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| 1964 |
Pasquale 'Patsy' Giganti (1912-1972) was a member of the Bonanno Family.
Born September 10, 1912 in New York City to Giovanni Giganti (36y) and Rosalina Costa (24y). At time of birth family resided at 73 Mulberry St in Little Italy. Father operated a pushcart business at same address.
In September 1930 arrested, along with Michael Vigneri (19y), by NYPD 69th Pct Brooklyn on assault and robbery 2nd degree charge. Both convicted on final charge robbery 2nd degree and given indefinite terms in state reformatory. Paroled October 1931.
In 1934 served six month sentence at Welfare Island Workhouse following conviction on assault charge.
In January 1937 briefly held by NYPD on robbery charge.
In October 1940 arrested by NYPD Narcotics Squad on possession narcotics charge. Gave occupation as longshoreman. Convicted and sentenced to one year Rikers Island Penitentiary. Began serving sentence December 1940.
While incarcerated in Rikers Island, indicted by USAO on unlawful sale heroin charge. Convicted and given one year one day Federal sentence to run consecutive with Rikers term.
On August 26, 1941 released from Rikers Island and transferred into custody of Federal authorities. Transferred to FCI Milan, Michigan to serve one year one day term.
On June 2, 1942 paroled from FCI Milan, Michigan and given back to NYS authorities for violating parole re 1930 robbery conviction. Transferred to Attica State Prison.
On July 12, 1944 paroled from Attica State Prison.
By 1945 involved in operating card games in lower Manhattan area. Early that year wounded in shooting as result of dispute with unspecified operators of a ziganette card game. Refused to cooperate with law enforcement and again hit with parole violation re 1930 conviction. Remanded to Sing Sing Prison, then transferred back to Attica. In Summer 1947 released following maximum expiration of sentence. Several local arrests would follow through the years, most resulting in dismissal or fines.
On January 5, 1949 arrested by Toronto, Canada authorities for violating Immigration Laws. At the time Giganti was considered by authorities to be one of the leaders of a "gang" operating in both the US and Canada. Suspected activities included narcotics, fencing stolen jewelry and, with members of other NY Families, a nationwide auto theft ring.
Giganti was a formally inducted member of the Bonanno Family by the 1950s. Later reports indicate he was sponsored for membership by John Aquaro. These same reports would characterize Giganti as the stereotypical mob enforcer, someone brought in mostly for their willingness to commit violence. Giganti also maintained close association with members of the Gambino and Genovese Families who frequented lower Manhattan.
By 1956 Giganti and Bonanno member Gaetano 'Tony' Lisi co-owned the Consolidated Italian-American Social Club at 72 Forsyth St in Little Italy. By the following year he was also suspected of hidden interest in the Holiday Tavern located at 55 Madison St on the Lower East Side. The owners of record were the Mastrocola family, one of whom was a long-time Bonanno associate.
By 1962 Giganti and Lisi had moved over to the Parkview Bar at 124 Forsyth, where Giganti ostensibly worked tending bar. Thomas 'Tommy Sparrow' Spinelli, an associate of Gambino member Joseph Gennaro, was also suspected of having a piece of this bar. At the time Albert Piccolo was the owner of record; a previous owner was linked to Joseph Franco, Gennaro's former Captain. Giganti, Lisi and Spinelli were partners in a loanshark operation conducted out of the location.
In partnership with a brother, Giganti also continued the pushcart business previously operated by their father. In Summer 1964 this led to a sitdown between the Bonanno and Genovese Families. Genovese Acting Underboss Thomas Eboli had sent a message to Giganti to keep his pushcarts out of Washington Square Park. Because the individual who delivered the message was a non-Italian associate, and not an LCN member like Giganti, the Bonanno Family viewed Eboli's action as an insult and Giganti was allowed to remain at the location.
During the Bonanno confict of the mid-to-late 1960s Giganti aligned himself with the DiGregorio faction. A December 1964 raid at the Parkview Bar and Grill resulted in the arrests of Giganti, Tony Lisi, John Aquaro and associate Peter Monteleone. Other frequent associates included Bonanno members Frank Mari, Armand 'Buddy' Pollastrino and Philip Rastelli, along with associates James Episcopia and Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero.
In Summer 1965 Michael Consolo was promoted to official Capodecina. Crew members included Giganti, Lisi, Frank Mari and Nicholas Marangello.
Giganti was one of many subpoenaed by the Kings County DA re the January 1966 Troutman St shooting. The case would drag on into the summer and result in thirty day sentences for contempt of court. On September 29, 1966 Giganti, Lisi, Consolo and Nicholas Marangello surrendered and were sent to NYC Civil Jail. A dinner was held at the Parkview prior to imprisonment. Two weeks later Bonanno loyalists Salvatore Bonanno, John Morale and Rosario Morale also began their sentences and hostilities between the factions were temporarily put on hold.
Giganti is not known to have taken an active part in the conflict. Shootings, Grand Jury subpoenas and constant law enforcement harassment would follow. On April 1, 1968 Giganti's captain Michael Consolo was murdered near his residence in Middle Village, Queens. The following day Giganti and Nicholas Marangello were stopped and searched by the NYPD outside the Pike Slip Inn on LES.
By 1969 Giganti's health was failing and he suffered multiple heart attacks. His constant hospital visits were successful in fending off any further Grand Jury appearances, but sources queried all indicated he was almost inactive as a result.
Died June 20, 1972 at St. John's Hospital in Queens. Death certificate listed occupation as retired longshoreman.
Wake held at Macagna Funeral Home in Knickerbocker Village, Manhattan.
On June 24, 1972 buried in Calvary Cemetery located in Queens.
Following Giganti's death his activities were reportedly taken over by Nicholas Marangello.
