Surveillance photo taken circa 1979.
Those depicted:
2. Felix 'Little Felix' Bocchino (1918-1992): Member from South Philadelphia but closely aligned with the Newark faction headed by Antonio Caponigro. Inducted in January 1982. Sentenced to two years Federal imprisonment for tax violations in June 1983.
In the early 1990s Bocchino was instrumental in newly appointed Boss Giovanni Stanfa's move to exert control over South Philadelphia. It was this role that led the Family's rebel faction, consisting of Joseph Merlino, Ralph Natale and others, to orchestrate his murder. Bocchino was shot to death in late January 1992.
3. Joseph Sodano (1936-1996): Caponigro crew member also inducted in January 1982. Around late 1991 Giovanni Stanfa appointed Sodano to Capodecina, replacing Ralph Napoli (below). Shortly afterward Sodano was convicted on New Jersey State racketeering charges. Upon his release in 1995 he refused to pay tribute to Natale and Merlino, now heading the Family. In response his murder was ordered and Peter Caprio, a member of Sodano's crew, was given the job. Sodano was shot to death in December 1996 by Caprio associate Philip Casale. Caprio was promoted to head the crew.
4. Ralph 'Blackie' Napoli (1914-2005): Member from Newark. Appointed Capodecina by Boss Nicodemo Scarfo in the early 1980s, then demoted and replaced with Pasquale Martirano. Regained his position around 1990, but was again demoted the following year after campaigning by crew members Sodano and Joseph Licata.
