Paul D'Amico (Colombo)

1965

 

Paolo 'Paul' D'Amico was a member of the Colombo Family who briefly served as an Acting Captain in the 1970s.

His older brother Cosimo, a Family Associate and close confidante of Boss Joseph Colombo, was murdered in 1970.

Paul was born February 18, 1914 in Bagheria comune of Palermo to Michele (40y) and Francesca Carcione (34y). Per Francesca's Declaration of Intention filed in 1940, Michele D'Amico was born less than a mile away in Santa Flavia.

The D'Amicos had previously spent time in the United States, residing in New Castle, Pennsylvania at the time Paul's older brother Cosimo was born in 1907.

In 1936-1937 Paul served in the Italian Army.

On November 6, 1937 he married Providenza 'Enza' Carcione (22y) in Bagheria. Bride's parents were Joseph and Marie Aiello.

He immigrated to the US ten years later, arriving at the Port of New York on March 27, 1947 aboard S.S. Marine Shark. Destined for his parents residing at 3313 Fish Ave in the Laconia neighborhood of the Bronx.

By the Summer he worked for his brother Cosimo at 963 East 233rd St in Wakefield.

By October 1947 Paul owned and operated a bakery at this address. He remained at the location until February 1951.

In September 1948 moved to 819 East 232nd St in Wakefield.

On October 18, 1950 Paul was arrested by the NYPD on a felonious assault charge after shooting an unspecified male he was fighting with. The case was dismissed in Bronx Criminal Court on November 14.

Two weeks later he was indicted by the Bronx County District Attorney's Office for possessing a loaded weapon in relation to the incident. On January 19, 1951 he pleaded guilty and was given two years probation.

This was Paul's only known encounter with the law. Years later he was questioned about the case by an INS official: "[D'Amico admitted] the individual he was accused of shooting was bothering him and gave him a punch and tried to choke him, and he shot him to protect himself."

By February 1951 employed with Prestano Bakery located at 4231 White Plains Rd in Wakefield.

In late September 1954 established Rosalia Bakery at 157 Ave O in Bensonhurst. Believed resided at same address. The bakery would remain under his ownership until 1969.

Around August 1959 moved to 2041 65th St in Mapleton, Brooklyn.

Although it's not known specifically when D'Amico was inducted into the Colombo Family, he was a made member by 1958 and remained a virtual unknown for the next several years.

Simone Andolino (Source: FBN)

 

By Summer 1962 he reported to Captain Simone 'Sam' Andolino.

Made members of the Andolino crew included Paul D’Amico, Carmelo 'Joe' Mutoli, Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore, Salvatore J. Profaci (Son to the Former Boss) and Salvatore S. Profaci.

Possible crew members included Robert 'Bob' Barbieri, Jerome 'Gene Magliocco' D'Agati, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio and Giuseppe 'Pino' Tipa Jr.

The Andolino and D'Amico families were associated in Bagheria as well as in the US. Simone and Paul's brother Cosimo were born the same year in New Castle, PA. (Andolino's mother was also a Carcione.)
 

On June 4, 1963 Pietro DeLisi (43y), Croce DeLisi (21y) and Calogero Passalacqua (31y), natives of Carini in Palermo, were arrested on illegal entry charges. The trio was accused back in Sicily of multiple crimes that included cattle-rustling, kidnapping and involvement in the murder of Carini's Mayor.

Pietro DeLisi was apprehended while working the ovens at D'Amico's Rosalia Bakery. The press noted both he and his son Croce were bakers.

On December 3, 1963 D'Amico became a naturalized citizen in US District Court Brooklyn.

By May 1965 made members of Simone Andolino's crew included Jerome 'Gene Magliocco' D'Agati, Paul D'Amico, Vincent Mangano and Carmelo 'Joe' Mutoli. Possible additional crew members included Robert Barbieri and Giuseppe Tipa Jr.

L to R: Unsub1 (Believed to be Ambrose Magliocco), Unsub2 and Paul D'Amico at Fusco Reception (1965)

On May 15, 1965 the youngest daughter of recently promoted Colombo Captain Frank Fusco was married, with the reception held at Claridge Caterers located 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. D'Amico was present and photographed by Agents.

On May 19, 1965 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] advised that he had attended the wedding of Fusco's daughter on 5/15/65. [Scarpa] stated that there were a number of members of the Colombo Family there and it is anticipated these individuals will be identified at a later date with the assistance of photographs which will be exhibited to [Scarpa]..[He] advised that Paul (LNU), whom he has previously identified as a member of the Colombo Family and who operates a bakery in Brooklyn, was present at the wedding. It is to be noted that this individual is believed identical with Paul D'Amico, operator of Rosalia in Brooklyn."

Five days later Agents met with Scarpa to review photographs taken at the reception. He picked D'Amico out of several and noted: "[This] individual is identical to Paul (LNU), whom he described as being a member of the Colombo Family of LCN and who operates a bakery between East 3rd and East 4th Streets on Avenue O in Brooklyn. It is noted [Agents] from the same photographs have identified this individual as being identical with Paul D’Amico, owner and operator of the Rosalia Bakery [in Brooklyn]." This was the first official identification of Paul D'Amico as an LCN member and resulted in him being named the subject of an anti-racketeering investigation.

On August 7, 1965 the son of Colombo Captain Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano was married, with the reception held at Astorian Manor in Astoria, Queens. The NYPD's Criminal Intelligence Bureau conducted surveillance. Attendees included Colombo Boss Joseph Colombo, Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese, Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico, Paul D'Amico and at least seven additional Family Soldiers. Others in attendance included Genovese Soldier Michael Perrone and Colombo Associates Gennaro 'Jerry Lang' Langella and Charles 'Ruby' Stein. (Stein, prominent Manhattan loanshark, was then an on-record Associate of Forlano. He was later murdered by the Westies.)

On November 1, 1965 FBI CI (Scarpa?) reported: “[CI] advised that he has not received any information nor has he seen Paul D’Amico for some period of time. [CI] stated that the last contact he had with D’Amico was [redacted] and he has not heard anything about D’Amico since that time. [CI] stated that D’Amico is definitely not considered an active individual in LCN affairs and apparently spends most of his time in connection with his bakery business.”

On December 15, 1965 FBI reported: “It is to be noted prior to 5/65, [CI Scarpa] advised an individual who operates a bakery on Ave O, Brooklyn, is a member of LCN in the Joseph Colombo Family. As a result of this information [Special Agents] conducted a surveillance in the vicinity of Ave O and East Third St and Fourth St in an effort to obtain a photograph of the subject so it could be shown to [Scarpa]. However, this was unsuccessful. However, during the course of this surveillance, it was determined that the subject is usually at the bakery every morning and goes to the Aqueduct Race Track almost every day to make the first race. It was determined that the subject would place a bet on the Daily Double and would usually leave after either the first or second race.”

On March 14, 1966 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that he has not heard anything regarding D’Amico recently. He said that D'Amico is not active in LCN affairs.”

On May 22-23, 1967 D'Amico's mother Francesca Carcione was waked at the Colombo-affiliated Prospero Funeral Home located at 2444 86th St in Bensonhurst.

In early August 1968 an informant reported seeing Paul D'Amico and Colombo Soldier Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia attending races at the Aqueduct.

During the same month multiple FBI spot checks on Rosalia Bakery showed D'Amico present and 'acting in a proprietary manner'. These spot checks continued through the rest of the year with the same result.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 83 identified Colombo Family members.

In November 1968 another informant report noted D'Amico was spotted at Aqueduct.

In July 1969 D'Amico sold Rosalia Bakery to FNU Gambacorta. He maintained ownership of the property and collected rent from the business.

On August 1, 1969 D'Amico was interviewed for the first time by FBI Agents: "D’Amico stated that he was born in Palermo, Italy, and added he had been in the US for 23 years. He said he had worked as a baker for the last 22 years adding he has owned the Rosalia Bakery, 157 Ave O, Brooklyn, for the past 17 years. He advised due to a severe heart condition he had been forced to sell his bakery during the last week of 7/1969. D’Amico said that he now is confined to working in the yard of his house he owns..He stated that the only information he knew about the LCN was what he had read in the newspapers in the past. D’Amico was asked if he was now or had ever been a member of the LCN to which he replied: ‘Don’t ask me such questions – I’m an old man with a bad heart. I’ll answer any question you ask about the bakery business but don’t ask me questions about something that I know nothing about.’ D’Amico then stated that he had an appointment and terminated the interview.”

