Update

V. Alo

New Posts

1. Vincent Alo (Genovese): Longtime Captain. For some of the more well-known figures like Alo, information available in other sources is omitted and focus given instead to details more specific to his LCN activity.

2. Angelo Perna (Cleveland): Member active in Niles and Toledo, Ohio.

3. Francesco Oliveri Murder (Gambino): 1988 murder carried out on behalf of Gambino Family's Sicilian crew. Removed the picture labeled as Oliveri; going by a Find-a-Grave entry posted by motorfab on the forum, it appears to be a photo of Oliveri's victim Giuseppe Gambino.

Full list of posts here.

Vincent Alo (Genovese)

Oct. 1923

October 22, 1923 NYPD mugshot of Future Genovese Member Vincent 'Jimmy Blue Eyes' Alo (1904-2001) following an arrest for robbery in The Bronx's 49th Precinct.

Born 1904 in Manhattan to Calabrian parents, Alo was found guilty and served approximately four years in New York State prison.

His second and final conviction wouldn't occur for another forty-five years.

By the time of Alo's arrest in the early 1920s he and his family had moved to Crotona, The Bronx.

By the early 1930s he was a formally inducted member of the Genovese Family.

Another robbery charge in March 1932 was dismissed.

Sep. 1934

In September 1934 photographed for US Passport.

By February 1942 maintained additional residence at 1830 Monroe St in Hollywood, Florida.

Aug. 1947

On August 3, 1947 arrested by NYPD for vagrancy.

He was then living at 315 Riverside Dr in Bloomingdale, Manhattan.

P. Correale

FBN Mafia Book

In 1954 FBI CI reported: "[Alo] aka Jimmy Blue Eyes is an associate of Paulie Hamm, a big numbers man in the Bronx as well as possibly Hollywood, Florida."

Paul 'Paulie Ham' Correale (1911-1962) was the Lucchese Family's 'number one' or lead Captain and was at one time viewed as the potential successor to Boss Thomas Lucchese.

Alo was himself a Captain by the late 1950s.

On January 28, 1959 FBI CI reported: "[Alo is] a 'cross country' hoodlum, in that he has investments in a motel in Miami, part of a gambling Casino in Havana, Cuba and is on a level with [Former Genovese Boss] Frank Costello in the rackets. Alo controls all of the Bronx rackets, and no one in the Bronx can operate horse bets, sports bets, or numbers without paying homage to Alo. Alo is a close associate of [Redacted] in Yonkers, and many of their operations are coordinated."

Around 1960 among approximately 800 reputed mobsters listed in Federal Bureau of Narcotics Mafia Book. Entry noted: "Notorious top echelon Mafia member. Financier of gambling in the U.S. & Cuba & Puerto Rico."

By the early 1960s made members of Alo's crew included Nicholas 'Bobby Blanche' Bilangi, Lawrence 'Larry Black' Centore, Francesco 'Frank Casino' Cucola, Aldo Mazzarati, Rudolph 'Scarface Rudy' Prisco, Battisto 'Bart' Salvo, Gaetano 'Kay' Somma and Giuseppe 'Jerry' Spinelli.

Possible Member 'Little John' Buonarobo, later a Captain in The Bronx - Westchester, may have also been reporting to Alo.

M. Clemente
FBN Mafia Book

On April 10, 1962 FBI CI reported: "[He] knows the following people to be 'button men' by word of mouth primarily from the area in which he formerly resided on the Lower East Side: [List includes Genovese members Vincent Alo and Michele Clemente]...Mike Clemente, since the death of Albert Anastasia, answers to Jimmy 'Blue Eyes'. He said he does not know exactly how he first acquired this information, but he has known it for some time. He speculated Jimmy 'Blue Eyes' obtained power over the piers in some manner from Eddie McGrath." (Michele 'Mike the Loader' Clemente [1908-1987] was transferred to the Genovese Family after Gambino Boss Albert Anastasia's murder in October 1957. By the mid-to-late 1960s he was reporting to Genovese Captain Rosario 'Saro' Mogavero [1916-1973].)

On September 12, 1962 CW Joseph Valachi, also a Genovese Member, reported: "[Shown photographs] of the following named individuals, Valachi made the designated comments concerning each...Samuel Schlitten - Known to him as Sammy Schlitz, a bookmaker. Valachi advised he is a partner of [Redacted] aka [Redacted] who is a member of the Genovese Family under Vincent Alo. Schlitten is not a member of a Family; Anthony Bonasera, John Oddo - Known to Valachi as The Chief, and Johnny Bath Beach, respectively, members of Genovese Family under Vincent Alo, aka Jimmy Blue Eyes, a Caporegima who replaced Joseph Doto, aka Joe Adonis...Vincent Alo - Called Jimmy Blue Eyes by Valachi who named him as a Caporegima in Genovese Family. Alo replaced Joe Adonis who was deported...Francesco Cucola - Known to him as Frank Casino, a member of Genovese Family under Vincent Alo." (Cassandro 'Tony the Chief' Bonasera [1897-1972] and John Oddo [1904-1975] were Colombo Members, the latter being a Captain at the time. Former Genovese Captain Giuseppe 'Joe Adonis' Doto [1902-1971], born in Montemarano comune of Avellino, Campania, voluntarily left the US in early 1956 amidst deportation proceedings.)

Over the next month Valachi identified several additional individuals he believed to be Alo crew members, including Nicholas Bilangi (1903-1984), August 'Jerry Ryan' Laietta (1906-1988), Rudolph Prisco (1909-1997) and George 'Blah Blah' Smurra (1910-1981).

He also identified a photo of Vincent's brother Frank Alo (1908-1995) and clarified that Frank was not a member.

On October 17, 1962 Valachi reported: "Meyer Lansky - was always close with Vincent Alo, and according to Valachi, Alo succeeded Joe Adonis as caporegima for [Former Genovese Boss Charles] Luciano. Valachi pointed out the East Side Jewish mob was with Luciano for Masseria during the Castellammarese War, and Dutch Schultz was with Ciro Terranova on that same side. He recalled Thomas Lucchese, for Maranzano, sought the assistance of Jack 'Legs' Diamond, but was turned down because Diamond thought they had no chance. Diamond remained a neutral during that war, favoring the Maranzano faction."

On January 15, 1963 identified as Genovese Member by CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier murdered that summer after his informant status became known.

On January 29, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] supplied the following Criminal Intelligence information in the Bronx - Westchester area...Jimmy Blue Eyes - [CI] has had no recent contact with this individual and also met him as a result of [redacted] Mike Sorrentino, with the above individual. He knew him to be a top rackets guy in the early 1950's and was one of the group that congregated in the Glenwood Bar near Howard Johnson's on Southern Boulevard near Fordham Road. [CI] said that another meeting place for these individuals in the Fordham Road Section was the large gas and service station located on Southern Boulevard on a corner approximately three blocks south of Fordham Road. Jimmy Blue Eyes is the alias of Vincent Alo, top hoodlum in the New York Office."

On August 31, 1964 FBI CI reported: “[Sabato] Milo is handling the interest of Vincent Alo aka Jimmy Blue Eyes and Bart Salvo. [CI] stated that once he was with Tommy Milo, who was looking for Sabato and he, Tommy, went to the residence of Bart Salvo, Shore Road, Pelham.” (The Milo brothers Thomas [1903-1959], Sabato aka 'Bo' [1912-1974] and Louis [1915-1962] were all Genovese Soldiers based in The Bronx - Westchester. Sabato's nephew Thomas Jr. [1923-1987] was also a member.)

