, they alleged, she came to Newark where the man sought, Angelo Castellano, induced her to sign an order transferring her funds from the Central Savings Bank of New York to the Sicily Trust Company. It is alleged the money later was withdrawn by Mr. Castellano." On July 21, 1933 Lombardino and Pizzolato released on $2,500 bail each. Rose Lombardino released on $1,000 bail. Case subsequently dismissed. (Paul's brother-in-law was related to Biagio 'Benuzzo' Pizzolato [1896-1964], a made member of the Lucchese Family's
Abate crew in New Jersey and a probable Newark member before that.)
On February 23, 1947 among 4
arrested following New Jersey State Alcoholic Beverage Control raid on an unregistered still operating in the small community of Dayton. Those arrested in addition to Paul were George Antal (46y), owner of the still, as well as Newark residents Thomas Marino (20y) and Joseph Savittieri (31y). Defendants held on $1,000 bail each.
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| J. Savittieri |
Joseph Savittieri, residing in Scottsdale, Arizona at the time of his death in 1979, was from Valguarnera Caropepe comune of Enna, Sicily. Paul's relative Andrew Lombardino married into the Fidemi family, also from Valguarnera.
On June 14, 1937 Lombardino, Savittieri and George Antal
changed pleas from not guilty to no defense.
On July 2 Lombardino and Antal each
fined $150. Savittieri (32y) placed on two years probation.
On February 10, 1939 the trio, along with Thomas Marino (22y) and Dominick Derettza (38y), were
sentenced in US District Court Trenton on Federal charges related to the raid. Each given two year suspended sentence and five years probation.
Press noted Lombardino's address as 58 Telford St in the Lower Vailsburg section of Newark.
By April of the following year he was living at 437 S 15th St in Central Ward and employed as a baker.
Around this time sold Lombardino-Balsamo Bread Company.
By the early 1940s the Newark Family had disbanded and the Lombardinos, if not Colombo members to begin with, were transferred to that Family.
By February 1942 Paul returned to Lower Vailsburg, residing at 57 Smith St and listing occupation as self-employed jobber.
Three months later filed Petition for Naturalization in USDC Newark. Gave occupation as retail bread dealer. Petition witnesses were Lucille Balsamo, of 531 15th Ave in Central Ward, and Michael Don Diego, a bus driver and neighbor of the Lombardinos on Smith St. (Don Diego is believed to have been born on the Italian mainland.)
Naturalized early January 1944.
Paul was then working as a laborer with Frederick Page Company headquartered at 45 E 17th St in Union Square, Manhattan. He did jobs primarily in New Jersey and ended his employment with the company in February 1946.
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S. Accardi
FBN Mafia Book |
Sometime that decade also operated a grocery. Later stated in interview with FBI: "[In]
the 1940’s he operated a grocery store in the vicinity of 15th Avenue and Fairmount Street in Newark, and it was during this time he became acquainted with Settimo ‘Big Sam’ Accardi. He explained that he became acquainted with Accardi when Accardi came into his store to purchase groceries. He denied any other than a business relationship." In 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Lombardino]
operated a store, a number of years ago, which store was located on 14th Avenue in Newark. Informant said that there was a fire in this store which was of a suspicious nature and that subsequent to the fire Lombardino became the sole owner of the business." (Settimo 'Big Sam' Accardi [1902-1977] was by the 1960s a member of the Lucchese Family under
Joseph Abate in New Jersey; other members of that crew included Biagio 'Benny' Pizzolato, a relative of Lombardino's brother-in-law of the same name noted above.)
By 1950 listed occupation as clerk with Ferrugia Grocery. (It's not clear if this is the grocery referred to above.)
By June 1956 employed with Real Bread Company, formerly operated by Salvatore Lombardino and then run by his sons Rosario, who was also Paul's son-in-law, and Salvatore Jr.
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| S. Lombardino |
The elder Salvatore Lombardino was by that time the Colombo Family's Captain in New Jersey.
By 1958 made members of Lombardino's crew included Emanuel 'Nello' Cammarata, Salvatore Cammarata, Salvatore Cannella, John D'Amico, Andrew Lombardino, Paul Lombardino, brothers Rosario and Salvatore Lombardino Jr., brothers Arturo 'Art Price' Misuraca and 'Big John' Misuraca, Onofrio Sciortino and Angelo Speciale.
Probable crew members included Gaspare D'Amico, John's older brother and the Former Newark Boss.
Other suspected crew members included
Alessio 'Al Bar' Barrasso, who might have been the crew's only mainlander.