On August 12, 1969 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico was old and inactive. D’Amico had a bakery business in the past but has not been seen for a considerable period of time. [CI] said that he strongly doubted D'Amico is involved in any criminal activity.”

In September 1969 D'Amico's Captain Simone Andolino died in Palermo. Paul's brother Cosimo handled arrangements to ship Andolino's remains back to the US for burial. (One informant claimed Cosimo also used the trip to smuggle four Italian lugers and a shotgun through Customs.)

The following month Acting Captain Carmelo 'Joe' Mutoli also died, after which remaining crew members were believed to have been distributed among the other Captains. It's not known who D'Amico was assigned to. (Given some of his later associations and crew affiliation it may have been Salvatore Musacchio.)

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 79 identified Colombo Family members.

Cosimo D'Amico (1968)

On March 8, 1970 Cosimo D'Amico, then 63, and his sister-in-law Venera Camporeale were shot to death in Hollywood, Florida. Salvatore Camporeale, Venera's husband and D'Amico's brother-in-law, was subsequently found guilty of the murders in Broward County Court. (This conviction was later overturned.)

That same month a nephew of Paul D'Amico (name redacted) was arrested at the Canadian - US border while smuggling two Italian aliens via back road. The nephew was driving Paul's car at the time.

On April 1, 1970 the Southern District of New York's Strike Force advised the FBI's New York Office: "Paul D’Amico had applied for a passport to Italy and plans to leave 5/15/70. Paul is the brother of Cosmo D’Amico who is a suspected courier for organized crime between the United States and Italy. Cosmo was recently murdered in Florida, however, preliminary investigation indicates that the murder was the result of domestic troubles.”

L to R: Colombo Soldiers John 'Mooney' Cutrone, Paul D'Amico and Salvatore John Fontana at an IACRL rally (Source: National Geographic Doc)

On June 29, 1970 the Italian-American Civil Rights Leader, spearheaded by Family Boss Joseph Colombo, held a Unity Day rally in Manhattan. Attendees included Paul D'Amico and nearly the entire Colombo membership.

On August 20, 1970 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico has not been active in organized crime for many years. Recently he sold his bakery and retired.”

On August 24, 1970 D'Amico was interviewed by FBI at his residence: “[He] advised that he had loaned his 1969 Oldsmobile to his nephew [Redacted] in 3/70, when [Redacted] was arrested at the Canadian-US border for bringing two Italian aliens to the US via back road. [Redacted] paid $2100 assessment to have Customs return car. D’Amico refused to discuss the matter further. His brother Cosmo D’Amico was murdered in Florida in early 1970, after returning from Italy. The murderer has not been arrested and D’Amico believes that the murder was over domestic trouble. D’Amico advised that he had attended the American-Italian demonstrations at the FBI office, NYC, on several occasions including Unity Day, June 29. When asked why he attended and who told him of the demonstration, he refused to answer and terminated the interview.”

On June 7, 1971 the FBI's Miami Field Office advised FBI NYO: “Salvatore Camporeale was tried in the Court of Records for Broward County on two counts of second degree murder. The trial lasted from 3/8-13/71. Camporeale was found guilty on both counts and was sentenced on the last day of the trial to serve two life sentences concurrently. [FL LE] advised the murders resulted from a domestic quarrel. He further stated that Paul D’Amico and other relatives of Cosmo D’Amico were present during portions of the trial but other than that he knew of nothing concerning subject and his records contain no information about Paul D’Amico.”

On June 28, 1971 D'Amico was present at the IACRL Unity Day rally where Boss Joseph Colombo was shot and seriously wounded. (Colombo remained disabled until his death in 1978.)

On September 8, 1971 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico suffers from a heart condition and is seldom seen. He further said D’Amico hangs around his bakery but is retired from the business and he is not involved in any illegal activities.”

On September 20, 1971 D'Amico was interviewed by the FBI at his residence:
“

D’Amico greeted the interviewing Agents dressed in a plaster spattered T-shirt and work pants and explained that he was working in the back yard. D’Amico, who has a pronounced accent, explained that he sold Rosalia Bakery about seventeen months ago because of a severe heart condition; however, he still owns the building and visits the premises quite often since the bakery is only a few blocks from his house. D’Amico said his father first came to the US in 1894 and periodically returned to his wife and family in Palermo, Sicily, in the ensuing years. D’Amico, himself, first came to the US in 1947, and as he said worked ’10 days a week’, in the bakery, and paid his taxes every year.

D’Amico said that he was a captain in the [IACRL] and attended Unity Day on 6/28/71. He said he heard shots that were fired; but did not see anything. Joseph Colombo, he related, is a long time friend and formerly a customer and he considers Colombo a fine man. D’Amico said that his bakery was well-known and many of his friends were also customers. Joseph Magliocco was a customer many years ago; however, he denied knowing Joseph Yacovelli or Carmine Persico. At this time, Agent noticed an [IACRL] captain’s badge partially buried in a potted plant which was hanging on the wall. D’Amico was asked why the badge was in the plant and he said, ‘You can throw it out the window, the league is dead.’ He would not elaborate.

When asked about La Cosa Nostra, D’Amico became a bit excited and said, ‘There is a Mafia in Italy, in New York, everywhere.’ He explained this statement by saying that he meant there are bad groups everywhere in the world. D’Amico said his only enjoyment were his home and his family and shortly thereafter, the interview was terminated.

"

On September 29, 1971 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico still owns a bakery in Brooklyn, and [CI] is not aware of any other interests or activities on D’Amico’s part except that the bakery is occasionally used as a [redacted].”

On February 11, 1972 FBI reported: “[CI1] has periodically reported that Paul D’Amico suffers from a severe heart condition and is inactive. He is almost never seen on the street and he has not heard of D'Amico’s involvement in any illegal activities. [CI2] who is extremely knowledgeable regarding Colombo Family LCN members and their activities reports that he has never seen D’Amico. D’Amico lives in a comfortable but modest home, at 2041 65th St, with his wife and his 1969 Oldsmobile is usually parked in front of his residence. During the course of numerous investigations in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn (which encompasses D’Amico’s residence), he has never been observed in the company of other LCN figures nor has he been seen in any ‘hangouts’ in the area. D’Amico derives his income from rent received on property at 157 Ave O where he previously operated Rosalia Bakery.”

On July 28, 1972 FBI CI reported: “[Paul] D’Amico is considered retired because of bad health. He does not take part in any LCN meetings or activities.”

On August 16, 1972 FBI CI reported: “[CI] reported that D’Amico has a very bad heart and is no longer active in LCN activities. [CI] said D’Amico stays home most of the time.” FBI noted: “Other sources, including [CI2], who are very knowledgeable regarding the Colombo LCN Family have previously reported they do not know D’Amico.”

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 72 identified Colombo Family members.

D. Scialo (1968)

By Summer 1973 Family leadership promoted Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo to Captain of a new crew comprised mostly of former Fontana and Musacchio crew members.

Made members of Dominick Scialo's crew included Robert Barbieri, Paul D'Amico (noted as inactive), Harry Fontana, Philip Fontana, Salvatore John Fontana, Lawrence 'Larry' Lampasi Jr., Vincent 'Jimmy' Muce, Frank 'Frankie the Sheik' Musacchio, Salvatore 'Sammy' Peritore and Michael Savino.

Associates included Gaetano 'Tommy' Barbusca, John Coiro, Frank 'Frankie the Beast' Falanga, Albert 'Gooch' Mugnolo, Harry 'Junior' McGuire and Dominic 'Donnie' Somma.

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 71 identified Colombo Family members.

Several transgressions led Family leadership to authorize Scialo's murder and, in January 1974, he was strangled and buried in the basement of Otto's Social Athletic Club in Red Hook. (His remains were uncovered in an FBI dig nine months later.)

Later that month the FBI surveilled Scialo crew members Paul D'Amico and James Muce at a meeting held inside Grotta D'Oro Italian Restaurant at 691 Flatbush Ave in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Those present were Boss Thomas DiBella, Underboss Anthony 'Abby' Abbatemarco, Captain Joseph 'Little Joey' Brancato, D'Amico, Muce and Associates Salvatore 'Sally' Albanese and Carmine 'Turi' Franzese. (Photographs were taken of this meeting but have since been lost.)

By early February D'Amico was Acting Captain of the former Scialo crew.