P. Lombardo
FBN Mafia Book

On April 5, 1965 Genovese Acting Underboss Thomas 'Tommy Ryan' Eboli and Genovese Soldier Michael 'Gumba Mike' Genovese, younger brother of imprisoned Boss Vito Genovese, surreptitiously recorded by FBI bug: "[Pair] discussed possible change in leadership of Genovese Family resulting from stated desires of Gerardo Catena to retire from organization. Eboli stated he would like to see 'Benny as Boss'. Benny is believed to be Philip Lombardo. Eboli claimed six individuals agreed with his thinking re Lombardo. He named these six as Saro Mogavero, representing Rocco Pellegrino, Harry 'Socks' Lanza, Jimmy 'Blue Eyes' Alo, Jimmy Angelina, Ray DeCarlo and himself. Eboli referred to these individuals as 'the Colonels'. Eboli stated the first thing they must do is discuss this with Mike Miranda and then see what Vito Genovese thinks. Eboli apparently made this proposition to Lombardo and assured him he would do more for him than he is doing now, and agreed to be his Underboss. Lombardo desired to hold off until he heard more from Catena before making any commitment." (The following year Philip 'Benny Squint' Lombardo [1908-1987] succeeded Michael 'Trigger Mike' Coppola as Captain of the Family's Harlem crew. In early April 1981 an informant reported Lombardo was the 'new Boss', although he reportedly stepped down not long afterwards due to health issues.)

In January 1966 FBI reported: "Prior to Eddie Coco's incarceration in 1955, the informant advised that Coco, along with Jimmy Alo, ran the rackets in the Bronx section of New York and Coco and [Frank] Carbo together controlled gambling and bookmaking at the House of Champs, fronted for by [Redacted]." (Ettore 'Eddie' Coco [1908-1991] was a Lucchese Captain who, like Alo, had interests in The Bronx, Manhattan and South Florida.)

G. Smurra
FBN Mafia Book

On September 23, 1966 FBI CI reported: "[He] is familiar with George Smurra as a 'button guy' in LCN, who years ago, was 'with' James Alo, aka 'Jimmy Blue Eyes'."

On June 13, 1968 among 51 listed in Dade County Public Safety Department's Daily Bulletin Special Edition covering active Mafia members in South Florida.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 209 identified Genovese Family members.

By 1969 resided in apartment at 19 W 55th St in Midtown, Manhattan.

On October 27, 1969 indicted by US Attorney's Office in New York on obstructing justice charge. Subsequently convicted and given a five year sentence.

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

That same month the FBI provided an outline of the Genovese Family hierarchy, naming Gerardo Catena as Acting Boss, Thomas Eboli as Acting Underboss and Michele 'Mike' Miranda as Consigliere. Thirteen Captains listed including Alo.

L. Nash

On November 18, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[Jimmy] Alo, aka Jimmy Blue Eyes, came to Miami from New York for a secret sitdown on 11/14/1969, at Alo's house. The reason for the sitdown was to discuss a 'hit' on Lou Nash. Present were Alo, Eddie Coco, [Redacted] and a man they brought in from out of town reportedly a [redacted]. [Redacted] reportedly brought in a man from Canada to do the 'hit' on Nash...The man from Canada was described as tall and thin wearing glasses. The two were staying in Pompano, Florida. He reported that Nash ran away with some of Eddie Coco's money. Coco wanted to get rid of Nash right away since he got word Nash was looking to 'beat' it and wants the hit made soon. Coco was to furnish the cash for the 'hit'. He advised Nash who resides at 890 NE 158th St [is] negotiating to sell his house. Nash mentioned running to Puerto Rico."

Next day CI reported: "[The] scheduled sitdown to discuss the 'hit' on Lou Nash did not take place. The men who are going to do the hit will not talk to Eddie Coco concerning the matter. They insist on speaking only to Jimmy Blue Eyes."

Following week CI reported: "[The] 'hit' on Lou Nash was called off. Nash came up with the money he owed Eddie Coco."

In September 1970 among 108 LCN figures profiled in Report of the State of New York Joint Legislative Committee on Crime. Entry noted: "Vincent Alo, a lieutenant in the Genovese Family, is active in bookmaking, numbers, labor rackets, narcotics and shylocking. In 1964-1965 he was head of the Bronx policy operation which operated with about 153 men. Alo also operated a banker's combine with Sam and Morris Schlitten in 1967. Alo is a financier of gambling in Puerto Rico and Las Vegas. In 1965 Alo attended the Palm Springs meeting with Anthony Salerno, Jerome Zarowitz and Elliot Prince, concerned with control of Caesar's Palace. He is believed to be a secret owner of Caesar's Palace...Alo is reputed to have taken Frank Costello's place as coordinator of the National Syndicate."

On October 27, 1970 received at USP Atlanta, Georgia to serve sentence re 1969 obstruction indictment.

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

Accompanying hierarchy chart named Gerardo Catena as Acting Boss, Frank 'Funzi' Tieri as Acting Underboss and Michele Miranda as Consigliere. Thirteen Captains listed including Alo.

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

The accompanying hierarchy chart identified Frank Tieri as the Boss and listed Vincent Alo and thirteen other Captains. Identified Alo crew members were Nicholas Bilangi, Joseph Cataldo, August Laietta, James 'Jimmy Rush' Piccarelli and Gaetano Somma. (Eli Zeccardi was by then the Family's Underboss.)

On December 20, 1973 released from USP Atlanta.

On November 22, 1974 the FBI submitted its annual La Cosa Nostra report.

The included Genovese hierarchy chart identified Frank Tieri as Boss, Eli Zeccardi as Underboss and John 'Buster' Ardito as Consigliere. Fourteen Captains listed including Alo.

Similar charts from December 1975 and January 1977 included Alo in their list of eleven and fourteen Captains respectively.

In January 1977 FBI reported: "Sources in the Miami Division advised the following are some of the individuals holding Leadership in different Families, who are now residing permanently in the Miami area..Vincent Alo - Capodecina (Genovese Family)."

Same month included in the FBI's list of 198 identified Genovese Family members.

In April 1977 Florida's Organized Crime Control Council issued report identifying LCN members and associates residing in the state. Vincent Alo and Genovese Soldier Anthony 'Tony the Bum' DeMartino were among those listed.

On August 2, 1977 interviewed by FBI in Florida: "[Alo] indicated he would be returning to his New York apartment located at 19 W. 55th Street, during mid-August, 1977. Alo usually resides at his New York apartment during July or August, through mid November."

On January 9, 1978 subject of Mesquite, Texas PD inquiry.

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

That same month the FBI provided another breakdown of the Genovese Family hierarchy, naming Frank Tieri as Boss, Anthony 'Fat Tony' Salerno as Underboss and John Ardito as Consigliere. Matthew 'Matty the Horse' Ianniello was listed as Acting Underboss. Listed Captains included Vincent Alo. Those named as Alo crew members included Nicholas Bilangi, Joseph Cataldo, August Laietta, James Piccarelli and Gaetano Somma. (This report was outdated in at least some aspects, i.e. listing deceased members as current members.)