Aside from the Lombardinos from Gibellina, the remainder were from various towns in Palermo, including Bagheria (Sciortino), Borgetto (Salvatore Cammarata), Giardinello (the Misuraca brothers), Montelepre (Speciale) and Villabate (Emanuel Cammarata and the D'Amicos.)
As of the late 1950s the Colombo Family Boss was Joseph Profaci, who succeeded Salvatore DiBella around 1931. Joseph Magliocco and Joseph 'Peppino' Buffa served as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.
By May 1959 Paul and family resided at 66 Smith St in Lower Vailsburg, Newark. As a member of Local 342 Bricklayers Union he worked for multiple companies over the next couple of years including Underhill Construction headquartered in Jamaica, Queens; Arthur Venerri Company in Westfield, NJ; and Wigton Abbott Corporation in Plainfield, NJ.
Following the death of Joseph Profaci in early June 1962, his brother-in-law Joseph Magliocco took over as the Family's Acting Boss. (This was not sanctioned by the Commission, however, and Magliocco voluntarily stepped down in September 1963.)
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| J. Colombo (2) |
On April 5, 1964 Joseph Colombo was elected new Boss of the Colombo Family. He appointed Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo as his Underboss. Consigliere position initially vacant.
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| J. Misuraca (1964) |
Colombo soon appointed John Misuraca as Captain of the Family's Jersey crew, replacing the ailing Salvatore Lombardino.
In September 1964 Paul was interviewed for the first time by Agents with the FBI's Newark Field Office:
"
[He] said he was a foreman for Wigton Abbott Corporation, and in 9/1964, was employed with this company on a 17 story addition to the Hoffman La Roche Pharmaceutical Company, Clifton, New Jersey.
Paul Lombardino said [daughter Marie] is married to the [son of Salvatore Lombardino], Newark, NJ. He said they are very distant relatives. He also indicated that he is a baker by trade and for several years worked for Salvatore Lombardino on a part time basis in a bakery operated by Salvatore Lombardino in the vicinity of his residence.
...On this occasion, Paul Lombardino said he does not belong to any clubs either social or clandestine nor does he belong to any similar organizations. He claimed the only information he had regarding the membership of La Cosa Nostra or any such secret organization is information which he obtains from reading the local newspapers.
"
On October 7, 1964 interviewed for a second time: "On this occasion Paul Lombardino denied being connected with any secret organization such as the Mafia. He indicated he was aware that his relatives, Salvatore Lombardino and Andrew Lombardino had gone to Cleveland in 1928 and were arrested there by local police. Paul Lombardino said while he was in the bakery business his creditors ran up sales totaling $40,000, which they never paid, and he and his wife had only recently ‘burned the books’, inasmuch as they never expected to collect any of this past indebtedness."
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| F. Fusco (May 1965) |
On May 15, 1965 the youngest daughter of Colombo Acting (Official?) Captain Frank Fusco was married and a reception held at Claridge Caterers at 631 Ave P in Gravesend. The event was heavily attended and, thanks to forewarning by FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa, a target of FBI surveillance. Those observed included Boss Joseph Colombo, Underboss Salvatore Mineo, at least eight of the nine Family Captains (Simone Andolino may not have been present), Lucchese Captain Carmine 'Gribbs' Tramunti and at least thirty-one identified Colombo Soldiers. Lombardino and his Captain John Misuraca were present and photographed by Agents. (Within a couple of days it was reported that Fusco had been promoted to official Captain.)
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| J. Misuraca (L) and P. Lombardino at Fusco reception |
The following month CI Scarpa shown the photograph of Lombardino and Misuraca: "[Scarpa] observed a photograph of John Misuraca and another individual [and] said he does not know the identity of the person with Misuraca, but stated this person is a member of the LCN from New Jersey and is in the regime of John Misuraca." (This was Lombardino's first known identification as an LCN member.)
On August 19, 1965 FBI Newark reported: "[CI Greg Scarpa] identified Salvatore Lombardino, uncle to Andrew and Paul Lombardino, who apparently are cousins, as a former Caporegima of the Colombo Family. Newark is attempting to learn Andrea and Paul Lombardino's LCN Family membership. Joseph Valachi said Andrew and Paul Lombardino were in the Genovese Family but investigation and contact of Newark sources fail to support Valachi's statement. New York Office is requested to contact Gregory Scarpa and exhibit enclosed photographs of Andrea and Paul Lombardino to him to see if this informant has any knowledge of Andrea and Paul Lombardino and their LCN Family affiliation."