On February 6, 1974 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa] stated that Paul D’Amico is Acting Captain of Mimi [Scialo]’s crew, assisted by Jimmy Muce but D’Amico is not a threat to the leadership. He is not a ‘heavy’ and is relatively in poor health. He is retired and well along in years. He stated that the members who are assigned to the Scialo crew will remain under D’Amico but the other significant associates such as Johnny Coiro would be temporarily assigned to Charles Panarella’s crew.”

Paul D'Amico in Bensonhurst (Spring 1974 FBI Surveillance)

In response to news of D'Amico's leadership role, the FBI initiated periodic surveillance on his activities over the following months. On every occasion Agents found him at his place of employment, All City Climate Control at 8024 New Utrecht Ave in Bensonhurst.

V. Muce

 

By May 1974 D'Amico was replaced by newly appointed official Captain Vincent Muce.

Made members of Muce's crew included Robert Barbieri, Jerome D'Agati, Paul D'Amico, Philip Fontana, Salvatore John Fontana, Ambrose Magliocco, Antonio Magliocco, Salvatore Peritore and Michael Savino.

On June 5, 1974 FBI CI reported: “[CI] advised that Paul D’Amico was consulted awhile back during a Family dispute; however, D’Amico is definitely retired and not engaged in any illegal activities.”

In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 73 identified Colombo Family members.

Vincent Muce died January 20, 1976 in Nassau County. His crew was broken up and split amongst multiple Captains, including James 'Jimmy Brown' Clemenza and Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro. It's not known who D'Amico was assigned to.

In January 1977 included in the FBI's list of 67 identified Colombo Family members.

On September 17, 1977 ceremony held where ten new members formally inducted into Colombo Family. One of the inductees was related to or possibly sponsored by Paul D'Amico, however, the CI report laying out the details on this individual is almost entirely redacted. (Others inducted in this ceremony included Benedetto 'Benny' Aloi.)

A report on Paul D'Amico's status from mid-1978 is similarly redacted.

Aniello Giannattasio (No. 3) (1965)

By June 1979 D'Amico reported to Captain Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio.

Made members of Giannattasio's crew included Dominic 'Little Dom' Cataldo, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Paul D'Amico, Philip Fontana, Philip 'Fat Foongi' Gambino, Joseph 'Joe Black' Gorgone, Lawrence Lampasi Jr., Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero, Frank Musacchio, Salvatore Scarpa and John 'Johnny Green' Scimone.

Giannattasio died in August 1979 after which Dominick 'Donnie Shacks' Montemarano took over the crew.

On October 6, 1980 included in DEA list of 86 identified Colombo Family members.

On October 17, 1980 included in the FBI's list of 90 identified Colombo Family members.

 

The same month a Family chart placed D'Amico not with Montemarano but instead direct with Family Boss Thomas DiBella.

T. DiBella (1970s)

 

Made members assigned to DiBella included Former Captain James Clemenza, Paul D'Amico, Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio and Anthony Peraino.

Less than a month later DiBella stepped down and was replaced as Boss by Carmine 'Junior' Persico.

D'Amico is listed in both the 1983 and 1988 Senate Charts of Colombo Family membership.

By December 1991 Paul D'Amico had left New York for Las Vegas. FBI reports from 1991 and 1993 note he and Charles 'Charlie Moose' Panarella were the only Family members living in that area.

He died there on August 12, 2002 and was buried in the city's Palm Valley Memorial Park.

Angelo Mazzola (Genovese)

1972

 

Angelo Mazzola was a Soldier in the Genovese Family.

Born July 2, 1937 in Manhattan to Rosario (27y), a barber, and Pasqualina 'Lena' Ciocio (25y). At time of birth family resided at 212 Lafayette St in Little Italy, Manhattan. Father from Marineo comune of Palermo, Sicily. Mother's family from the comunes of Corleto Monforte and Ottati in Salerno, Campania.

By Fall 1940 the Mazzolas had moved a couple of doors over to 218 Lafayette. Rosario listed employment with one Charles Bartolotta at 1-3 Cooper Square.

By 1968 Angelo was residing at 55 Houston St in Lower Manhattan.

On January 27 of that year he and Colombo Associate Joseph 'Junior Lollipop' Carna were arrested by the Yonkers Police Department on charges of criminal trespass and possessing burglar tools. Two days later the defendants pleaded not guilty before City Judge John C. Couzens and were released on $1,000 bail each pending hearing. (Carna was later inducted into the Colombo Family and rose to the rank of Capodecina before his death in 2012.)

On June 21, 1972 Mazzola was arrested by NYPD Manhattan on unspecified charge.

By the mid-to-late 1970s he was a Genovese associate in the crew headed by Thomas Lombardi.

Lombardi assumed control of the regime formerly headed by Frank 'Funzi' Tieri after the latter was made Family Boss.

T. Lombardi (1971)

By 1979 made members of the Lombardi crew included Gaetano 'Tommy Scar' Amato, James 'Jimmy Bats' Battaglia, John DiGilio, Salvatore 'Sally Dogs' Lombardi, Salvatore 'Salty' Luisi, Joseph 'Joey Mann' Maniscalco, Lawrence 'Fat Larry' Paladino and Joseph 'Joe Black' Ruggiero.

 

Possible made members under Lombardi included Edward 'Eddie Buff' Lanzieri, Joseph 'Jo Jo' Russo and William Smurra. (Lanzieri and Smurra are alternatively described by informant[s] as reporting to Peter DeFeo and Cosmo 'Gus' Frasca respectively.)

Associates of interest included future Genovese members Anthony 'Pee Wee' Lanza, John 'Moose' Marrone, Angelo Mazzola and Bartolomeo 'Barry' Nichilo.

In October 1980 the FBI received information identifying Mazzola and Anthony Lanza as active in narcotics and hijacking in the Brooklyn area. They were also named as possible suspects in one or more murders. The source noted that both reported to Thomas Lombardi and frequented his base of operations, Rosal's Restaurant, located at Ave X and McDonald Ave in Gravesend.

The 1980 report contains no clarification on their LCN membership status. Angelo was confirmed as a member by March of the following year. (Anthony Lanza was made by 1991 and served as Acting Captain for Salvatore Lombardi. He died in 1999.)

By the early 1980s Mazzola moved to New Jersey.

On January 9, 1982, at approximately 3:55 AM, he was killed by one or more gunshots to the head outside of a newsstand at the corner of Ave X and Stillwell Ave in Gravesend. Owner Thomas Caiazzo heard the shot(s) and approached the victim, at which point he was wounded in the stomach. He was taken to Coney Island Hospital in critical but stable condition. (This may be the same Thomas Caiazzo caught up in a 1958 double-murder case with Colombo Member Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo and Genovese Member Angelo 'Shelly' Pero. Like Mazzola, Pero had been a member of the Tieri / Lombardi Brooklyn crew.)

Mazzola was buried in Maryrest Cemetery located in Mahwah, New Jersey.

On January 21, 1982 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa] advised that the ‘hit’ on Angelo Mazzola was not an LCN sanctioned hit but was done by young punks who had an argument with Mazzola, and killed him as a result. [Scarpa] advised that the recent attempted hit of [Redacted] may well have been the result of [Redacted] dealing in narcotics. Scarpa noted that it is quite possible this work was done by Angelo Mazzola, who himself was recently killed.”

On February 9, 1997 the New York State Organized Crime Task Force executed a search warrant on a basement property located at 106-13 101st Ave in Ozone Park, Queens. Items seized included seven induction lists: three Lucchese, two Bonanno and one each from the DeCavalcante and Genovese.

The Genovese list included Angelo Mazzola's name among the deceased. His inclusion is noteworthy, as all available sources state that murdered members cannot be replaced. Assuming Scarpa's report is accurate and Mazzola's killing was the unsanctioned result of a petty dispute, this appears to have enabled the Genovese Family to prove no involvement on their part and allow his replacement.

Update

A bio on Genovese Soldier Frank Dolce has been added.

Additional short write ups like this will be posted and then filled out with more info as it becomes available.

Frank Dolce (Genovese)

c. 1969

Franklin 'Frank' Dolce was a Soldier in the Genovese Family.

His father Pietro (1891-1961) and older brother Ralph (1918-2006) were also members.

Born July 19, 1922 in Manhattan to Pietro (31y) and Mary (26y). His father, likely already a member, was from Lercara Friddi in Palermo. (The family name was originally Dolcemascolo; by 1940 it had been officially shortened to Dolce.)

By 1930 the Dolce's resided at 192 1st Ave in Manhattan's East Village. Pietro listed his occupation as mover.

By April 1940 they were living at 14-21 30th Rd in Astoria, Queens. Pietro and son Ralph worked as a yeast salesman and a butcher respectively.