A. Salerno

On April 18, 1980 FBI CI reported: "Source stated that [Vincent] Alo was at one time a key man in the Genovese La Cosa Nostra (LCN) and was close to Fat Tony Salerno. Source stated that Alo is still very active in the Las Vegas casinos and operates a business that caters to junkets going to Vegas. Source learned that Alo together with Salerno were the head members of the Genovese Family in all matters pertaining to Las Vegas. Source stated that Alo is now residing in Florida."

In September 1980 the FBI issued a revised Family chart, naming Frank Tieri as Boss, Unsub (Name Redacted) as Underboss and John Ardito as Consigliere. Listed Captains included Vincent Alo. (This list is almost identical to the outdated one from June 1979.)

On April 2, 1981 FBI CI reported: "Source advised that [redacted] an individual named Louis Puria (ph). Source advised Puria is a W/M, age 66, and is the Chairman of the Board of three gambling establishments in San Jan, Puerto Rico named the El San Juan Hotel, the Americana Hotel, which is now called the Palace and the La Conquistadore. Source advised that one or all of these establishments is now in Federal Bankruptcy. Source stated the two individuals, [redacted] 'Jimmy Blue Eyes', TN Vincent Alo and an individual named Eddie McGrath, who is a member of the old West Side Irish Gang in NYC. Source advised McGrath is aligned with 'Jimmy Blue Eyes'."

Around August 11, 1981 FBI CI reported: "Source advised it is felt that the recent death of [Frank] Tieri has left the way clear for Paul Castellano, of the Gambino Family, to become a dominant Boss in the LCN...Source advised it is not likely Tieri's successor will be able to match Castellano's influence. Source advised that from what he has heard, John 'Buster' Ardito, appears to be a leading contender to replace Tieri. Source additionally advised in his opinion, 'Jimmy Blue Eyes' (TN Vincent Alo) would also have to be regarded as a top contender due to his seniority in the Genovese Family."

Identified as Captain in 1983 Senate Chart of Genovese Family membership.

On July 25, 1983 surveilled visiting Singapore Beach Resort located on Collins Ave in Miami Beach.

In September 1983 FBI compiled partial chart of the Family hierarchy using source information. Alo and ten other Captains named.

Among 22 Captains shown in 1985 Federal chart.

On December 22, 1987 an updated Genovese chart was compiled, identifying Vincent 'Chin' Gigante as Boss, Venero 'Benny Eggs' Mangano as Underboss and Louis 'Bobby' Manna as Consigliere. Thirteen Captains listed, including Alo, along with an additional five Acting Captains. Listed Alo crew members included Joseph Spinelli (Acting Captain), Nicholas Bilangi, Lawrence Centore, Joseph Doto Jr., August Laietta and Gaetano Somma. (Joseph Doto Jr. [1933-1993], son of 'Joe Adonis' noted above, was inducted after the books opened in 1976.)

Identified in an April 1988 Senate Report as Genovese Captain. The report, prepared by NYPD's Intelligence Division, noted: "Alo is believed to be inactive and that Giuseppe Spinelli, DOB 4/2/07, FBI# 552781, is acting in his behalf."

Giuseppe Spinelli (1907-1996), born in Manhattan's East Village to parents from Messina, Sicily, operated as a loanshark and was described by an informant in 1969 as 'one of the most uncommunicative wise guys [he] knows'.

In June 1993 Alo was posthumously included in the FBI's list of 162 identified Genovese Family members. Report noted he remained a Captain.

He died March 9, 2001 in Florida.

More Genovese Family posts can be found in the Index.

Angelo Perna (Cleveland)

1965

Angelo 'Andy' Perna was a made member of the Cleveland Family active in Toledo, Ohio.

Stepbrother Paul Lamonge (1913-1999) was a Suspected Member.

Born July 31, 1910 in Niles, Ohio to Vincenzo (41y) and Maria D'Angelo (39y). Parents from Termini Imerese comune of Palermo, Sicily.

In 1915 Maria died and Vincenzo later married Catherine Martino, whose first husband Paul died in 1914.

Catherine was the mother of Future Suspected Member Paul Lamonge. (Paul Sr. was from Bellona comune of Caserta, Campania.)

By April 1920 the family resided at 308 Grant St in Niles. Vincenzo owned grocery.

First arrest of record was in 1929, when charged with armed robbery and assault. Case believed dismissed.

By April 1930 they moved about a block over to 313 East Park Ave. Angelo listed occupation as contracting painter.

By April 1940 Perna, his wife Anna DeFazio (31y) and their daughter were living in the household of Anna's father Victor located at 1800 West Ave in Elyria, Ohio, about twenty miles outside of Cleveland. (Victor DeFazio was from Catanzaro Province, Calabria.)

By September 1943 the couple moved a few houses down to 330 18th Ave.

By April 1950 they were living in Washington, Ohio, where Perna worked as a house painter.

Believed to have been a formally inducted member of the Cleveland Family by the early 1960s.

The Family was then headed by John Scalish (1912-1976) with Antonio Milano (1888-1978) as Underboss. John DeMarco (1903-1972) may have been Consigliere. (Scalish and DeMarco were Sicilian, hailing from Carini, Palermo and Licata, Agrigento respectively. Milano was from San Roberto comune of Reggio Calabria.)

On January 7, 1962 the FBI's Cleveland Field Office opened an anti-racketeering investigation on Perna, noting: "It has been established that [Perna] is an associate of [Anthony Besase] in the numbers rackets in Toledo."

Detroit Member Anthony 'Whitey' Besase (1907-1977) is believed to have been related by marriage to Perna and Perna's stepbrother Paul Lamonge; like Perna, Besase's father was from Termini Imerese.

Lamonge may himself have been an inducted member by this time.

On June 15, 1964 identified by FBI Cleveland as Toledo-based LCN member.

Further sections of report noted:
"

Angelo Perna [resides] at 5915 Everwood Road, Toledo, Ohio. Perna has an arrest record since 1929 on charges of armed robbery, assault to rape but has no convictions. Since 1945, he has been arrested ten times for gambling. Perna is the brother-in-law of Anthony 'Whitey' Besase, Toledo racket leader. Perna is one of Besase's lieutenants in the operation of the numbers racket in Toledo. Perna previously was a racket figure in Niles, Ohio. During the past few years, Perna has been reported agent or distributor for I.M. Suffrin Company, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, printer of Numbers 'K' Books. Perna was recently indicted at Toledo, Ohio, for furnishing false information on a wagering tax stamp (misdemeanor and also for excise tax evasion.) 

...[Wife] of Paul Lamonge [advised] she had no positive information that her husband belonged to the 'organization' or 'syndicate', but that in conversation with her husband he often referred to 'organization' members as Anthony Delsanter of Warren, Ohio, James Licavoli of Cleveland, and Leo Moceri, Ernie LaSalle, and James LaFatch of Akron, Ohio. Other associates of her husband whom she would consider members would be 'Whitey' Besase and Angelo Perna, her husband's half brother, both of Toledo, Ohio.