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| Genovese Member Paul M. Lombardino |
The FBI had not yet identified the Unsub in the Fusco wedding surveillance and initially focused on a different Newark resident with the same name: Paul Mario Lombardino (1912-1983), a Genovese Soldier who reported to Captain Frank 'Funzi' Tieri in Brooklyn.
Four days later CI Scarpa was shown a photograph of the Genovese Paul Lombardino: "
Informant stated to his knowledge that he had never seen or heard of Paul Lombardino before, but the photograph of Andrew Lombardino looked vaguely familiar to him. Informant stated, however, he could not place this individual. Informant was advised that the above individuals are related to Salvatore Lombardino and informant stated that to his knowledge he was never introduced to any individuals who are related to Salvatore Lombardino."
On December 1, 1965 a meeting between Boss Joseph Colombo and the Misuraca crew held inside New York residence of unspecified Colombo Associate. Colombo accompanied to meeting by Underboss Salvatore Mineo, Consigliere Benedetto 'Benny' D'Alessandro, Captains John 'Sonny' Franzese and
Carmine 'Junior' Persico as well as Colombo Soldiers Nicholas Bianco, Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia and FBI CI Gregory Scarpa. Scarpa subsequently reported that the meeting was held for Colombo to extend holiday greetings to the crew and to hear any problems the members were having in the Family. Scarpa noted: "
Meeting was held in New York because Salvatore Mineo, the Underboss, suffers from claustrophobia and will not drive through the tunnels from New York to New Jersey, if it can be avoided at all." Misuraca crew members named as attending meeting included John D'Amico, Andrew Lombardino, Salvatore Lombardino (not clear if the father, son or both) and Paul LNU who was described as approximately thirty-five years old. Scarpa noted: "[In]
addition there were 3 older men present, whose names he did not know. Informant stated that all of the members of Misuraca's regime reside in New Jersey." (There is no known Colombo member fitting Paul LNU's description. It's possible Scarpa confused the names and 'Paul' instead referred to Paul Lombardino.)
On January 10, 1966 CI Scarpa was again shown photographs of Andrew Lombardino and the Genovese Paul Lombardino: "
Informant advised that Paul Lombardino was unknown to him, but Andrew Lombardino was definitely a member of the Colombo Family of LCN and assigned to the regime of John Misuraca. Informant noted that while the photograph of Andrew Lombardino is an old one, it is a reasonable likeness to him and from this photograph was able to make a definitive identification."
On March 18, 1966 Agents, following a lead obtained during their investigation of the other Colombo Family Lombardinos, visited Paul's Smith St residence in an attempt to get an interview. They instead spoke with his son, and subsequently with Paul's son-in-law, Colombo Soldier Rosario Lombardino, who happened to arrive at the house during the Agents' visit. Rosario gave background information on himself and his family: "
...[Rosario]
said his father was never connected with the La Cosa Nostra and stated that most of his older friends are deceased. He said to his knowledge, none of his relatives were La Cosa Nostra members. He further stated that he was acquainted with the late Joseph Profaci, contending he was not aware of any LCN leadership or membership on Profaci's [behalf]
."
On July 8, 1966 an unidentified FBI CI cleared up the confusion over the Lombardinos by identifying the Unsub photographed with Misuraca at the Fusco reception: "
Informant observed the photograph and said this appears to be ‘Big John’ and one Paul Lombardisi or Lombardino. Informant then pointed out the address 66 Smith Street, Newark, as Paul’s residence."
An FBI spot check of 66 Smith St on September 18, 1966 noted Rosario Lombardino's automobile parked at the address.
On October 21, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Paul]
Lombardino and [Redacted]
, who [redacted]
with Lombardino have through the years been engaged in the illegal manufacture of alcohol. Informant said they have a reputation for this activity and he, the informant, has not known them to be seriously engaged in any other endeavor. Informant said that Lombardino is not regularly employed and presumably lives from his past or present illegal activity."
On December 19, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[Both]
Paul Lombardino and [Redacted]
have been active in the sale of alcohol in the Newark area. Informant said they are particularly active prior to the holidays. Informant said it is his impression that they probably have a still located in the countryside of New Jersey. However, he was unable to furnish any particulars concerning their activities in this area."
Former crew leader Salvatore Lombardino died January 13, 1967 at St. Michael's Hospital in Newark's University Heights section.