Within a couple of years they had moved to the other side of the block at 14-08 30th Ave. Frank worked for the Bethlehem Steel Company on 36th St in Brooklyn.

Served in US Army from March 16, 1943 to January 26, 1946.

On August 1, 1946 married Helen Rinkiewicz (22y).

By April 1950 Frank was back in East Village with his wife. He and brother Ralph operated the Crow's Nest Restaurant on Ave A in the same neighborhood.

By 1957 the brothers had followed their father Pietro into the Genovese Family.

Around the same year Capodecina Michele Miranda's crew was split between himself, Pietro Dolce and Generoso 'Toddo' Del Duca. (Miranda was subsequently elected Consigliere.)

By 1960 Frank resided in Montauk, Long Island.

His father Pietro died April 13, 1961 in Manhattan.

Although Frank was on the FBI's radar by 1966 at the latest, the first currently available information on his LCN membership came from CI Carmine 'Fats' Taglialatela near the end of the decade.

During one of his initial contacts Taglialatela, a self-professed Lucchese Soldier, identified Pietro Dolce as an 'old Capodecina' in the Genovese Family and his son Ralph as a Soldier in the same Family.

Agents took a photograph of Frank (see top) and followed up with Taglialatela around April 25, 1969: "[CI] observed a photograph of [Frank] Dolce and stated that he is the person in whose name the Crows Nest is registered. He advised that Frank is the brother of Ralph Dolce and the son of 'old man Pete Dolce', whom CI described as a Capo or lieutenant in the Genovese Family...[CI stated] both Ralph and Frank Dolce had been 'made' members of the Genovese Family, Ralph by his father and Frank by Ralph. Frank allegedly has a piece of Ralph's 'action'. CI added, however, that he has never had Frank introduced to him as a 'member'." (Taglialatela, then residing in California, died in 1975.)

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

T. Greco

In October 1973 the FBI compiled a report on the Genovese Family hierarchy, listing Thomas 'Tommy Palmer' Greco and thirteen others as Captains. Those identified as Greco crew members were Soldiers Dominick 'Swat Mulligan' Ciaffone, Matteo DeLorenzo, Antonio 'Hickey' DiLorenzo, Franklin Dolce, David 'Little Davey' Petillo, George 'Lefty' Rizzo and Victor 'Romano' Tramaglino. (Greco's crew went back to the days of Former Boss Charles 'Lucky' Luciano who, like the Dolces, hailed from Lercara Friddi.)

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

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

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

Frank Dolce died August 16, 1982 at Southampton Hospital in Southampton, Long Island.

Wake held two days later at Macagna Funeral Home in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Buried in East Hampton, LI.

Brother Ralph died August 2006 in New Jersey.

William Amendolace (Gambino)

Dec. 1963

William 'Big Willie' Amendolace was a member of the Gambino Family.

His brother-in-law Dominick Castore (1911-2003) was a member and Acting (Official?) Captain in the Gambinos. Castore's younger brother Leonard (1912-2006) was an Associate.

Born Vito Biagio Amendolaggio on February 3, 1918 at 1438 44th St in Borough Park, Brooklyn to Giovanni (31y) and Serafina DePalo (25y). Father from Giovinazzo comune of Bari, Puglia.

By May 1919 family possibly resided at 65 Bayard St in Little Italy, Manhattan.

On June 22, 1919 baptized at Roman Catholic Church of the Transfiguration located at 29 Mott St in Little Italy, Manhattan. Sponsors identified as Luigi and Antonetta Macialdi.

Attended Public Schools 164 and 23 in Borough Park.

By 1938 family resided at 1436 44th St in the same neighborhood.

By 1940 employed with United Fruit Company located at West St and Rector St in Lower Manhattan.

By 1944 listed occupation as newspaper deliverer.

On February 19, 1944 married Jennie Castore (23y) at St. Catherine of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church located at 1119 41st St in Borough Park. Dominick and Frances Castore acted as witnesses. Bride's father from Bitetto in Bari, Puglia.

By 1948 the Amendolaces at 141 Tehama St in Borough Park. Listed occupation as longshoreman.

It's not known when Amendolace was inducted into the Gambino Family, but he was likely brought in by his brother-in-law Dominick Castore, a made member by the summer of 1950.

By 1952 resided at 1131 Shore Parkway in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. Listed occupation as newspaper delivery driver.

Amendolace's first recorded arrest came on March 9, 1953, charged with policy by the NYPD's 70th Precinct in Brooklyn.

On April 7 he was picked up in another policy case, this time in the 66th Precinct.

On October 19 both cases were resolved in Special Sessions Court with a two month term at the Rikers Island Workhouse. Sentence began the next day.

On July 13, 1954 among 15 indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York on charges re failure to purchase gambling tax stamp. On January 17, 1955 pleaded guilty and received a $500 fine the following month.

On October 16, 1957 arrested by NYPD 88th Pct Brooklyn on another policy charge, his final arrest of the decade. Subsequently convicted in Special Sessions and fined $200.

By this time Amendolace was a made member of the Gambino Family who reported to Joseph Franco.

Franco headed a large crew with a couple of dozen made members active mostly in Brooklyn and on Elizabeth St in Little Italy. Notable members included Amendolace's brother-in-law Dominick Castore as well as Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Joseph Gennaro, Carmine Lombardozzi and the crew's former Capodecina, Antonino 'Zu Nino' Indelicato.

C. Lombardozzi

Franco died in November 1957, just a few days before the nationwide Apalachin meeting was held in Upstate New York. Carmine Lombardozzi, who had to miss Franco's wake due to the meeting, took over the crew.

D. Castore

Dominick Castore, who an informant later stated was 'instrumental' in bringing Lombardozzi into the Family, served as the latter's Acting Captain for the next couple of years.

On November 15, 1962 interviewed by FBI. (Not available.)

Amendolace's LCN membership first became known to the FBI in early January 1963. CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, identified Carmine Lombardozzi as a Captain with approximately forty men underneath him, including Dominick Castore and his brother-in-law, who he knew only as 'Big Willie'.

On January 30, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that the following individuals play cards in a pool hall located on 15th Avenue, between 69th and 70th Streets in Brooklyn: Carmine Lombardozzi, Leo Grillo, Peter Tortorella, Dominick Castore, 'Big Willie' (Castore's brother-in-law)." (Grillo and Tortorella were also Lombardozzi crew members.)

On March 6, 1963 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] advised that Willie (LNU), who is a brother-in-law of Dominick Castore, is a 'good fellow' in the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN. He stated Willie is a W/M, 6', 250 lbs, 35 - 40 years old, and has numerous gambling convictions. CI stated when Willie is identified, he will be able to identify the photograph of him."

On December 30, 1963 arrested by NYPD 67th Pct Brooklyn on charges operating policy business, keeping place for policy and possessing policy slips. Convicted and fined $150.

By 1964 resided at 1239 36th St in Borough Park.
 

In March 1964 Amendolace was interviewed by the FBI, who had by then confirmed he was identical with the Willie LNU identified by Santantonio and Scarpa: "...[He] married the former Jennie Castore, sister of Dominick Castore, in 2/1944. He stated that he is self employed as a car simonizer in the Borough Park and Bensonhurst sections of Brooklyn. He denied any membership in LCN or in any organized group whatsoever. He admitted knowing Hugo Bassi and [Redacted] and stated he was close to his brother-in-law Dominick Castore."

J. Gennaro

Around December 1964 Carmine Lombardozzi was demoted and replaced by Joseph Gennaro.

By 1965 members of the Gennaro crew included William Amendolace, Edward 'Chris' Amplo, Hugo Bassi, Frank 'Frankie Brown' Bongiorno, Dominick Castore, John 'Johnny Pesce' Chiarello, Ettore 'Eto' Colao, Vincent Corrao, Louis DeFilippo, Ignatius 'Iggy' DeBella, Paul 'Slasher' DiBella, Leonardo Grillo, Louis Guiga, Antonino Indelicato, Pasquale 'Patty' Lauro, the Lombardozzi brothers Carmine, John and Paul, Accursio 'Swifty' Marinelli, Onofrio Modica, Philip Modica, Sabato 'Sammy Mitz' Muro, Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri, Santo 'Lloyd' Patti, Philip 'Bib' Perfetti, Ugo Rossi, Nicholas Resitano, Michael 'Scandi' Scandifia and Peter Tortorello.

Possible crew members included Joseph 'Oxie' Marino; member sources place him in both the Gennaro and Traina crews around this time, although he is confirmed to be reporting to Traina by the end of the decade.