"

(Everwood Rd was in Toledo's Whitmer - Trilby neighborhood. James LaFatch [1911-1993] was a Cleveland Member. James Licavoli [1904-1985], Calogero 'Leo' Moceri [1907-1976] and Ernest 'Ernie LaSalle' Fusco [1903-1974] were Detroit Members. Licavoli took over the Cleveland Family upon John Scalish's death in 1976, after which Moceri and Anthony Delsanter [1911-1977] became his first Underboss and Consigliere respectively.)

Fall 1965 (L to R): J. Besase and A. Perna

On October 4, 1965 FBI surveilled and photographed Perna, Whitey Besase's brother John and an Unsub in or near Toledo.

Fall 1965 FBI Surveillances

On a separate occasion Agents photographed Perna and Besase brothers John and George at the same location.

Around 1967 retired as general contractor.

On August 7, 1968 among 23 identified by FBI as LCN members residing in Cleveland Division. Report noted Perna's Family affiliation unknown.

On August 14, 1968 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] was shown photographs of the following Cleveland hoodlums but did not recognize them by name or photo: [Group includes Perna]."

c. 1969

Around 1969 issued Handgun Owner's ID in Toledo.

On February 13, 1974 FBI Cleveland reported: "Sources familiar with [Perna]'s activity have stated subject not involved in gambling activity. Subject is considered to be 'retired' from illegal gambling business."

On December 18, 1974 FBI Cleveland reported: "Repeated contacts with sources familiar with gambling activities in the Toledo area have established that Andy Perna is no longer involved in any gambling business."

On June 14, 1976 FBI CV reported: "[Perna] is quite sickly and aged, which has contributed to his inactivity...Sources familiar with subject's activity have advised that subject is not involved in illegal activities and has become divorced from criminal element."

Perna died December 29, 1979 at St. Vincent Hospital in Toledo.

On January 2, 1980 waked at H.H. Birkenkamp Mortuary located in Trilby.

On November 16, 1982 FBI Cleveland reported: "[Organized Crime Information System] lists Perna as an inactive LCN member."

More Cleveland Family posts can be found in the Index.

Francesco Oliveri Murder (Gambino)

Francesco Oliveri was murdered by members and associates of the Gambino Family in May 1988.

Born March 17, 1932 in Torretta comune of Palermo, Sicily to Rosario and Francesca Gambino.

By 1988 immigrated to the US and lived with his family, including two sons, in ground-floor apartment at 41-15 35th Ave in Astoria, Queens.

Francesco worked at Ronzoni macaroni factory located down the block from his residence.

One of his sons was partners with an FNU DiMaria in a local barbershop.

Neighbors of the Oliveris included relative Giuseppe Gambino, a made member in the Gambino Family's Sicilian crew then headed by John Gambino (1940-2017).

G. Gambino Murder

In the early morning hours of February 22, 1988 Giuseppe Gambino was found severely beaten outside the 35th Ave apartment building. $1,600 cash and jewelry still on person. Taken to Elmhurst Hospital where pronounced dead.

At the hospital Gambino's wife, in the company of several relatives including Gambino's cousin Filippo Badalamenti, interviewed by NYPD. She claimed that the large amount of cash found in her husband's possession was intended to pay their mortgage

Questioned about a possible motive, the wife reported that the victim had recently been accused of slashing the tires of an Alfa Romeo belonging to one of Francesco Oliveri's sons. (The auto with its flat tires can actually be seen in photos taken at the scene of Gambino's beating.)

The NYPD officer who interviewed her later testified that she also talked of 'marital problems' leading up to the murder: "[Wife] said [sister] married one of the members of the Oliveri family in Italy and that they are having troubles there, which led to bad feeling here on both sides'."

Two days later Giuseppe's brother John Gambino (not to be confused with the Gambino Captain) was interviewed. He also claimed the murder resulted from the tire slashing and stated there were three participants in the fatal beating, namely Francesco Oliveri and his two sons.

Canvassing of the neighborhood also revealed that the year prior to Gambino's murder, the Oliveris had caught another individual flattening tires and assaulted him, resulting in one of the Oliveri son's being arrested.

G. Gambino Wake + Permission to Retaliate

J. Gotti (1989)

By February 1988 John Gotti was Boss of the Gambino Family. Frank 'Frankie Loc' LoCascio and Salvatore 'Sammy Bull' Gravano served as Acting Underboss and official Consigliere respectively.

Gotti's headquarters at the time was the Ravenite Social Club located on Mulberry St in Manhattan's Little Italy.

J. Gambino

John Gambino, appointed Captain a few months after Gotti took over the Family, typically reported to the Boss at the Ravenite a few times a month.

It was at the club that Gambino brought Giuseppe Gambino's murder to the Family's attention.

S. Gravano

Salvatore Gravano, who became a cooperating witness in 1991, later testified: "We were down at the Ravenite Social Club, Johnny Gambino who is a Captain in our family, came down and told us that his cousin, Giuseppe Gambino [who] was a made member in his crew, was killed and that he was going to go to the [wake] and would we attend the [wake]."

Wake held February 26 at Quinn Funeral Home located at 350-20 Broadway in Astoria. Attendees included Gambino Boss John Gotti, Acting Underboss Frank LoCascio, Consigliere Salvatore Gravano, Captains Joseph 'Joe Butch' Corrao, Jack D'Amico, James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla, John Gambino and Louis 'Big Lou' Vallario as well as Gambino Soldier Peter Gotti.

At the wake John Gambino approached Gotti, Gravano and others. Gravano: "He told us that Giuseppe Gambino was savagely beaten to death. He asked permission to investigate the death, and to retaliate. [Gotti said to] investigate it. Retaliate. Get back to us."

On March 2 Gambino reported at the Ravenite. Gravano: "Johnny Gambino and them found out who did the murder. It was Oliveri and his sons. John [Gotti] gave them permission to retaliate and take them out, kill them...[This] Oliveri and his two sons -- there was an argument or a fight, he said that the entire neighborhood knew what had happened and that they did it and that he was going to retaliate."

On April 14 Gambino returned and asked for assistance with the hit. Gravano: "Some time went by, a couple of weeks, four, five weeks went by, and [John Gambino] came back in to John Gotti and he told John Gotti that he was obviously handicapped [from a stroke], he had his brother and Lorenzo and he asked the boss for help from the family."

Hit Team

Gravano was tasked with supervising the murder and also served as a backup shooter.

Gravano:
"

...[John Gotti] called me on the side, spoke with me, told me the situation, and I had answered John Gotti. He [Gambino] had the manpower. He had the people. Let him do it. John Gotti said he had his reasons that he wanted to get involved. He told me to go on the hit, take it over, supervise it, make sure it gets done. He wanted me to use Bobby Cabert as the shooter. He specifically said he wanted him to be the shooter. He said [Cabert] was a ballsy guy, for me to report back his actions.

[Gotti] told me that Joe Gambino and Lorenzo were already on it, had a wealth of information about it, at this time there was a guy named Ossie [Stantini] who was an associate of our family. He was a proposed person to become a made member, he was close with Frankie DeCicco, who was very close with me.

After Frankie died, I knew Frankie's wishes were for [Stantini] to become a made member in the family. I thought this would be a good opportunity to use him as far as going on the work as well. I told John, if I needed Ossie, could I take Ossie with me. He thought the idea was a good idea and he said take control of it and do exactly what you have to do to get it done.