Five days later his wake was held at Tamburro Memorial Home on 13th Ave in the Fairmount neighborhood. Attendees included Colombo Captain (?) John Misuraca and Soldiers Paul Lombardino, Rosario Lombardino and Salvatore Lombardino Jr. (Misuraca may have already stepped down or been demoted and his men placed with Joseph Yacovelli [see below]).
On March 8, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[Paul]
Lombardino does not have a regular employment, however, he sometimes works in the construction field."
Same date CI reported on the January 18 Lombardino wake:
"
[Redacted] Tamburro Memorial Home at the time Salvatore Lombardino Sr. died. [Redacted section] and there was evidence of substantial amounts of money given to the deceased’s widow in the form of envelope contributions. Informant said they did not make the usual collections as is sometimes done at Italian funerals...Informant noted this was a very interesting funeral from the standpoint of observing the amount of respect shown to the older persons present. Informant said that Salvatore Lombardino was Sicilian and there was a great display of the double cheek kissing custom among the Sicilian men. He said subject’s son Salvatore Lombardino Jr., appeared to be accorded considerable respect by those persons.
Photographs of the following named individuals were displayed to the informant for his comments and they are as follows: John Misuraca – Informant said he believes this person was present, but could not be certain; Paul Lombardino – Informant said this person was present everyday of the wake and was accorded considerable respect among those present; Joseph Colombo – Informant said he does not recall seeing this individual at the funeral; Salvatore Lombardino Jr. – Informant said Salvatore Lombardino was prominent at this funeral. He noted that [redacted] of Paul Lombardino, mentioned above; Rosario Lombardino – Informant said Rosario Lombardino is subject’s son, but he was not as prominent or appeared to enjoy the same respect as his brother, Salvatore Lombardino Jr.
Informant said many of the associates of the deceased were former members of the Sons of Ageria Club, a Sicilian organization formerly located on 14th Avenue and 6th Street in Newark. He noted the photograph of John Misuraca is one of those individuals once active in this club.
"
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| J. Yacovelli |
By Fall 1967 the New Jersey crew was reporting to Captain Joseph 'Joe Yak' Yacovelli, who also had a few New York-based members reporting to him.
Made members of Yacovelli's crew included Emanuel Cammarata, Salvatore P. Cammarata, Salvatore Cannella, John D'Amico, Benjamin 'Benny Sidge' LoCicero,
Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero, Andrew Lombardino, Paul Lombardino, Rosario Lombardino, Salvatore Lombardino Jr., Salvatore S. Profaci (nephew of the Former Boss), and Angelo Speciale.
Probable crew members included Onofrio Sciortino and the Jersey members' Former Captain John Misuraca.
On February 11, 1968 Salvatore Lombardino Jr. married Lucille Anastasio, with the reception held at Tom's Restaurant on Park Ave in Newark. Attendees included Colombo Captain Joseph Yacovelli, Acting Captain Carmelo 'Joe' Mutoli, Acting Captain Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella and at least ten Soldiers including Paul Lombardino and FBI CI Gregory Scarpa.
Following day Scarpa reported: "
In addition, informant advised [Redacted]
was in attendance as well as a number of New Jersey people, who were reputed to be LCN members, but whose names were not familiar to him. Informant was told that a member of the Colombo Family, who was described to him as approximately 84 years old, wearing thick glasses and walking with a cane, and had allegedly boasted that years ago he had hidden an individual out at his house who was wanted by the police for murder was also present at this affair." (This may be referring to Salvatore Cannella.)
On April 13, 1968 Joseph Rinaldi (35y)
shot and killed by North Bergen, NJ LE.
On May 1 FBI CI reported: "
Informant observed a photograph of Paul Lombardino [and]
said this person was in attendance at the wake for one Rinaldi, who was recently shot and killed by the police. Informant said he heard that this person planned a trip to Sicily for a visit." (Joseph Rinaldi [1933-1968], whose father Louis is believed to have hailed from Castello d'Alife in Caserta, Campania, resided at 374 12th St in Fairmount.)
On June 14, 1968 wife interviewed at the Smith St residence: "[She]
advised her husband has not been away on a trip. She said he is employed in construction and is a shop steward."
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| S. Lombardino Jr. |
Around early December 1969 Joseph Yacovelli elected Consigliere and succeeded as Captain by Salvatore Lombardino Jr.
On June 28 Boss Joseph Colombo was shot and seriously wounded during the IACRL's Unity Day Rally in Manhattan. (He remained disabled until his death in 1978.)
By July 1971 employed, along with both Rosario and Salvatore Lombardino Jr., on Ruscon Construction Project in New Jersey.