Mar. 1964

 

On February 12, 1965 listed in FBI report on prominent New York area shylocks. Report noted: “Amendolace [has] an arrest record from 1953, which includes arrests for gambling, policy and failure to have a Federal tax stamp. Amendolace is an active shylock in the Brooklyn section and has been named by [CI] as a member of the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN under Carmine Lombardozzi."

In November 1965 attended funeral for Frank Bassi, brother of Gennaro crew member Hugo Bassi.

In mid-April 1966 the FBI's member source in the Gambino Family provided an extensive rundown on Joseph Gennaro and his crew. He identified William Amendolace as a Soldier under Gennaro and stated: "Willie Amendolace is involved in numbers and has the reputation of always owing people money."

On April 12, 1966 interviewed by FBI at residence: "[Amendolace] stated he has been working off and on a car simonizer in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn, but recently he has been ill and not working too much...Amendolace stated that he has not seen Hugo Bassi since Frank Bassi's funeral about four months ago. At that time Hugo did not say anything as to where he was residing or working. Amendolace stated that he continues to see his brother-in-law Dominick Castore, who continues to reside at 1302 81st Street in Brooklyn. Amendolace stated that he had no info whatsoever re LCN and denied membership in the organization."

By Summer 1966 subject of an INS investigation, soon closed upon confirmation of his natural born status.

On September 9, 1966 the FBI CI reported: "[CI] has not seen [Dominick Castore, Paul SanFilippo and William Amendolace] in recent weeks. He previously identified them as members of LCN, Castore and Amendolace being in his regime [Gennaro crew]."

On November 2, 1966 interviewed by FBI: "Amendolace stated that he did not have any knowledge of organized criminal activity and denied any participation in anything illegal. He denied any knowledge whatsoever of LCN."

On September 23, 1966 FBI CI reported: "CI stated he knows Amendolace as a 'button guy' in the Gambino Family, who is a close associate of Carmine Lombardozzi."

The Gambino member source reported on a Family meeting held February 27, 1967 in the basement of Gennaro crew member Leonardo Grillo's residence in Borough Park. Chaired by newly appointed Acting Boss Paul Castellano, various announcements were made, including the decision to split up Gennaro's regime for being 'too big'. Gennaro retained the majority of the crew's Lower Manhattan membership. Newly appointed Capodecina James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla was given most of the Brooklyn members, including William Amendolace.

On August 12, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he is acquainted with William 'Big Willie' Amendolace and as far as he knows he is not gainfully employed and furthermore does not know him to be deeply involved in any particular criminal activity at the present time. Currently, 'Big Willie' is driving a gray Chevrolet, which [CI] estimates to be about 5 years old. CI knows Amendolace to be a member of LCN in the Gambino Family. Commenting further 'Big Willie' does not seem to be engaged in any criminal activity, [CI] added that he is always in need of money."

On August 19, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace has been on a trip with his wife and Amendolace is expected to return to NY about 8/26/1968."

On September 22, 1968 a Gambino member source provided a partial breakdown of Family membership. The CI named Amendolace and thirteen others as Failla crew members.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.

On May 1, 1969 target of FBI surveillance, which tailed him first to a brief stop at a surgical company on New Utrecht Ave then to Jay's Bar at 15th Ave and 68th St in Bensonhurst.

On May 19, 1969 Amendolace was again interviewed by FBI: "Amendolace declined to talk about Cosa Nostra and stated that he did not believe such organization existed. He related his daily activities consist of frequent visits to the Club Herati where he has several friends. In the evening he goes to work at a car service agency and he declined to discuss his employment. Amendolace advised he is not engaged in any illegal activities and is a hard working family man. He indicated his loss of weight of over fifty pounds was not due to any serious health condition but merely on a decision of his own to lose weight. In further discussion about the activity within the Club Herati, Amendolace commented that the club was in trouble financially and the membership of this social club has dwindled. Amendolace advised he is available for interview at any time."

On June 11, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Willie Amendolace and Dominick Castore are 'buttons' in the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN. Castore is the brother-in-law of Willie Amendolace. Both of these individuals hang out at a social club at 15th Avenue and 71st Streets, Brooklyn, and [CI] advised that he thought both Castore and Amendolace were under Jimmy Brown. [CI] stated that he was very surprised Amendolace was ever 'made' as [CI] knows him to be a very ignorant person."

On June 11, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he is familiar with William Amendolace but to the best of his knowledge, Amendolace is not engaged in any criminal activities."

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.

On April 8, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he overheard conversation at a meeting among some individuals who [CI] advised are members of the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN. CI stated that the meeting was attended by [Redacted]. CI advised the discussion concerned [redacted paragraph]. [CI] also advised that [redacted paragraph]. [CI] was asked how [redacted]. [CI] advised [redacted]." (This unfortunately redacted report concerned several prominent Gambino members including Underboss Aniello 'Neil' Dellacroce, Captain James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla and several Failla / Gennaro crew members.)

On July 1, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace and his wife recently separated and he no longer resides at 1239 36th Street Brooklyn. He advised he would attempt to ascertain current residence of subject."

On July 30, 1970 FBI CI reported: "CI advised William Amendolace has not lived with his wife this past month [and he is] still a car simonizer and has been driving a limousine for a car service on 18th Ave Bklyn. Present residence still unknown. He may be in debt as result of gambling."

On August 26, 1970 FBI CI reported: "He stated he has been unable to determine [Amendolace]'s residence and employment but subject supposedly still frequents a social club located at 70th St and 15th Ave Bklyn."

On March 9, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace may be working at 18th Ave Car Service, 18th Ave and 84th St, Brooklyn."

On October 1, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that the Club Herati, 70th Street and 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, which had been a frequent hangout of Amendolace was recently closed down as a result of a local police gambling raid."

In December 1971 wake for Gambino Soldier Hugo Bassi held in vicinity of Fort Hamilton Parkway and 39th St in Borough Park. Attendees included Gambino Captain Salvatore 'Toddo' Aurello and Gambino Soldiers William 'Willie' Amendolace, Dominick Castore and Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri.

On March 9, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Willie Amendolace is currently hanging out at a club on 14th Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Streets, Brooklyn."

On May 28, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace is becoming a 'ghost' in that he disappears for weeks at a time after his marital problems heightened. Although he still uses his wife's address for mail he only stops by about once every 3 weeks to pick it up. Amendolace is reportedly drinking a lot and does not have any pattern to his life. [CI] advised he does not even hang out with his old friends anymore but he will be alert to notice if and when subject obtains gainful employment."

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members.

On November 17, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he saw William Amendolace talking to Dominick Castore at Jay's Bar & Grill, Ft Hamilton Pkwy and 39th Street, Brooklyn, last week. CI advised Amendolace has a wife in the area."

On November 17, 1972 FBI CI reported: "Advised that he saw Willie the 2nd week in Nov. He is driving a car part time and is not believed to be in any illegal activity whatsoever."

On January 4, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace has recently been at the West Side Civic Club, New Utrecht and 17th Avenues. He is apparently unemployed and is a compulsive gambler."

On February 7, 1973 FBI CI reported: "CI advised William Amendolace is driving a late model blue Buick and has been frequenting West Side Civic Club, New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn." (The West Side Civic Club was frequented by several LCN members including Bonanno Soldier Joseph Puma, Colombo Captain Joseph Brancato and Colombo Associate Ralph Scopo. In July 1974 the club hosted a sitdown between high-ranking members of the Colombo, Gambino and Genovese Families.)

On March 2, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace occasionally attends harness race tracks and indicated Amendolace frequents Big A Race Track when it is opened. He advised Amendolace is still unemployed."

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.

In Late 1974 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace is running a single action numbers operation with only three runners in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Section of Brooklyn. Same source also advised that Willie has a girlfriend who works at the Richlieu Restaurant on 18th Avenue in Brooklyn."

In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members.

In December 1977 included in the FBI's list of 195 identified Gambino Family members.

On March 19-21, 1979 Gambino Soldier Vincent 'Boozy' DeCicco was waked at Scarpaci Funeral Home located at 1401 86th St in Bensonhurst. Many attendees from the New York Families were observed including Amendolace and his (probable) Captain James Failla. (Following the inductions of the mid-to-late 1970s new crews were formed and it's possible Amendolace had been transferred.)

In April 1986 Vincent's nephew Frank DeCicco, by then the Family's Underboss, was killed by a bomb placed underneath his car. Amendolace attended DeCicco's wake held April 15-16, also at Scarpaci Funeral Home.