[Later on a different day] I met with everyone. I met with Joe Gambino and Lorenzo. I met with Bobby Cabert. I sent for Ossie when I was back in Brooklyn...I was with [Bisaccia] down in the Ravenite Club. I believe John already spoke with him. I told him that he was going to go on a piece of work, which he was aware of. I told him not to tell his captain. It was to be held just between us. That [it] was on record with [Gotti]. I told Ossie the same thing, that he was about to go on a piece of work with the family, not to tell Georgie DeCicco.

...[Joe Gambino and Lorenzo] had put together that Oliveri lived in an apartment house in Astoria, Queens. He worked in a macaroni factory. He parked his car in front of the building, and came out early in the morning and moved it. He walked from the macaroni factory after work. They told me that his sons owned a haircutting shop in that area, and they just seemed to have all information on the father and the two sons...I suggested that we go out there and look at everything and take a dry run.

"

R. Bisaccia

Designated shooter Robert 'Bobby Cabert' Bisaccia (1935-2008) was Acting Captain of Michael Mandaglio's crew in New Jersey.

Joe Gambino (L) and L. Mannino

John Gambino's brother Giuseppe aka 'Joe' Gambino (1946-) and Lorenzo Mannino (1958-), Associates in John's crew, were to serve as drivers and, in Mannino's case, spotter.

O. Stantini
Gang Land News

Gambino Associate Orazio 'Ozzie' Stantini (1945-2017) was to be a backup shooter.

April 19 - Dry Run

The dry run for the murder was carried out Tuesday, April 19.

FGA Foods Inc.

Govt Photo

At 6:00 that morning Lorenzo Mannino placed a call to FGA Foods, Inc. owned by Filippo Badalamenti and his brother Giovan Battista.

A residence linked to the Badalamentis located on 43rd St a couple of blocks from Oliveri's building would be used to switch cars before and after the murder.

Oliveri Apt Building
Victim was shot on May 3 after exiting black door

Around 9 or 10 a.m. the five members of the hit team, unarmed, arrived at the scene in a single vehicle.

Gravano: "We went out to the area. We got there about nine, ten o'clock. We saw the building where he lived. Approximately where he parked his car. It was not there. It was already moved. We looked at the entire neighborhood. If we did it there, how to getaway, what blocks to take, where there were lights, which streets to take, where to park, where to set up."

Barbershop (Arrow) and Florist
Govt Photo

"

From there we walked to the haircutting place. We parked the car. We walked in the neighborhood. We walked down the block of the haircutting place. It was just opening. There was a florist...I told the team to continue walking. I walked into the haircutting place. There was two young Italian guys in there. I believe [Oliveri's] sons. I asked them where the [florist] was. They told me there was one down the block. I walked out. I caught up to them down the block. I told them that [I] would have been able to kill the two on them right in the shop, right then and there.

At that time Lorenzo and Joe Gambino told us they weren't 100 percent sure about the kids on the murder of [Giuseppe Gambino] but they were 100 percent sure of the father. We turned our attentions to the father, back to the father, and the [apartment] building. We went there. We set up on it, and when we had the man down pat. We left to come back the following week to do it.

"

At 12:31 PM Lorenzo Mannino placed a call to Captain John Gambino's company G & G Concrete.

April 21

Mannino placed multiple calls to G & G Concrete.

Several calls also made from G & G Concrete's mobile number, used by John's brother Joe Gambino, to Safe Auto Sales operated by FNU Manfredi. Manfredi later testified that he often provided cars off the books to the Gambino brothers.

Additional calls placed that evening to John Gambino's residence.

April 22

John Gambino, his brother Joe and Lorenzo Mannino surveilled meeting with Boss John Gotti at the latter's Bergen Hunt and Fish Club in Ozone Park, Queens.

April 26 - First Attempt

The night before (Apr. 25) the group convened at the Ravenite Social Club and was recorded by FBI video surveillance going on a twenty-five minute walk and talk outside the club. Gravano later testified: "We went through it again briefly. We left off that Bobby and Ossie would pick me up from the house in the morning. We would go in to Brooklyn. Meet Lorenzo and Joe, which we did. They had the guns, the walkie-talkies, the stolen cars. We went to Astoria, Queens." (Govt noted this was the only time these particular individuals were surveilled meeting together as a group.)

Guns, cars and possibly walkie-talkies provided by Joe Gambino and Lorenzo. Gravano: "Joe Gambino and Lorenzo, it was their hit. We were just assisting in it."

The group arrived at the scene earlier than their dry run the previous week but still 'left slightly late' and failed to catch Oliveri outside the building. It was decided to try again the next week.

Same night Gravano touched base on the hit with John Gotti at the Ravenite.

April 28

Lorenzo Mannino called FGA Deli, then a couple of hours later placed a call to John Gambino. (This was the second of only two calls Mannino made to the deli during this period.)

May 2

At approximately 12:30 p.m. Joe Gambino called Safe Auto Sales. Two minutes later he placed a call to Caffe Giardino, a Sicilian crew hangout on 18th Ave in Bensonhurst.

From 1:12 to 1:50 p.m. Joe Gambino and Lorenzo Mannino met at the cafe. Bug inside establishment recorded pair having conversation in Italian. Topics included the need to obtain a car from Safe Auto's FNU Manfredi.

Translated excerpt:
"

Mannino: We have to go to Manfredi with Dino. We have to pick up the car.

...

Mannino: Yeah, yeah, I know, but Joe, we got to bring the car there tonight.

...

Mannino: Anyway, Joe, it's simple. Tonight, when I see them, I'll say, go get the car. All right...We'll meet tomorrow. That's all. The good one, I'll look for someone and he'll bring it tonight. It's just that I didn't want to see who it is.

"

From approximately 6 to 7 p.m. some members of the hit team present at the Ravenite. Gravano: "[Joe Gambino] came down to the Ravenite. Bobby was there. We really didn't have a meeting, but it was -- we took a walk-talk with John Gotti, with Joe Gambino and myself, he gave some messages from his brother with the company, with G & G [Concrete]. We [just] touched very, very briefly, John [Gotti], that we were going again."

May 3 - Oliveri Murder

Around 1:20 AM Joe Gambino and Lorenzo Mannino in contact by phone.

Around 4:52 AM Mannino called residence of one Gaetano Gallo located on E 7th St in Brooklyn. (This was the only logged call Mannino made to this address.)

Around this time one of the cars used in Oliveri's murder was stolen off the same street.

Later that morning Salvatore Gravano picked up at his Staten Island residence by Bisaccia and Stantini. According to Gravano, Stantini directed Bisaccia who 'didn't know the Staten Island area that well'.

Trio drove to apartment / stashhouse maintained by Sicilian crew located around 21st Ave in Bensonhurst.

Gravano:
"

Ossie and Bobby picked me up at my house, went in to Brooklyn. We met Joe Gambino, Lorenzo. Me, Bobby, and Lorenzo got into a legitimate car, drove -- Joe Gambino drove one of the stolen cars and Ossie drove the other stolen car, it was really -- it was dark. We drove to Astoria, Queens.

...[Near Badalamenti address on 43rd St in Astoria] me and Lorenzo got into one of the stolen cars. And the other three, Ossie, Bobby and Joe Gambino got in the other stolen car. Joe was the driver. Bobby was sitting up front and Ossie was sitting in the back.

