Joseph 'Joe Tiger' Sferra was a Captain in the DeCavalcante Family.
Born December 28, 1913 at 321 John St in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Pasquale Sferra (34y) and Josephine Genova (22y). Family from Ribera comune of Agrigento, Sicily.
By 1940 the family moved to 236 John St. Sferra worked as a laborer with New Jersey State Highway Department, resigning in Summer 1944.
No known arrest record.
By 1950s member of Local 394 Hod Carriers Union headquartered in Elizabeth.
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| Quarino |
Around 1954 Sferra, Louis LaRasso and Frank Majuri assaulted Nicholas Quarino inside Quarino's bar in Elizabeth. Quarino suffered broken ribs and spent three weeks in the hospital. After his release he left for Rahway, reportedly on Family orders. (LaRasso and Majuri both rose to Underboss in the DeCavalcante Family. Quarino was said to have gotten back into the Family's 'good graces' after the incident and was a suspected member.)
In May 1957 Sferra, now Local 394's Financial Secretary, interviewed by FBI at United Engineering and Construction Company in Linden: "[Sferra] declined to discuss his activities in this position or to advise what type of records or books he maintained..Sferra refused to discuss Emanuel Riggi. Sferra commented that as Business Agent, it was Riggi's privilege to operate the union as he saw fit and he did not consider Riggi's activity any of his business. Sferra refused to discuss this matter further and terminated the interview at this point."
Convicted on an extortion charge the following year, Emanuel Riggi resigned as Business Agent and was replaced by his son John. (Both were also DeCavalcante members.)
In 1961 Sferra was appointed acting Business Agent. An informant within Local 394's ranks described Sferra to the FBI as 'part of the group of old Italians in the local which more or less run things'. The same informant noted there was widespread speculation that John Riggi, characterized as a 'puppet' for this ruling faction, would be replaced permanently by Sferra. This occurred around May 1961, with Riggi citing health reasons as the cause of his resignation.
As official Business Agent Sferra met weekly with Family Boss Nick Delmore at DeMartino's Lounge in Elizabeth. Sferra was among the many DeCavalcante members and associates who attended Delmore's funeral in February 1964.
Simone 'Sam' DeCavalcante succeeded Delmore as Boss. Frank Majuri and Joseph LaSelva were made co-Underbosses. Sferra and five others were appointed Captains.
On April 21, 1964 the Elizabeth Police Department conducted a raid on the Sons of Italy Social Club at 448 Elizabeth Ave. Thirty-four were arrested and over one hundred decks of cards seized. While the booking process was underway at police headquarters, Joseph Sferra arrived and paid cash bond for each of those held. (Sferra may have been active in gambling activities with James 'Jimmy Gogs' Gagliano, later described as his closest associate.)
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| Simone DeCavalcante (1960s) |
As Family Boss DeCavalcante was designated a priority target by law enforcement. In August 1964 an FBI bug was placed in his office at Kenworth Corporation located on North Michigan Ave in Kenilworth. For the next year DeCavalcante was overheard meeting with both his own membership as well as members and associates of the New York Families. Nearly all of the information available on the pre-1970s DeCavalcante Family exists as a result of these bugged conversations.
The day of the bug's activation Joseph Sferra visited DeCavalcante at the office. Following some discussion on recent troubles with the Bonanno Family, the conversation shifted to what would later become a serious issue: Sferra's inability or unwillingness to ensure that the made members in Local 394, particularly those in other LCN Families, stayed employed. DeCavalcante cited a Gambino member who had recently been laid off: "DeCavalcante complained to Joe that 'over here', even if [Gambino member] is not 'with us', he is still a 'friend of ours'. [Bug] said Joe was infuriated because [Gambino member] had been laid off only one day yet he complained to DeCavalcante about it. DeCavalcante told Joe he had promised Carlo Gambino that 'we'd' treat their men better than our own people, and DeCavalcante wanted it to be that way. DeCavalcante did not want men who are 'Amico nostra' going to the union hall." (This was the FBI's first indication that Sferra was an LCN member.)
On February 23, 1965 Sferra visited DeCavalcante: "[DeCavalcante] informed Joseph Sferra [of] 'our meeting' for Joe Cocchiaro. DeCavalcante stated that 'the guy', apparently referring to [Cocchiaro], got out of hand to the point where DeCavalcante had to lace into him for failure to show the proper respect, apparently since DeCavalcante is younger than many of the people who attended this meeting. DeCavalcante pointed out that he had bawled out these people and pointed out to them that after all DeCavalcante's father had 'made' some of these people." (Joseph Cocchiaro may have been a member of Sferra's crew.)