On April 19, 1988 wake for Former Gambino Captain Anthony 'Nino' Gaggi was held at the Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home located at 2005 West 6th St in Gravesend. Attendees included Gambino Boss John Gotti, Acting Consigliere Salvatore Gravano, at least five Captains, William Amendolace and at least sixteen additional Family Soldiers. (Also present was former Gaggi / DeMeo Crew member Joseph Testa, a Lucchese Associate made into that Family later the same year.)

In June 1993 included in the FBI's list of 209 identified Gambino Family members.

Amendolace's last mention in available records is from June 2002, when he attended the wake for Former Boss John Gotti held at the Papavera Funeral Home in Maspeth, Queens.

He moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida where he died March 12, 2012. Burial was in Saint John Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens.

Update

A bio on Colombo Member Lorenzo Lampasi has been added.

If there was one member of this Family from the 1970s that I could extensively question it would probably be him.

He was the oldest confirmed member by then (with possible exception of the exiled Gaspare D'Amico) and appears to have remained involved up to his death.

He was also one of the oldest members of the Colombos in general and would have been an invaluable source of information on the Family's formative years.

Lorenzo Lampasi (Colombo)

8/63

Lorenzo Lampasi was a member of the Colombo Family.

His son Lawrence 'Larry' Lampasi Jr. (1925-1992) was a Colombo Soldier murdered in the Orena - Persico war of the early 1990s.

His stepson, Colombo Associate John Aratico, was murdered in 1982.

Lorenzo was born January 11, 1887 in Monreale comune of Palermo to Giovanni Battista and Rosetta Modica.

On September 21, 1909 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. Virginia. Destined for older brother Antonino (36y) at 195 Forsyth St in Little Italy, Manhattan.

He was back in Sicily by 1913.

In February of that year he returned to the United States, this time headed to brother Luigi (28y) at 282 Grand St in Little Italy.

On April 26, 1913 younger brother Michele arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. San Guglielmo, destined for Lorenzo at 173 (Illegible) in Manhattan.

By Fall 1913 Lorenzo and Michele resided at 509 (59?) East 79th St in Manhattan's Upper East Side.

Around that time Lorenzo, who worked as a shoemaker, was arrested by NYPD Manhattan for attempted murder.

Convicted on a final charge of assault 2nd degree, he was sentenced on October 28 to two-and-one-half to six years in New York State Prison.

The next day received at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York.

The following July transferred upstate to Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock.

By June 1917 he was released and living at 512 Onderdonk Ave in Ridgewood, Queens. Listed employment with Novelty Shoe Company at 40 Walton St in nearby Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Served in the US Army from May 24, 1918 to June 15, 1919.

On March 13, 1920 married Maria Lamposi (24y) in Manhattan. Bride's parents listed as Giuseppe and Cristina Felice.

On June 24, 1920 became naturalized US citizen in New York County Supreme Court.

Information on Lorenzo's activities through the rest of the 1920s is unavailable. Given his age it's likely he was already a made member.

The Colombo Boss at the time is believed to have been Salvatore DiBella (1878-1934).

On May 8, 1929 Luigi Lampasi filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Manhattan. Lorenzo acted as a witness, along with storekeeper Salvatore Termini (1884-1951).

Born in Monreale, Salvatore resided with wife Angela Rizzo at 11 Stanton St in Little Italy. A son, Frank Charles (1912-1977), served as a witness in the 1937 Petition of Bonanno Member (and later Consigliere) Michael Adamo.

By April 1930 Lorenzo and family moved to California, residing at 315 W 95th St in the Green Meadows neighborhood of South Los Angeles. Brother Michele lived further north in South Central.

By the mid-1930s the Lampasi had returned to New York, settling at 1719 W 10th St in Brooklyn's Gravesend neighborhood.

In 1939 established Trenton Linen Supply Company at 4108 3rd Ave in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

On May 7, 1944 son Joseph Lampasi (20y), on active duty in US Army, seriously injured in Asam, India when a bomb exploded while being loaded onto a truck. Lampasi blinded as result and given an honorable discharge on Certificate of Disability.

In September 1947 Trenton Linen Supply Company was formally incorporated as a partnership between Lampasi and Mrs. Angela Luisa. Sons Joseph (24y) and Giovanni Lampasi (26y) served as President and Secretary respectively. FBI later noted: "This company is a wholesale supplier of linens to retail barber shops, restaurants and hotels in the Brooklyn area."

Lorenzo's other son, Lawrence Jr. aka 'Larry', was by this time a Colombo Associate active in gambling.

L. Lampasi Jr. (New York Daily News)

 

Around Mid-1957 Lorenzo sponsored his son for membership in the Colombo Family. The ceremony, presided over by Underboss Joseph Magliocco, was held inside the Magliocco home in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. Others present included Captains Harry Fontana, Calogero 'Charlie Sidge' LoCicero, Salvatore 'Sally the Sheik' Musacchio and John 'Johnny Bath Beach' Oddo. Those inducted included Leonard Dello, Charles 'Lolly' DePierro, Lawrence Lampasi Jr., Joseph Magnasco and Anthony 'Tony Skee' Scianna.

At the time of induction the Family Boss was Joseph Profaci, who succeeded Salvatore DiBella around 1931. Joseph Magliocco and Joseph 'Peppino' Buffa served as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.

H. Fontana (1957)

As of 1960 the Lampasis both reported to Harry Fontana, a long-time member who headed a large crew based primarily in South Brooklyn.

Made members of Fontana's crew included:

1. Anthony 'Abby' Abbatemarco
2. John 'Little John' Capichano
3. James 'Jimmy Bat' Cardello
4. Joseph 'Joe Bat' Cardello
5. Aurelius 'Big Larry' Cirillo
6. John 'Mooney' Cutrone
7. Leonard Dello
8. Thomas DiBella [Son to Former Boss Salvatore]
9. Philip Fontana [Brother to Harry]
10. Salvatore John Fontana [Brother to Harry]
11. Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano
12. Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio
13. Salvatore 'Westo' Imperiale
14. Lorenzo Lampasi
15. Lawrence 'Larry' Lampasi Jr.
16. Joseph Magnasco
17. Salvatore 'Charlie Lemons' Mineo
18. Marco Morello
19. Carmine 'Junior' Persico
20. Anthony 'Tony Long' Ricciardi
21. Joseph 'Joe Yak' Yacovelli
22. John 'Johnny Zip' Zozzaro [Possible Member]

In late February 1961 Harry Fontana and other high-ranking Colombo members were kidnapped by the rebel Gallo faction. The group was released unharmed but the incident ultimately led to a shooting war that left several members and associates dead.

In October 1961 Fontana was target of another kidnapping, this time outside the College Restaurant at 224 4th Ave in Gowanus. Gallo crew member Joseph Magnasco, a former Soldier under Fontana, was shot to death during the attempt by Harry's brother Salvatore. (Magnasco was made in the same ceremony as Lampasi Jr.)

On December 20, 1961 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported that Boss Joseph Profaci had ordered a halt to the violence so that a peace could be negotiated. Lorenzo Lampasi, according to Scarpa and other sources, was one of the primary mediators acting on behalf of the Gallo faction. (The attempt ultimately failed and hostilities continued through the next year and into 1963.)

On March 20, 1962 FBI CI Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa] advised that he had heard that [redacted] the moratorium on violence which had been in existence between the Profaci and Gallo groups during the negotiations to reach a peace agreement had been extended for a two week period...He stated that he had heard from individuals closely associated with Charles LoCicero that an individual by the name of Lawrence (LNU) (Lorenzo Lampasi), who operates a barber supply business in the vicinity of Gallo’s headquarters, was acting as a messenger between the Gallos and LoCicero. He stated that individual, according to his information, is a very old man and is completely gray. [Scarpa] related that he had heard this individual visited LoCicero at LoCicero's home during the afternoon of 3/20/1962.”

Six days later the FBI interviewed the rebel faction's leader, Colombo Soldier Lawrence Gallo: "[Gallo] stated, at this time, that he had purchased a 1960 Rambler sedan from Lawrence Lampasi Jr., the son of Lorenzo Lampasi, owner of Trenton Linen Supply Company. He added he is not employed by [Trenton] but has used this as his employment when registering the above vehicle solely for the purpose of obtaining insurance."