"

Oliveri Apt Building
Bisaccia auto was parked where white car present (No. 1)
Oliveri shot and fell against tree (2)
Gravano and Mannino parked in vicinity 41st and 35th (3)
Gravano: "[If] in any way he would have saw this or been able to get away or run down here, he runs right into me."

"

...We came to the spot, the car was still there, it was not moved yet. We got into position. We had the walkie-talkies. They had one, I had one. We were all armed. We all knew what had to be done. Some time passed, it became lighter. People were going to work. I remember a police car had passed. Shortly after that Lorenzo told me that Oliveri had just came out of the building. He had on tan clothing. He had on a pea cap. He was walking toward the car.

I got on the walkie-talkie and told them to move. I watched the area. I watched Oliveri walking toward the car. I put the walkie-talkie down. I took my gun out to get ready. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Bobby Cabert running over to him, he shot him once.

Oliveri saw what was going on. Bobby slipped, shot him a few more times. He went back into the car. The car came shooting around the corner. [We] came right up bumper to bumper on it. They made a quick left where we were supposed to go. We went down a few blocks, we pulled over, we got out of the stolen cars. We got into a legitimate car, and we left and headed back to Brooklyn.

We got back to Brooklyn, we went to [21st Ave apartment]. Bobby washed up. We dropped the weapons off, the walkie-talkies off and everything else off. I told them to get rid of the weapons and to tell Johnny Gambino what happened and not to come down to Ravenite. I told Bobby not to come down Ravenite, and not to tell Mike Mandaglio. I told Ossie not to come down to the Ravenite and not to tell [George] DeCicco. We will [get back with] them.

And I was dropped off at my office. I took a shower in my office and changed my clothes, and I stayed in my office the balance of the day.

"

Also testified re shooting: "He got hit when he got his first shot. He fell down and landed and hung right on to the bottom branches of this tree." (See above)

Escape route used by hit team
Group took a left on 43rd St and drove a couple blocks north to vicinity of Badalamenti address where abandoned stolen cars and entered switch car

Around 10:25 a.m. one of the stolen cars used in the murder was recovered where the team left it. (As defense attorneys would later point out, only one of the two cars claimed to have been used in the murder was recovered.)

From 10:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. multiple calls placed by Joe Gambino and Lorenzo Mannino to John Gambino's residence and business, as well as to NYU Medical Center where John was undergoing physical therapy.

A couple of hours later Joe Gambino called Safe Auto Sales, then placed another call to his brother John.

That night Gravano met with Gotti at the Ravenite:
"

I talked to him in the Ravenite slightly. I had an eye contact with him, I told him that -- I believe I said that the problem was solved. He says I think we should watch the news. It was on television, on the news.

Before or after, I'm not a hundred percent sure, I took a very, very short walk-talk with John Gotti. I reported to him that everybody did exactly what they were told, what they were supposed to do. They were all good men, acted that way, Bobby was very, very efficient in what he did. Lorenzo, who sat next to me, was calm and cool. I was reporting how they conducted themselves according to our lifestyle, how we would be interested. They all conducted themselves well.

We talked very, very limited about it. We went on to further conversations before we even got back. We got back and there was basically no conversation about it other than the fact that I had told John Gotti they weren't a hundred percent sure that the kids were involved, I didn't want to participate with the murder with the kids. We -- he was going to tell Johnny Gambino that we felt it was up to him if we were even, if he wanted to continue and take the kids out he would have to do that with his crew alone without me and without further help. It was open to his decision. I don't believe the kids were ever taken out, and it ended that way.

"

Gravano told Gotti that Bisaccia acted like a 'man's man' and Stantini 'performed well'.

Aftermath - Inductions + Promotions

Both Stantini and Joe Gambino were made into the Gambino Family within a few months. Gravano was present but couldn't remember when exactly the inductions took place. He also didn't clarify whether the two were made together or in separate ceremonies, only that others not named were made with Gambino.

J. Corrao

Following induction Stantini was transferred from George DeCicco to Gambino Captain Joseph Corrao's crew. Gravano: "When [Stantini] was proposed John Gotti didn't want to beef up Georgie DeCicco's crew, he had a dislike for Georgie DeCicco. We talked about it, I says, this should not hold back Orazio. We came to a plan. I had told John Gotti, I said, use the excuse that you want to beef up Joe Butch's crew, take him out of Georgie's crew. That was a good plan as far as John was concerned. That is what we did." (Stantini began showing up at the Ravenite with Corrao instead of DeCicco around August 1988.)

Bisaccia remained Michael Mandaglio's Acting Captain and took over the NJ crew officially after the latter's death in 1990.

Re Lorenzo Mannino Gravano testified:
"

[John Gambino] proposed the two of them [Mannino and Joe Gambino] at the same time. When we made a list to make people we told him that we were going to give his decine just one slot at that particular time, and we were going to make fellows in different decines, and at that point he recommended his brother to be first, and at a further date Lorenzo would be made.

...[Lorenzo] was on the list to be made. He wasn't made because he got arrested and he never got the opportunity, but he was proposed to become a made member in our family. Just didn't happen.

"

(Mannino was inducted after his release from Federal prison in 2004.)

Trials

In November 1991 Salvatore Gravano, now the Family's official Underboss, became a cooperating witness.

His testimony helped secure the life sentences given to Boss John Gotti and Acting Consigliere Frank LoCascio in June 1992.

In April 1993 he provided testimony against the Gambino brothers and Lorenzo Mannino.

The defense noted that during prior testimony about the Oliveri murder, Gravano had omitted Stantini's involvement, and continued to do so until a few months after John Gotti's conviction in 1992.

Gravano: "It was sometime while I was in prison, an FBI agent [called] me in prison and asked me if Ozzi knew [anything] about the homicide...I told him I would think about it. I hung up. I immediately remembered that I forgot that this guy was involved. I got in touch with the [prosecutor and] told him at that time that Ozzi was on the hit...It was something I remembered [when I] was asked a question if he knew about the homicide. He jogged my memory, I remembered it, I called up the U.S. Attorney and told him I forgot. The guy is a low-key guy. I don't know how I did it but I did, I completely forgot it."

The case ended in a hung jury on most counts including those related to the Oliveri murder. Early the following year all three pleaded guilty to the charges.

In November 1993 Gravano testified against Bisaccia and Stantini. Both convicted and given heavy sentences; Bisaccia died behind bars in 2008 and Stantini a few months after being released in 2017.

John Gambino remained an influential Captain and around early 2008 was named as part of a Family ruling panel. He also died in 2017.

Joe Gambino was released from Federal prison in October 2005 and in recent years was identified by Lucchese Soldier turned Cooperating Witness John Pennisi as a Family Captain.

Lorenzo Mannino was inducted after his release in November 2004 and has more recently been reported as part of the Family's administration.

More Gambino Family posts can be found in the Index.

Edit1: Removed picture labeled as Oliveri; photo appears to actually be that of Oliveri's victim Giuseppe Gambino going by Gambino's Find-a-Grave entry posted on the forum.

Paul Lamonge (Cleveland)

Dec. 1963

Paul Lamonge was a suspected member of the Cleveland Family active in Warren and Trumbull counties.

Stepbrother Angelo 'Andy' Perna (1910-1979) was a Cleveland Member.

Born October 14, 1913 in Youngstown, Ohio to Paul (49y) and Catherine Martino (37y). Father from Bellona comune of Caserta, Campania.