In March 1965 Sferra and DeCav Associate Robert 'Basile' Occhipinti forced an unnamed Elizabeth area bookmaker out of business. Occhipinti was recorded delivering DeCavalcante's share from the move on March 12. On the same date DeCavalcante overheard ordering Underboss Frank Majuri to meet with Sferra and determine if he had secured a job for Captain Jake Colletti. Later the same month DeCavalcante gave Occhipinti permission to accompany Sferra on a meeting with Genovese Soldier Anthony Russo.
On April 23, 1965 Sferra, just nominated for another three-year term as Business Agent, visited DeCavalcante: "..DeCavalcante roundly criticized Joe Sferra for ignoring his orders to give seven men he designated steady employment. Sferra attempted to justify his failure to act in this manner on the grounds that he received little cooperation from these people. DeCavalcante told Sferra that as a Capodecina he, Sferra, should set a good example and since these persons are 'amico nos', he did not want them in the (union) hall with other people. DeCavalcante told Sferra he wanted a happy family and Sferra would have to help make it one."
One of many DeCavalcante members and associates who attended annual St. Joseph's Orphanage benefit dance held May 14, 1965 at Elizabeth-Carteret Hotel. An informant later reported: "[CI] stated the master of ceremonies, name unknown, introduced Mayor Dunn, DeCavalcante and Joseph Sferra. Sferra and DeCavalcante were asked to take a bow and DeCavalcante was described as 'our good friend'." (Sferra was involved in raising funds for the orphanage since at least 1961.)
On May 27, 1965 re-elected Business Agent of Local 394. Less than twenty-four hours later Sferra's temper, frequently commented on by the FBI's sources, would result in the loss of not just his position with the local but the Capodecina rank as well. The Kenworth bug afforded an in-depth look into the events that followed.
On May 28, 1965 Sferra entered Elizabeth's Alexian Brothers Hospital with a broken ankle. Sam DeCavalcante, initially fearing that Sferra had gone missing, dispatched Frank Majuri to the hospital upon learning the truth. Majuri asked Sferra for an explanation, which the latter refused to provide.
On June 1, 1965 CI reported: "[CI] advised Joe Sferra is a patient in Alexian Brothers Hospital [and] there was a great deal of mystery surrounding how the accident occurred to Sferra."
On June 1, 1965 Sam DeCavalcante met with Captain John Riggi at Kenworth: "[DeCavalcante] told Riggi he is thinking of taking Joe Sferra's union position away from him and putting Riggi in his stead. DeCavalcante told Riggi if he takes the job, then his only responsibility will be to keep the 'amico nos' in the union working. Riggi said he would take the job only if he can do as he sees fit and only has to answer to DeCavalcante [who] said he agrees with Riggi's terms. [DeCavalcante] told Riggi that Sferra had been acting strangely for a long time and the incident involving Sferra's hospital confinement has suggested to DeCavalcante that he should replace Sferra. DeCavalcante said that Sferra did not have the courtesy to let DeCavalcante know that he was hurt..DeCavalcante told Riggi to see fellow DeCavalcante Family members and tell them not to see Sferra on DeCavalcante's orders. DeCavalcante said he is going to 'put the chill' on Sferra because of Sferra's obvious lack of respect and courtesy." DeCavalcante and Frank Majuri were also overheard discussing the need to meet with and 'straighten out' Sferra for his behavior.
On June 3, 1965 discharged from Alexian Brothers Hospital. Driven home by Michael Kleinberg, business manager of the local's Welfare and Pension Fund. Kleinberg and others were recorded meeting with DeCavalcante on the same date to discuss the proper way to remove Sferra as Business Agent and replace him with John Riggi.
Riggi was named acting Business Agent at a meeting of the local held the following night. One of the FBI's informants within the local reported: "Riggi attended the above meeting and accepted the congratulations of many individuals members [but] did not make any statement to the membership. [CI] stated it is his opinion that Joseph Sferra is definitely out as Business Agent inasmuch as this formal action was taken in [appointing Riggi]."