Around October 21, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[Salvatore]
Lombardino, Paul Lombardino and Emanuel Cammarata aka Nello were no longer seen on a regular basis in the South Orange Avenue area of Newark. This change of pattern for these individuals occurred shortly after the killing of Lou Luciano early this year." (LCN Member Dominick 'Lou' Luciano [1924-1971], father believed from Campobasso, Molise, was shot to death February 1971 in an unsanctioned killing carried out by Newark's Campisi crew.)
Around January 1972 Paul, his family and son-in-law Rosario Lombardino moved to 15 Yvette Drive in East Hanover, NJ.
On April 5, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[He]
has heard [redacted]
Paul have moved to East Hanover, New Jersey. Informant reported that he does not know if [Redacted]
is ‘made’ in the Colombo LCN Family, but believed this to be true since [Redacted]
and several other close relatives are in this Family."
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E. Cammarata
FBN Mafia Book |
In early September 1972 Colombo Soldier Emanuel Cammarata (68y) was shot to death in North Miami, Florida. Cammarata, hit with six to eight rounds fired from a .30 caliber carbine, died at hospital.
The Miami Herald later reported: "
...As he was lying in the street dying from multiple bullet wounds, Cammarata told onlookers, 'Don't call the police. I'll take care of it.'" Hit believed unsanctioned.
On September 27, 1972 FBI CI reported: "
Salvatore Lombardino Jr. was in the South Orange Avenue area of Newark on [Sep. 9th]
, accompanied by Carl Lombardino. Informant noted that this occurred the day after Emanuel Cammarata was killed. Informant was unable to furnish any suspects in the killing of Cammarata, but noted his killing could logically have been an extension of the Gallo feud. Informant was unable to provide any pertinent information concerning a farm where Joseph Yacovelli may be hiding, noting only the Profaci farm is located in Central New Jersey, but this place is well known. Paul Lombardino, according to the informant, owns a farm in New Jersey, but the location is unknown." (This is believed referring to Paul's son Carl Lombardino [1928-2004].)
On December 15, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[He]
has not seen Salvatore, Paul or Rosario Lombardino in the South Orange Avenue area of Newark for more than a month. He said the racket guys seldom hang out there any longer."
On May 15, 1973 observed doing yard work during an FBI spot check of residence.
The Colombo Family was by this time headed by Thomas DiBella, with
Anthony 'Abbey' Abbatemarco and Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico serving as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.
On July 12, 1973 CI Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa]
stated that Salvatore Lombardino has taken over the New Jersey crew of the Colombo Family and the remnants of the old Yacovelli crew in New Jersey. Informant stated that Salvatore Profaci, Jr., Salvatore J. Profaci and the other Lombardino brothers are Colombo members in this crew." (Salvatore J. 'Sally Pro' Profaci [1936-2018] was Former Boss Joseph Profaci's son.)
On July 26, 1973 CI Scarpa provided an
update
on the Colombo Family's structure and the activities of various
members. Scarpa identified Salvatore Lombardino Jr. as a
Captain and named the other Lombardinos as crew members.
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| C. Panarella |
Same date Scarpa noted: "[Captain Charlie]
Moose Panarella is very ambitious and has set up a meeting to be held in New Jersey between himself, an aide from his crew and members of Tuttie Lombardino's Jersey faction of the Colombo Family. Moose commented, 'It's about time I got to meet these people and see who they are' although the informant feels that Panarella's motivated by a desire to form an alliance of understanding that would be useful in some future shift of power."
By May 1974 made members of Lombardino Jr.'s crew included Salvatore Cammarata, John D'Amico, Andrew Lombardino, Paul Lombardino, Salvatore Lombardino, Salvatore J. Profaci, Salvatore S. Profaci and Angelo Speciale.
Associates included brothers Aurelio 'Ray' and Rocco Cagno, Samuel DeRogatis, Joseph Donatiello, Joseph Messina, James 'Jimmy Ran' Randazzo and Gus 'Buddy' Spatafora. (Randazzo and the Cagno brothers were later
inducted into the Colombo Family.)
By August 1974 Paul and son-in-law Rosario Lombardino both employed with Briscoe Construction Project underway at Newark Airport.
Around October 1, 1974 left to proposed two to six week trip to Italy.
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| J. Vitacco |
On January 27, 1975 FBI CI noted that the 'Lombardinos from New Jersey' were expected to attend the February 8 wedding reception for Colombo Soldier Joseph 'Jo Jo' Vitacco in Queens: "[There] will be a big turnout because although Vitacco is not considered a powerful guy, he knows a lot of people and it will give the rest of the Family members a legitimate reason to gather together and transact some LCN Family business." (Joseph Vitacco [1927-1980] was a member of Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato's crew.)