In 1914 the elder Paul died and Catherine later married Vincenzo Perna, whose first wife died in 1915.

Vincenzo, from Termini Imerese in Palermo, was the father of Future Cleveland Member Angelo Perna.

By April 1920 the family resided at 308 Grant St in Niles, Ohio located in Trumbull County, about eight miles from Youngstown. Vincenzo owned grocery.

By April 1930 they moved about a block over to 313 East Park Ave.

By 1946 Lamonge resided at 415 North Cedar Ave in Niles and worked as bartender.

On May 3 of that year married Mary Kozup (25y).

By April 1950 the couple and their three children were living at 869 John St in Niles. Paul listed occupation as horsebetter.

By the late 1950s both Lamonge and his stepbrother Angelo Perna involved in criminal activity.

On October 2, 1958 FBI's Cleveland Field Office described Lamonge as 'known fence and racketeer from Niles'.

A. Perna

Perna, by then believed to be a made member of the Cleveland Family, was a noted associate of Detroit Member Anthony 'Whitey' Besase in Toledo's numbers racket. (Besase is believed to have been an in-law of Perna and Lamonge; like Perna, his father was from Termini Imerese.)

Lamonge may himself have been an inducted member by this time.

By 1961 he operated Capri nightclub located on Highway 422 in McKinley Heights, Ohio. Liquor license held by wife.

Around September 23, 1961 appeared under subpoena before Trumbull County Grand Jury investigating local sewage contracting project.

The Plain Dealer (10/4/61)

On October 2, 1961 among seven indicted by County Grand Jury re $283,000 extortion scheme involving local contractors and 'city business transactions'. Others indicted included Possible Cleveland Member James 'Bananas' Matash (1911-1977), also of Niles, as well as Trumbull County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Cickelli (51y) and City Councilman Raymond Little (49y).

Lamonge, specifically charged with extortion and witness intimidation, surrendered October 3.

On December 21, 1961 Capri nightclub destroyed by fire causing damage estimated at $75,000 (nearly $1 million today's value).

On February 5, 1962 began standing trial in Common Pleas Court. United Press International reported: "Lamonge is charged with threatening to kill two officials of contracting firms working on [sewer] project, larceny of $10,000 by trick and attempting to corrupt a witness."

On February 11, 1962 convicted on extortion and larceny charges. Acquitted on attempted extortion count and witness corruption charge dismissed prior to jury deliberations.

On February 16, 1962 sentenced by Common Pleas Judge G. H. Birrell to six to thirty-seven years imprisonment Ohio Penitentiary. Released on $10,000 bond pending appeal.

On or around November 5, 1962 Fourth District Court of Appeals affirmed conviction.

On May 15, 1963 Ohio Supreme Court upheld Court of Appeals' decision.

By late December 1963 serving sentence. (See top)

On June 15, 1964 identified by FBI Cleveland as Warren-based LCN member. Report noted Lamonge still incarcerated. (At least one other individual listed, John Nardi, is confirmed not to have been made.)

Further sections of report noted:
"

Paul Lamonge, date of birth unknown, is a resident of Niles, Ohio, alleged member of La Cosa Nostra, and has attended meetings with other individuals suspected of being in that organization. He is the half brother of Angelo Perna who resides in Toledo and who appears to be an underling of Anthony 'Whitey' Besase, who is reported to be a lieutenant of Jack White [James Licavoli] of Cleveland. Presently, Lamonge is serving a term at Ohio State Penitentiary in connection with an extortion plan to shake basic contractors for City of Warren, Ohio, sewage disposal plant. Lamonge attempted to bomb the home of the Niles Chief of Police John Ross and is responsible for a bombing at the C & S Club in Liberty Township, Ohio, several years ago. He formerly operated the Capri Night Club, Highway 422, near Niles, Ohio, which was destroyed by fire allegedly set by Lamonge. He was also in the bonding business in the Niles-Warren area.

...[Wife] of Paul Lamonge [advised] she had no positive information that her husband belonged to the 'organization' or 'syndicate', but that in conversation with her husband he often referred to 'organization' members as Anthony Delsanter of Warren, Ohio, James Licavoli of Cleveland, and Leo Moceri, Ernie LaSalle, and James LaFatch of Akron, Ohio. Other associates of her husband whom she would consider members would be 'Whitey' Besase and Angelo Perna, her husband's half brother, both of Toledo, Ohio.

"

(James LaFatch [1911-1993] was a Cleveland Member. James Licavoli [1904-1985], Calogero 'Leo' Moceri [1907-1976] and Ernest 'Ernie LaSalle' Fusco [1903-1974] were Detroit Members. Licavoli took over the Cleveland Family upon John Scalish's death in 1976, after which Moceri and Anthony Delsanter [1911-1977] became his first Underboss and Consigliere respectively.)

Same report noted: "[Sources] identified the following individuals as members of the 'Sicilian organization' in the Youngstown area which is under the control of the Cleveland 'Sicilian organization', probably operating under the jurisdiction of James Licavoli...Paul Lamonge."

C. Moceri
The Akron Beacon Journal

On February 9, 1965 Lamonge, still incarcerated at Ohio Penitentiary, called to testify at tax fraud trial of Detroit Member Calogero Moceri. The Cleveland Press reported: "[Lamonge and others] testified that Moceri purchased a string of automobiles during a four-year period when he claimed he had no income." The Plain Dealer reported: "Lamonge said that in November, 1960, Moceri instructed him to buy a Cadillac for $4,300 in Lamonge's name. He said Moceri gave him the cash to buy the car from a man who had won it in a raffle. He said he did not know why Moceri wanted him to buy the car in that manner." (Moceri received a directed verdict of acquittal the following month. In 1976 he disappeared as a result of a feud with Cleveland Associate John Nardi, noted above, and Irish gangster Danny Greene.)

On August 14, 1968 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] was shown photographs of the following Cleveland hoodlums but did not recognize them by name or photo: [Group includes Lamonge]."

On August 26, 1968 among 14 listed by FBI as suspected LCN members residing in Cleveland Division.

On April 6, 1969 among 3 arrested by Youngstown PD on possessing burglar tools charge. Others held were Joseph D. Rizzo and James Hardwick. Trio sitting in parked auto at 1531 Belmont Ave when confronted. The Plain Dealer later reported: "A search of the car revealed tools used in burglaries and loot stolen earlier in the night from the Chamber of Commerce office in Girard."

One week later arrested by US Secret Service on charges of possessing and attempting to sell $50,000 worth of counterfeit $100 bills. Lamonge, giving occupation as antique furniture finisher, remanded to Cuyahoga County Jail pending further hearing.

On May 12, 1969 Lamonge and four others, including Youngstown LCN affiliate Mario Guerrieri (37), indicted by US Attorney's Office in Cleveland on distribution and conspiracy charges re counterfeit bills. (Guerrieri [1931-2011] remained active into the late 1990s when convicted in an arson case.)

Around November 5, 1969 Lamonge and Joseph D. Rizzo each sentenced by Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge to one-to-five years Ohio Penitentiary following conviction on burglar tools charge re April 1969 arrest.

By May 1971 counterfeiting case co-defendants pleaded guilty and Lamonge stood trial alone in US District Court Cleveland.