On June 5, 1965 DeCavalcante and Soldier Louis LaRasso held a discussion at Kenworth: "Sam informed [LaRasso] of his decision to remove Joe Sferra 'from everything'. He said the only reason for doing this is because Joe has been inattentive in his responsibility to keeping 'our people' working. Lou asked 'Are you taking him off Caporegima too?' Sam answered, 'Yeah'. Sam emphasized Joe Sferra is still to be treated with respect since he is still a 'friend of ours'. Sam attempted to justify his actions to Louie, who said 'You know, Sam, when you're a Boss, you gotta act like a Boss'. Sam said he would start to put his foot down." Additional conversation followed:
Sam: See, I'm doing this more for Joe's own good. Because you know how it would wind up with Joe? I'd have to whack him.
Lou: Well, it got to this point, Sam. That's next.
Sam: I have to think it would come to that. You know he called Giacomino Colletti a liar in front of __?
Lou: Well, you have to do what's best for everybody.
Sam: I told him, 'Joe, I like you, but I like our people better than you. You're just one of thirty people. And I'm not gonna do an injustice to thirty people on account of you'.
On June 6, 1965 DeCavalcante announced Sferra's demotion as Capodecina at a Family meeting held in Ange and Min's Restaurant in Kenilworth. Paolo Farina appointed to replace Sferra. Meeting attended by administration and most of the Captains. (Connecticut crew leader Michael Puglia could not attend. Sferra, also not present, notified of the demotion by Underboss Joseph LaSelva.)
The following day DeCavalcante was still trying to determine the circumstances leading to Sferra's hospital stay. He was recorded placing a phone call to DeCav Soldier Pietro Galletta in Long Island. Galletta stated the injury occurred in a fight but he had no specifics.
On June 10, 1965 DeCavalcante visited at Kenworth by Michael Mandaglio, member of Newark's Local 341 and a Gambino Soldier in Frank Perrone's crew: "[DeCavalcante] met with Mike (Mandaglio), whom he identified as one knowledgeable in union affairs..[DeCavalcante] wanted an opinion from Mike regarding the removal of Joseph Sferra [as Business Agent]..As the conversation progressed [it] appeared DeCavalcante was using this meeting as a way of demonstrating to Carlo Gambino that previous injustices against his people who were working out of Local 394 was a thing of the past."
On same date DeCavalcante met with Sferra. While Joseph LaSelva had advised Sferra of his demotion to Soldier, he had failed to also mention the union, and it was at this meeting that Sferra was informed of the decision.
On June 11, 1965 DeCavalcante discussed Sferra with Soldier Louis LaRasso at Kenworth: "[At yesterday's meeting] DeCavalcante was surprised that Sferra was apologizing for not having done his duty as caporegime and apparently did not know he was not the delegate from Local 394 any longer. DeCavalcante had to tell Sferra he was no longer delegate, which reduced Sferra to tears. DeCavalcante said Sferra kept saying 'this is awful' after being told the foregoing and DeCavalcante categorically pointed out to Sferra why DeCavalcante removed Sferra from both positions. DeCavalcante told Sferra that he forced DeCavalcante into doing these actions even though DeCavalcante did and still does like Sferra personally. DeCavalcante said 'our people' had to be given preference over their friendship and Sferra was removed for the good of the DeCavalcante Family. DeCavalcante pointed out to Sferra if he did not take these actions in time the other DeCavalcante members would feel DeCavalcante and Sferra were in league together and would think DeCavalcante was as bad as former bosses, e.g. Phil Amari."
DeCavalcante also cleared up the mystery surrounding Sferra's injury, telling LaRasso: "You know how Sferra broke his leg. He was taking his daughter home from school and there were three other girls from her school with them. So, he gets behind this young kid whose got a broad in the car almost sitting on his lap. Sferra gets mad at this and goes around the kid's car cutting him off. The kid chases after him and when Joe stops at a light, both of them get out of their cars. Joe berates the kid and words are exchanged and Joe pushes the kid. The kid went after him like a tiger and puts Joe off his feet. When he fell, he broke his foot. Now, is this any way for an amico nos and a caporegime to act?"
Throughout the conversation that followed, LaRasso spoke up for Sferra and continually stressed the importance of DeCavalcante making it clear to Family membership that Sferra was only demoted, not shelved, and should still be given respect: "LaRasso said DeCavalcante will have to see that Sferra is left alone and treated like a 'friend of ours' because some of the people are going to try and kick Sferra while he is down. LaRasso said if DeCavalcante does not protect Sferra, then Sferra would be better off if DeCavalcante had put him in a sack and then thrown the sack into the river. DeCavalcante told LaRasso that nobody is going to kick Sferra around or try to punish him further."