On January 28 FBI CI reported: "[He] provided the following list of people he believes to have a 'button' and they Family they belong to...Paul Lombardino - Colombo."
On December 2, 1976 FBI NY compiled an update on the Colombo Family's structure. The chart identified Salvatore Lombardino Jr. as a Captain and listed his crew members as including Andrew Lombardino, Paul Lombardino, Rosario Lombardino and Salvatore S. Profaci.
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| T. DiBella |
By that time the Family had divided into two camps. One side supported Boss Thomas DiBella and the Persicos. The other, headed by Joseph Yacovelli and Underboss
Anthony Abbatemarco, felt that DiBella favored the Persicos too strongly and sought to remove him as Boss.
The Yacovelli - Abbatemarco faction had the support of Family Captains Joseph Brancato, James Clemenza, Vincent Gugliaro and Salvatore Lombardino Jr.
The Commission was called in to resolve the dispute and sided with DiBella, leading to Abbatemarco and other dissidents being demoted and the Family undergoing a large scale reorganization.
Salvatore Lombardino Jr. was broken to Soldier and replaced as the New Jersey Captain by Salvatore J. Profaci.
On February 28, 1977 FBI CI, not aware of the recent changes, reported: "[CI]
advised that Salvatore 'Tutti' Lombardino is a captain in the Colombo LCN Family, but has very few men to the best of the informant's knowledge. Informant advised Paul Lombardi (TN Paul Lombardino), who lives in the Vailsburg Section of Newark, New Jersey, is a member of the Colombo Family, who is 'with' Salvatore Lombardino."
On March 3, 1977 FBI CI provided an update on the new Family setup, naming Thomas DiBella and Alphonse Persico as Boss and Consigliere respectively. The Underboss position was vacant and would remain so until Carmine Persico was released from Federal prison in 1980.
Captains were
Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio,
Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella, Charles Panarella, Salvatore J. Profaci, Vincenzo Randazzo, Andrew 'Andy Mush' Russo and Unassigned Florida Crew. Thomas DiBella also had a crew reporting directly to him.
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| S. J. Profaci |
Made members under Profaci included Andrew Lombardino, Paul Lombardino, Rosario Lombardino, Salvatore Lombardino Jr. and Salvatore S. Profaci.
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| Early 1980s |
On May 1, 1982 event related to the DeCavalcante Family held at T&C Restaurant in New Jersey. Attendees included Paul Lombardino, who retired from Local 342 the previous year.
On July 12, 1990 included in FBI Newark list of Colombo Family membership residing in New Jersey.
On December 16, 1991 FBI Report submitted re Colombo Family: "...Although the majority of the Colombo members continue to be based in the New York metropolitan area, there are numerous 'notable' exceptions...It is noted the following individuals reside and / or operate in the state of New Jersey: Colombo Family [Redacted] and Colombo Family Soldiers Frank Fusco, Salvatore Fusco, Paul Lombardino, Salvatore Lombardino, [Redacted], Ralph Piccirillo, Salvatore Profaci, James V. Randazzo and Philip Rossillo."
It's not known what, if any, role Paul and the other Lombardinos played in the intra-Family war then taking place between a faction loyal to the imprisoned Boss Carmine Persico and those loyal to Acting Boss Vic Orena.
An FBI bug recorded their Captain, Salvatore J. Profaci, voicing support for Orena during a meeting with Bruno Boss
John Stanfa.
Numerous arrests and subsequent defections brought the hostilities to a cease by the middle of 1992. (Exception being Orena's Acting Underboss Joseph Scopo who was shot to death in October 1993.)
In June 1993 included in the FBI's
list of 117 identified Colombo Family members.
On December 29, 1998 Paul Lombardino died at the age of 94 in Morristown, New Jersey.
Waked at Leonardis Memorial Home located at 210 Ridgedale Ave in Livingston, NJ.
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J. Tartaglione
Gang Land News |
On December 21, 2003 Bonanno Captain and FBI informant James 'Big Lou' Tartaglione was given a Colombo Family induction list to review with members of his crew. The deceased column included 'Tutti Lombardino'. This was likely referring to Paul or possibly his son-in-law Rosario Lombardino, who died in 1988; the elder Salvatore died in 1967 and Salvatore Jr. was still living at the time.
More Colombo Family posts can be found in the
Index.