On May 13 Former USSS Agent testified in case. The Plain Dealer reported: "Motto testified [that] agents arrested [Lamonge] after he had delivered a package of counterfeit $100 bills at 3 in the morning at the Holiday Inn on Ohio 8 in Boston Heights. Motto had contacted Lamonge in the evening at the motel bar, he said. He was introduced to the defendant by Charles DeMoss, an informer. Defense lawyer John R. Spain said DeMoss may be dead."

Five days later convicted. The Plain Dealer noted: "His was the first case to be prosecuted at trial by the strike force against organized crime here."

On June 16, 1971 sentenced by Judge Ben C. Green to five years per each of three counts to run concurrently. Released on $10,000 bond pending appeal.

Absent from a Federal chart of Cleveland membership compiled in 1985.

Little else is available on Lamonge.

He died August 12, 1999 in Warren.

More Cleveland Family posts can be found in the Index.

Joseph Giddio (Bonanno)

Apr. 1989

Joseph Giddio was a member of the Bonanno Family active in Lower Manhattan and Staten Island.

Affiliated with the Family's Chilli crew by the 1980s, he is believed to have been inducted sometime after the Bonanno defections of the early-to-mid 2000s.

Born August 9, 1927 in Manhattan to Frank (21y), a plumber, and Mary Arena (21y).

Both parents were Sicilian, with the father from Resuttano, Caltanissetta and the mother's family from comune of Augusta, Syracuse.

Other Lower Manhattan Bonanno members with Caltanissetta roots included Captain Angelo 'Moe' Prisinzano (1908-1979), believed to have sponsored the Chilli brothers for membership in the 1970s, and Angelo's older brother Frank (1902-1970).

Bonanno members from Syracuse Province included Captain Michael 'Mikey Pip' Consolo (1903-1968), Captain Matteo 'Matty' Valvo (1909-1985) and Matty's younger brother Benjamin 'Coney Island Benny' Valvo (1916-1981). (Consolo, murdered in the 1960s intra-Family war, came up in the same neighborhood as Giddio and family).

By 1930 the Giddios were living at 31 Monroe St in the Two Bridges - Lower East Side section.

Within a few years they had moved a couple doors over to 53 Market St.

By 1978 Giddio left Manhattan for Staten Island, residing at 40 Signs Rd in the Bulls Head section.

On March 15 of that year arrested by NYPD's Manhattan South Public Morals Squad on promoting gambling and possessing gambling records charges following evening raid at 34 Peck Slip in Lower Manhattan's Fulton Fish Market. $1,220 cash, several hundred betting slips and two telephones seized.

G. Chilli (L) and J. Chilli

By 1980s affiliated with brothers Joseph aka 'Junior' and Gerald aka 'Gerry' Chilli, both made members of the Bonanno Family from Lower Manhattan, whose activities included gambling and loansharking at the Fish Market.

Joseph Chilli had previously served as Acting Captain for Angelo Prisinzano noted above.

In July 1983 daughter married in Bulls Head. Staten Island Advance article noted that among the ushers and bridesmaids were members of the Chilli and Caiazzo families. (The Caiazzos may have been related to fellow SI resident and Gambino Captain Michael 'Mike Tali' Caiazzo [1912-1994]).

A. Spero

By 1985 the Chilli brothers both believed members of crew headed by Captain Anthony Spero (1929-2008). (Reports and charts from the early-to-mid 1980s instead identify Joseph Chilli as already being a Captain himself.)

Around April 1987 Spero was elected Consigliere, and the following month member source Gregory Scarpa, a Colombo Soldier, reported that Joseph Chilli had taken over Spero's crew.

Apr. 1989

On April 5, 1989 among 9 indicted by US Attorney's Office for Southern District of New York on Federal racketeering charges related to Chilli crew activities. New York Daily News reported: "[Group charged] with using threats, violence and sophisticated electronic equipment to commit fraud, loansharking, and murder conspiracy."

Those indicted included:

Joseph Chilli (Bonanno Captain)

Gerald Chilli (Soldier)
Joseph Chilli III (Soldier) [Junior's son]

Robert Gangi (Associate)
Joseph Giddio (Associate)
Joseph 'Macky' Macaluso (Associate)
Alan Taglianetti (Associate)

On December 19, 1989 Giddio and seven others, including Joseph Chilli and his son, pleaded guilty in US District Court Manhattan. (Charges against Gerald Chilli were dismissed.)

On July 2, 1990 SDNY Judge Robert Patterson sentenced Giddio to five years imprisonment and $50,000 fine. Joseph Chilli and his son given fifteen years each and fined $250,000 and $150,000 respectively. Staten Island Advance reported: "[Trio] charged with gambling and being a part of an ongoing criminal enterprise that made loans at high rates of interest. It was estimated that some of the outstanding loans had an interest rate of 150 percent."

On April 6, 1993 released from Federal prison.

F. Lino
Gang Land News

From July 2000 to January 2002 Bonanno Captain Frank 'Curly' Lino was incarcerated at Nassau County Jail in East Meadow, Long Island. During that time Giddio visited Lino twenty-one times.

On a visit in October 2001 Giddio deposited $100 into Lino's inmate account.

On January 8, 2002 Lino was released and subsequently transferred to FCI McKean, Pennsylvania.

In October-November of that year Giddio and Bonanno Associates Joseph Amedure and Arthur Tarzia visited Lino at the facility.

The following April Frank Lino became a cooperating witness.

Joseph Amedure was sponsored for membership in the early 2000s but doesn't appear to have been inducted.

Tarzia was later made and by the mid-to-late 2010s served as a Captain.

By that time Giddio was also a made member, although he is absent from a 2014 government-compiled membership list.

J. Sabella (2015)

On January 3, 2013 Bonanno Captain Gerald Chilli subject of US Probation Office surveillance initiated at his residence, also in Bulls Head. Chilli was picked up by Giddio and driven to Bella Mama Rose located at 260 Morningstar Rd in Mariners Harbor, SI. Others observed at location included Bonanno Acting (?) Captain Joseph 'Joe Valet' Sabella. (Gerald's brother Joseph Chilli had since died.)

Dec. 2015

On December 16, 2015 Giddio attended a Family Christmas party held at Bocelli's Restaurant located at 1250 Hylan Blvd in the Arrochar section. Event subject of LE photo and video surveillance.

Those present included:

Joseph 'Joe C.' Cammarano Jr. (Bonanno Acting Boss)
Anthony Rabito (Consigliere)

Gerald Chilli (Captain)
'Big John' Contello (Captain)
Vito Grimaldi (Captain)
Peter Lovaglio (Captain)
Anthony Pipitone (Captain)
Joseph Sabella (Captain)
John 'Johnny Mulberry' Sciremammano (Captain)
John 'Porky' Zancocchio (Captain)

Albert 'Al Muscles' Armetta (Acting Captain for Lovaglio)
Anthony Fasitta (Acting Captain)
Ronald Giallanzo (Acting [Official?] Captain)
Vincenzo Masi (Acting Captain)
Natale Mule (Acting Captain for J. Grimaldi)
Michael Padavona (Acting Captain)

Stephen DeSimone (Soldier)
Joseph Giddio (Soldier)

Little else is available on Giddio.

He died September 25, 2021 in Staten Island.

More Bonanno Family posts can be found in the Index.