In meetings with Underboss Frank Majuri and others DeCavalcante continued to justify his decision, citing numerous stories he was receiving about Sferra's behavior. As Business Agent, Sferra had paid for trips out of the pension fund without receiving prior approval. He had 'started a riot' in an Atlantic City bar, causing a few hundred dollars worth of damage that had to be covered by the union. Years before, DeCavalcante and Family Boss Nick Delmore paid the bill after a similar occurrence in Carteret. Most importantly, Sferra had failed to keep the local's LCN membership steadily employed.
On June 24, 1965 Sferra met with DeCavalcante at Kenworth:
Sam: You were told by Nick [Delmore] to cut down your drinking. Other delegates complained about your conduct in Atlantic City.
Joe: Why?
Sam: Didn't you bust up some place at some convention?
Joe: No sir!
Sam: And it cost 500 dollars?
Joe: No sir!
Sam: Then them people are lying, Joe?
Joe: Yeah! That's right.
Sam: Was there any convention where you started throwing things and damaging the place?
Joe: No sir.
Sam: Well, that story came back -- a couple of weeks ago.
Joe: Whoever told you is wrong. That's like the other story that I snubbed the mayor.
Sam: Yeah.
Joe: That's a lie, too!
Sam: Well, Joe - these things..
Joe: The guy even invited me to his house! So how could I snub him and he invites me to his house? These things not only hurt me - they're hurting the whole house.
Sam: Wait a minute Joe - I never wanted to hurt you. (Sam tried to point out Joe's shortcomings).
Sam: Joe I like you but I like Our Thing better - how many times did I tell you that? Joe, I'm a father of a group of people here. I can't let you get away with things where it reflects on the group of people.
Joe: Yeah, but Sam - if you're referring to this one particular guy..
Sam: I'm referring to you..Joe.
Joe: ..it looks like he was throwing more deals in then..
Sam: ..no, no. You misinterpret things. There have been several complaints. Joe, you're a Caporegima - you're supposed to set an example..Frank (Majuri) asked you not to call a strike over there and you pulled the men out. There was no excuse for that.
Joe: Like hell..
Sam: Joe, you went against your Underboss!
Joe: He wasn't even there the day I went over there to tell him about the job.
Sam: He said he spoke to you! He said it to you at your house!
Joe: Well, I don't want to embarass anybody.
Sam: Over there, there was the thing with Carlo (Gambino). You know it was Carl's job - you didn't ask me what you should do. You did what you wanted to do..
Joe: The attitude he had..
Sam: No matter what he does - this is Carl's man!
Allowed to keep the position through August to collect vacation pay, Sferra was nonetheless finished as Business Agent. Within a few days he was forced to turn over the company car, and informants reported the widespread belief by rank and file members that Sferra was 'definitely out'. Interviewed by the FBI on September 2, Sferra 'vehemently denied these rumors' and claimed he would retake the position once he was physically able.
The next day Sferra attended a meeting of the local where his resignation was formalized. CI reported: "[CI] stated to him it was unusual that Sferra should even bother to show up at [meeting] because this went against the characteristics of Sferra in this type of situation, inasmuch as Sferra is the type of person who would fight and continue fighting to hold on to the job..Instead, Sferra is acting as though he is actually happy to be relieved of the job. [CI] stated Sferra is a rough, belligerent, independent type of person who does not control his emotions very well in any type of situation. [CI] stated it is his opinion that the 'powers that be' in the local told Sferra he was through as business agent and 'that was it'."
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| John Riggi (1960s) |
Sferra spent a brief period chauffeuring for a construction company, after which he received sporadic work as a foreman with the local. Informants reported Sferra and John Riggi 'hated one another', and claimed Riggi intentionally kept jobs from Sferra as payback for his own treatment at Sferra's hands years prior. Maintained involvement with St. Joseph's Orphanage and also frequented DeMartino's Lounge in Elizabeth, where actively campaigned for a city councilman elected in 1966.
With the Kenworth bug deactivated the FBI lost its best and possibly only inside source on the DeCavalcante Family. Little else is available on Sferra's activity. He attended the Family's Easter Party in 1966, was surveilled leaving Kenworth that summer, and continued visiting Family meeting spots in Elizabeth.
Despite the reported animosity between them, Sferra also attended the June 1967 wedding reception for John Riggi's son Emanuel held in Lodi. Likely present when Riggi's appointment to Acting Boss was announced in December 1976.
Sferra died on or around April 21, 1988. Buried in Rosedale and Rosehill Cemetery in Linden.