On May 4,1962 FBI CI reported: "...[CI] said further that Larry [Gallo]'s representatives have been meeting regularly with representatives of Joseph Profaci. These meetings seem to occur every four or five days. [CI] termed these meetings as 'progress reports', as apparently they have not as yet resulted in any conclusion of the Profaci - Gallo feud. [CI] added that Larry Gallo is represented at these meetings by 'Old Man Lorenzo' (Lorenzo Lampasi), Abbatemarco, 'Jimmy the Bat' (James Cardello), and [Redacted]. Also by 'The Blast' (Albert Gallo, Jr). Joseph Profaci is represented in these meetings by Charlie the Sidge (LoCicero). [CI] said that 'Old Man Lorenzo' sees Larry Gallo twice a day usually and Lampasi's son (Larry Lampasi) also sees Larry. CI said the younger Lampasi gave Larry Gallo a car recently."

On May 23, 1962 FBI CI (possibly the same one from May 4) reported: "[CI] said that he has heard 'old man Lorenzo' (Lorenzo Lampasi) owns Trenton Linen Supply Company, which is located in NYC, possibly Brooklyn or Queens."

On August 10, 1962 Colombo Soldier Charles 'Charlie Sidge' LoCicero was interviewed by the FBI. During questioning he displayed an address book that included an entry for Lorenzo Lampasi.

On April 23, 1963 CI Scarpa reported: “Photographs of the following persons were exhibited to [Scarpa], and he made comments concerning them as set forth below: Lawrence Lampasi Jr. – Scarpa advised that Larry is the son of (FNU) Lampasi Sr., who acted as the middle-man between the Gallo and Profaci factions when attempts were made to settle the feud. [Scarpa] advised that both the father and Larry Lampasi are ‘good fellows’ and both are in the regime of Harry Fontana.”
 

Publicity given the Gallo conflict brought Lorenzo onto law enforcement's radar. On August 22, 1963 he voluntarily appeared for interview at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office in Hauppauge, Long Island: "...Lampasi refused to answer certain questions pertinent to his associations. He did state he was part owner and salesman of the Trenton Linen Supply Co. dealing mostly in Brooklyn and parts of NJ. He also stated he is a licensed real estate broker presently not connected with any real estate office. During Interview, Lampasi stated the Trenton Linen Co. has their cleaning done at the Arrow Laundry, which is owned by [Redacted; Ambrose Magliocco]."

The following day both Lorenzo and son Larry Jr. were interviewed at the Nassau County DA's Office: "Born Moracle (Monreale), Italy, 1888. Belongs to North Italian Club, 86th St, Brooklyn. Former owner of Trenton Linen Supply. Knows Albert Gallo, Sr., Red Levine, Joseph Profaci, Joseph Magliocco, Joseph Gallo, Lawrence Gallo, Albert Gallo. Attempted Murder 1913 - did 2.5 years." Father and son were photographed during their appearance (see top).

On September 9, 1963 Suffolk County Police Department reported: '"...The following information was obtained through members of the Brooklyn South Homicide Squad (Special Gallo Investigation Unit) and the Criminal Investigations Bureau, [NYPD]. Lorenzo (Larry) Lampasi [Jr. was] known to be associated with the Gallo Gang prior to their split with the Profaci Organization. Lampasi is known to be a gambler in Brooklyn Park Slope Section [and] was suspected of supplying money to the Gallos from the proceeds of this wire room operation. Subject's father, Lorenzo Sr., ([Redacted]) was considered to be close to Joseph Profaci, and after the Gallo split, Lorenzo Sr., attempted 'mediation' between Gallos and Profaci. It was during this period that an attempt was made to strangle Larry Gallo. Lampasi Sr. acquired a complete 'Amnesty' for Lampasi Jr. and he 'pulled' away from Gallos completely with a group of about ten other hoods. Lampasi Jr. is still felt to be close to Profaci (Magliocco) faction and is probably still carrying on gambling activities. Lampasi has a close association with [Redacted] suspected of being a subordinate of Joseph Magliocco."

As a possible result of the Gallo conflict, Lawrence Jr. left his Commack, Long Island residence in October 1963 and moved into his father's residence.

On March 23, 1964 Lorenzo was interviewed by FBI at Trenton Linen Supply:
"

At the outset Lampasi reflected a belligerent attitude. He later become ostensibly cooperative, however, repeatedly declined knowledge of any hoodlum connections or activity...Lampasi readily admitted his identity and stated that although not an officer of [Trenton] he continued active participation in the company's affairs and was usually at the office between the hours of 11 AM and 2:30 PM in the afternoon. He furnished certain background information concerning himself and his immediate family.

A general discussion relative to underworld activities in Brooklyn was opened to Lampasi based on current newspaper stories. Lampasi although admittedly acquainted with some of the more prominent hoodlums denied any close personal relationship with any of them. Specifically, he stated that he was acquainted with the Gallo brothers but purely on a business basis since his company supplied Gallo with linens. As a result of this association as well as his son's activities as a salesman for Trenton Linen and Supply he has a passing acquaintance with others associated with the Gallos. He advised that at the present time the Gallos are indebted to him for a small amount of money for services rendered and he is currently attempting to collect.

Concerning Ambrose Magliocco he stated that he knows Magliocco on purely a business basis since it is Magliocco's Arrow Linen Supply that does the cleaning for his (Lampasi's) company. He again denied any knowledge concerning underworld activities of any of these individuals and continually made light of press reports describing Brooklyn hoodlum groups and in particular characterized Joseph Valachi as an individual of questionable stability. At the conclusion of the interview Lampasi advised that he would be available for interview at any time called upon by the interviewing agents. It is pointed out that although Lampasi admits to be 79 years of age he reflected an unusual alert, positive reaction to the matters discussed. He also advised that he is in excellent health. Lampasi at the conclusion of the interview stated his belief that the [NYPD] was giving him constant attention.

"

On April 13, 1964 the FBI's New York Office reported: "[Lorenzo's] son, Lorenzo Lampasi Jr., is considered a member of the underworld element having been sponsored by Lampasi Sr. [whose] activities are apparently limited to that of an arbitrator of disputes within the Profaci - Magliocco Family and other than the information upon which this matter is predicated no further information relative to his activities has been developed to date."

Earlier that month Joseph Colombo was named the new Family Boss. Under his leadership the Gallos were brought back into the fold and further hostilities ceased.

Colombo also quickly began the process of re-organizing the Family by demoting some of the older Captains and appointing new ones.

N. Forlano (1961)

One of the first to be given a promotion was Nicholas 'Jiggs' Forlano, formerly a Soldier in the Fontana crew. He and Vincent Aloi were both named Captains around mid-May 1964.

Forlano was given several Soldiers who were also previously with Harry Fontana, who still remained active as a Captain but had his sizeable crew trimmed down over the following year.

Made members of Forlano's crew included John 'Little John' Capichano, Alphonse 'Funzi' D'Ambrosio, Leonard Dello, Aniello 'Allie Lamont' Giannattasio, Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro, Salvatore 'Westo' Imperiale, Lorenzo Lampasi, his son Lawrence Jr. and George Tropiano.

Associates of interest included future Colombo Captains Joseph 'Junior Lollipop' Carna, Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio and Joseph 'Joe T.' Tomasello, future Gambino Captain Gregory DePalma as well as future Bonanno Captain turned CW Frank 'Curly' Lino. Non-Italian associates included loanshark Charles 'Ruby' Stein. (Carna was believed on-record with Gugliaro. DePalma, Grancio and Lino were with Alphonse D'Ambrosio and his imprisoned brother Salvatore aka Sally D. Not long after Forlano's death in 1977 Charles Stein was murdered by the Irish-American Westies gang.)

On November 24, 1964 FBI surveillance conducted in vicinity of Pisa Catering located at 1435 86th St in Bensonhurst. At 1:59 PM Boss Joseph Colombo and Lorenzo Lampasi exited establishment and walked to automobile driven by Colombo Soldier Rocco 'Rocky' Miraglia. Colombo left in Miraglia's vehicle; Lampasi entered his own vehicle and returned to his residence in Gravesend.

Forlano (L) and Lampasi (R) at Fusco Reception (1965)

 

On May 15, 1965 the youngest daughter of recently promoted Colombo Captain Frank Fusco was married, with the reception held at Claridge Caterers located at 631 Ave P in Gravesend. The event was heavily attended and, thanks to forewarning by CI 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. Lorenzo and his Captain Nicholas Forlano were present and photographed by Agents.

