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| L: First (Only?) Arrest for Gambling R: c. 1963 |
Peter Frank Balistrieri (1919-1997) was a member of the Milwaukee Family who rose to the position of Captain and later served as Acting Boss for his brother Frank.
In February/March 1963 he was inducted into the Family alongside Steve DiSalvo. The ceremony was held at the residence of the Balistrieris' father Giuseppe, a longtime Family member.
By 1965 Balistrieri was a Captain.
Made members of Balistrieri's crew included Harry D'Angelo, Benedetto 'Benny' DiSalvo and FBI CI August 'Augie' Maniaci.
On September 5, 1965 Boss Frank Balistrieri hosted a party at The Scene
to celebrate his son Joseph's burgeoning law career. Attendees included
Rockford Underboss Frank Buscemi, Milwaukee Underboss Joseph Caminiti,
Milwaukee Captains John Alioto (Frank Balistrieri's father-in-law) and Peter Balistrieri
(Frank's brother) and at least twelve Soldiers in the Madison,
Milwaukee, and Rockford Families. Associates present included Salvatore 'Sam' Cefalu, Salvatore 'Sam' Dentice and several others. CI later reported: "Attendance
was estimated at 500 -- mostly couples and / or families. A great many
envelopes, believed to contain gifts of cash, were turned in by the
guests. Food and drink were served. The Scene had been refinished but
had not yet been open to the public." (Joseph Balistrieri [1940-2010] was reported to have been inducted into the Family in 1984.)
On August 4, 1968 benefit stag dinner for son of Milwaukee Soldier Vito
Aiello held at Vitucci's Restaurant located at 1832 E North Ave in the
Murray Hill section. Attendees included Consigliere Vito Seidita, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and at least eleven Soldiers including Harry D'Angelo and Benedetto 'Benny' DiSalvo. Associates present included Sam Dentice and brothers Antonio 'Sheriff' and Sam Cefalu. CI later noted: "[Dinner] attended
by over 100 people who were charged $10 a head. The $10 covered the
cost of the meal and the remainder was given as a gift to Aiello's son."
On October 18, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[Frank] Daddabbo [1938-2006] was
one of the individuals operating book in Milwaukee. He further advised
that Joseph Balistrieri, son of Peter Frank Balistrieri, works closely
with Daddabbo in taking bets for Daddabbo at Gallagher's...Daddabbo is
allegedly a good friend of Sam Dentice and informant was of the opinion
Daddabbo and Dentice are collaborating."
On April 19, 1970 wake for Milwaukee Member Giuseppe 'Joe' Spera held at
Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home located at 2001 N Holton St in
the Brewer's Hill neighborhood. Attendees included Boss Frank
Balistrieri, Underboss Joseph Caminiti, Consigliere Vito Seidita, Captains Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo as well as at least ten Soldiers. Associates present included Sam Dentice.
On September 1, 1970 party held at Sally's Steak House located at the
Knickerbocker Hotel. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Captains
Peter Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo and Associates Joseph Alioto, Frank Daddabbo, Sam Dentice and Angelo DiGiorgio.
By Fall 1971 he was identified as Acting Underboss for Joseph Caminiti.
On June 3, 1973 party held to celebrate the graduation of Frank
Balistrieri's son John from law school. Those present included Captains Peter Balistrieri
and Steve DiSalvo and at least six Soldiers from the Chicago and
Milwaukee Families. Additional attendees included Sam Dentice and
several other Associates. CI later noted: "[Party] attended by at least 1,000 people, with 400 written invitations sent out...The party consisted of a buffet and drinks [and] was
overcrowded with people, very hot and uncomfortable. The party started
about 8 PM and ended at approximately 2 AM. John Balistrieri received
some gifts; however, he received a large amount of envelopes, which
apparently contained money...[At] 11 o'clock Dominic Frinzi,
along with Frank Balistrieri, ran out of the Center Stage and said they
were going to 'hassle' the FBI, who were taking pictures from a green
truck parked in front, but they were dissuaded before they left the
restaurant." (Like his brother Joseph, John Balistrieri [1948-2024] was also reported to have been inducted into the Family in 1984.)
By June 1974 members of Balistrieri's crew included Harry D'Angelo, Jerry DiMaggio, Salvatore 'Sam' DiMaggio, Benedetto DiSalvo and Dominic Gullo.
FBI files on Peter Balistrieri have been uploaded by the Milwaukee Mafia site and can be found here.