On September 7, 1965 FBI surveillance conducted in vicinity of Caplan Buick in Bensonhurst. At 1:40 PM Colombo Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico arrived and entered establishment. At approximately 1:42 PM Patriarca Soldier Nicholas Bianco exited Caplan Buick and entered Pisa Caterers next door. At 1:54 PM Colombo Soldier Lorenzo Lampasi exited Caplan Buick and entered Renato's Restaurant across the street. At 1:55 PM Bonanno (?) Associate Pasquale 'Patty Box-Cars' Cosoleto (Bonanno Associate) observed in front of Renato's. FBI noted: "Cosoleto was going to enter the restaurant, but was apparently instructed by [Redacted] not to go into the restaurant." (Bianco transferred to the Colombo Family a couple of weeks later. Cosoleto was inducted into the Bonanno Family around 1978.)

On December 1, 1965 a meeting between Joseph Colombo (Colombo Boss) and Nicholas Forlano's crew was held inside the New York residence of an unspecified Colombo Associate. Colombo accompanied to meeting by Underboss Salvatore Mineo, Consigliere Benedetto D'Alessandro, Captain John 'Sonny' Franzese, Captain Carmine 'Junior' Persico and Soldiers Nicholas Bianco, Rocco 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. Forlano crew members present included Alphonse D'Ambrosio, Aniello Giannattasio, Vincent Gugliaro, Salvatore Imperiale, Lorenzo Lampasi and George Tropiano. Scarpa later noted: "There could have been 3 or 4 others present he could not recall."

Around July 1966 vehicle registered to Fred Ribaudo (1915-1971) observed by FBI in vicinity of Lampasi residence / business. Ribaudo, born to parents from Villafrati, Palermo (grandfather from Marineo, Palermo), resided at 8318 Bay Parkway in Gravesend. His 1971 wake was held at the Gambino-affiliated Scarpaci Funeral Home in Bensonhurst.

On January 25, 1968 vehicles registered to Anthony Cardone (1902-1978) and Mimi Romeo (1923-1992) observed at Lampasi residence in Gravesend. Cardone, residing at 39 Remsen Rd in Yonkers, was born to parents from Caserta and Salerno, Campania. Romeo resided at 1670 W 9th, also in Gravesend.

On May 17, 1968 FBI CI named Lorenzo Lampasi as among those recently observed frequenting Caplan Buick and meeting with Joseph Colombo and his associates.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 83 identified Colombo Family members.

On March 8, 1969 Joseph Colombo Jr., son to the Boss, married in Brooklyn. A reception was held at Queens Terrace Caterers located at 68-27 Roosevelt Ave in Woodside, Queens. Many Colombo Members, including Lorenzo Lampasi, were among the several hundred attendees. Guests from other Families include Gambino Boss Carlo Gambino, Gambino Captain Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Lucchese Captain (?) John 'Johnny Dio' DioGuardi, Genovese Acting Captain Joseph Schipani and Gambino Soldier Pasquale 'Patsy' Crapanzano.

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 79 identified Colombo Family members.

On or around March 2, 1970 Unspecified Male interviewed by FBI: "[UM], Trenton Linen Supply, Inc., 41-08 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, advised [he] had been employed by Trenton for [redacted] years. The company was founded by Lorenzo Lampasi, Sr. with [Redacted]. After a short time [redacted] out of the business. At one time Larry Lampasi, Jr. worked as a salesman for Trenton. [Redacted]. John Lampasi, a third son of Lorenzo died recently of cancer. Benjamin LoCicero worked for Trenton Linen as a salesman immediately after he got out of jail the last time. LoCicero brought in one or two accounts as a salesman. [UM] says help is hard to get in the linen supply business and he is [redacted]."

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 72 identified Colombo Family members.

By May 1973 the Family was headed by Thomas DiBella, with Anthony Abbatemarco and Alphonse 'Allie Boy' Persico serving as Underboss and Consigliere respectively.

Around this time the new leadership promoted Dominick 'Mimi' Scialo to Captain of a new crew comprised mostly of former Fontana and Musacchio crew members. Others reporting to Scialo included Lorenzo's son Lawrence Jr.

On July 26, 1973 FBI CI Gregory Scarpa provided an update on the Colombo Family hierarchy and the activities of various members. During the contact Scarpa incorrectly reported that 'old Lorenzo Lampasi' had died 'several months ago'.

In October 1973 erroneously included in the FBI's list of 22 deceased Colombo Family members.

D. Scialo (1968)

By Late 1973 the Scialo crew was suspected of having carried out several unsanctioned hits, including the December 10 murder of bookmaker Miguel Cosme at a Coney Island social club. Two ski-masked gunmen lined the patrons up, singled out Cosme and opened fire, killing him with two shots to the back and one to the head. The victim was an on-record Associate of Lawrence Lampasi Jr., who was not consulted beforehand. He lodged a complaint with Colombo leadership.

Three days later, Lampasi was at a Brooklyn barbershop when a ski-masked gunman entered and shot him once in the chest. He was taken to Coney Island Hospital for treatment. Scialo crew Associate Dominick 'Donnie' Somma may have been the gunman.

Lampasi survived the shooting but it cost Scialo, already on thin ice with Family leadership, his life. He was strangled the following month and buried in the basement of Otto's Social Athletic Club in Red Hook. (His remains were recovered in an FBI dig nine months later.)

On January 29, 1974 FBI CI Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] advised that the word on the street is that 'Mimi' Scialo was 'hit' because he had become a liability to the Family...Scarpa advised that the older men of the Family were aware that Scialo was undergoing psychiatric treatment and they felt that he was too unpredictable. In addition, Scialo personally killed an individual named Miguel Cosmos, one of Larry Lampasi's bookmakers, whom Lampasi was to kill himself. When Lampasi complained, Scialo shot him. After Lampasi's shooting, Harry Fontana put a contract out to the Persico crew to 'hit' Scialo."

On February 1, 1974 the NYPD's Organized Crime Unit advised FBI: "[Detective] advised approximately one week after Larry Lampasi was shot, an off-duty police officer was eating dinner [in] Bonaparte Restaurant, 1613 Avenue M, Brooklyn and observed Carlo Gambino with several other unidentified males. [Det] advised that the off-duty police officer stated that Gambino was greeted by another older gentleman and there appeared to be some sort of meeting taking place. [Det] advised that he later interviewed the police officer and displayed photographs of both Gambino and Colombo Family members. [Det] advised that the police officer identified a photograph of Lorenzo Lampasi as the elderly gentleman who greeted Gambino and spoke with Gambino in a very serious manner. [Det] advised that he felt this meeting between Carlo Gambino and Lorenzo Lampasi could have had something to do with the recent attempt on Larry Lampasi's life by Dominick Scialo or one of his crew. [Det] advised that his department has received information Scialo may have been killed because of his unsuccessful attempt to 'hit' Larry Lampasi. [Det] advised Larry Lampasi was well thought of and his father, Lorenzo, of course has always been well-respected."

On February 6, 1974 FBI CI Scarpa reported: “[Scarpa] stated that Mimi Scialo was definitely killed on a contract given by Harry Fontana and the OK was given by Carmine Persico. Details were furnished in a prior contact with Scarpa reported earlier. Scarpa commented that the Lampasi incident was merely the straw which broke the camel’s back; other Families notably Carlo Gambino and Funzi Tieri had complained about Scialo's attitude and past activities also.”

V. Gugliaro (New York Daily News)

 

Around mid-May 1974 Vincent 'Vinny Sicilian' Gugliaro was promoted to Captain. Like Lampasi, Gugliaro had been a Soldier formerly under Nicholas Forlano, who was sidelined due to both legal issues and a drinking problem.

Made members of Gugliaro's crew included Lorenzo Lampasi, his son Lawrence Jr., Frank 'Gandy' LoCicero, Salvatore Scarpa (brother of Greg) and George Tropiano.

Associates of interest included future Colombo Members Joseph 'Junior Lollipop' Carna, Joseph 'Joe T.' Tomasello and William 'Billy' Cutolo.

Lorenzo's last noted activity was a probable role in soliciting Dominick Scialo's murder.

He died April 30, 1975 and was buried in Long Island National Cemetery.

In April 1982 his stepson, Colombo Associate John Aratico, was shot to death in front of his residence on 21st St in South Slope, Brooklyn. Colombo Soldier Nicholas 'Nicky Black' Grancio was identified by CI Scarpa as the shooter.

In January 1992 Grancio was himself murdered by Scarpa and associates as part of the Orena - Persico war.

On May 22, 1992 Lorenzo's son Lawrence Lampasi Jr. (66y) became a casualty of the war, shot dead by a Scarpa hit team in the parking lot of his apartment building in Borough Park, Brooklyn.