Update

The Genovese Family Ceremonies (1970s) post has been updated to add James Vincent Delio (1924-1980).

Delio, identified by the FBI as a Capodecina by August 1980, was involved in the operation of Bamonte's Restaurant located on Withers St in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood.

He was shot to death in nearby Ridgewood in early October 1980.

His younger brother Thomas, a Genovese Associate, was murdered in 1974.

Their uncle, Genovese Capodecina Pasquale 'Patty Mack' Macchirole, was shot to death in 1978.

Lucchese Surveillance (1970s)

Spliced from two separate photos.

FBI surveillance photo believed taken in the late 1970s depicting Lucchese Soldiers Anthony 'Buddy' Luongo (L) and Salvatore 'Sally Bo' DiSimone (R).

Both men, inducted around 1978, were part of the Family's Bronx - Harlem faction.

Luongo served as Capodecina by 1985 and, in the wake of the Commission Case indictments, was viewed by some in the Family as a strong candidate for Boss. The position went instead to Vittorio 'Vic' Amuso, who with others murdered Luongo in November 1986.

DiSimone provided transportation for the group inducted at an unspecified Bronx residence in August 1982. Those made at the time included future Acting Boss Alfonso 'Little Al' D'Arco.

Around 1995 Joseph Defede, the Acting Boss after D'Arco, promoted DiSimone to Acting Capodecina. This was done at the insistence of Underboss Steven Crea. Approval was given after the fact by imprisoned Boss Amuso.

As Acting Capodecina DiSimone attended the circa fall 1996 ceremony where his son Andrew, along with Alfred 'Freddy Boy' Santorelli, was made into the Family.

By the early 2000s he was an official Capodecina with a crew active in The Bronx, Manhattan and Westchester County.

Made members in his crew included Dominick 'Nicky Pepsi' Capelli and Albert Circelli, who was later killed in an unsanctioned shooting at Rao's restaurant in East Harlem.

DiSimone was described as 'recently deceased' in the March 2018 state racketeering indictment of former crew member Dominick Capelli.

Joseph Giardano (St. Louis)

c. 1980

Joseph Giardano was a member of the St. Louis Family.

His younger brothers Salvatore/Sam (DOB 1905-1957) and Anthony (1914-1980) were also members, the latter serving as Family Boss from the 1960s until his death.

Additional member relatives included nephews Anthony (1918-2002) and James Giammanco (1920-1985).

Joseph Giardano was born April 30, 1900 in Palermo (Terrasini?), Sicily.

By summer 1926 he resided at 1128 North 8th St in St. Louis.

In early November 1927 convicted for involvement in the July 1926 robbery of $8,100 in payroll from the Suburban Railway Company located directly across the border in East St. Louis, Illinois. Press coverage of the trial noted: "[Giardano] was declared to be the chief of the gang which carried out the robbery."

He served approximately seven-and-one-half years of a ten year sentence at Southern Illinois Penitentiary in Chester.

Press covered from 1942 claims that in 1928 Giardano was arrested on a concealed weapons charge and also held for investigation in a murder case.

An FBI informant later reported that both Joseph and his brother Anthony, along with John Vitale, were inducted into the St. Louis Family around 1934.

On November 18, 1938 Giardano and several others were questioned in the attempted murder of Lee Baker near Creve Coeur Lake in St. Louis County. The victim, shot twice by two assailants, was a witness for the State in a bombing case against Isadore Londe.

The following year Londe and Giardano brothers Joseph and Anthony were questioned in another bombing in Cuba, Missouri.

In 1940 Giardano and brother-in-law Samuel Tocco (1900-1949) were temporarily charged with the robbery of $7,880 in cash and checks from a Maplewood market.

On February 27, 1942 Giardano and four others were indicted for involvement in the December 1941 robbery of $500 cash and $20,800 worth of jewelry and precious metals from the Krause Gold Refinery Company in Kansas City, Missouri. The group was specifically accused of transporting the proceeds over the state line into Johnston County, Kansas.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (1942)

Labeled a fugitive, Giardano was arrested that June at his North 8th St residence. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported: "[Giardano] denies implication in the [robbery] or that he has been 'hiding out'. He asserted that he had been staying at home for 'several months', doing odd jobs about the house. His wife, Mrs. Bessie [Orlando] Giardano, told the same story." The following month a brother-in-law, Onofrio 'Louis' Tocco (1908-1951), and Arthur Smith (37y) confessed their own involvement and exonerated Giardano.

By March 1945 Giardano operated a tavern at 3702 Olive St, employing his brother Anthony as a bartender.

On March 16, 1945 the brothers were held for disturbing the peace after a shooting near the tavern. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported: "[Lloyd Carter] told police an automobile similar in color and make to one owned by Joseph Giardano drove alongside his car and one of two men in the other machine fired three shots at him with a revolver. Two bullets struck his car, he said. He was unable to identify either of the Giardanos as occupants of the other car. Carter said that shortly before the shooting he had been waiting in his car across the street from Giardano's tavern for a waitress employed there, but that he drove away when two men came out of the tavern after he saw a bartender take a revolver from under the bar. He said the two men got into a car and followed him."

By 1950 Giardano owned a new tavern downtown at 525 Market St. He and his family had moved to 4104 Begg Blvd in Pine Lawn, a small town located just outside the city proper.

On July 18, 1950 briefly testified before a US Senate Committee investigating Organized Crime in Interstate Commerce.

On December 6, 1951 arrested by St. Louis PD on unspecified charge.

1956

He was arrested on another unspecified charge in February 1956.

In January 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised a criminal organization consisting of Italian police characters did exist in St. Louis. [CI] stated this organization was referred to as a 'Family' and in years gone by this 'Family' was active in criminal matters...[CI] stated that the organization in St. Louis has been in existence for many years and John Joseph Vitale, one of the members of the St. Louis Family, had been 'made' in 1934. At the time same Anthony Giardano and his brother Joe Giardano were also made. [CI] advised that the St. Louis Family was closely aligned with the Kansas City Family and Vitale and the Giardanos were close to Kansas City."

On July 1, 1963 FBI reported: "The following individuals are believed members of 'La Cosa Nostra' in the St. Louis area, which is under the Family of Nicholas Civella of Kansas City: John Joseph Vitale; Joseph Giardano; Anthony Giardano; Ralph Caleca; Joseph Cammarata; Anthony Miceli; (and possibly) Vincent Filipello aka Sugar Vince; Anthony DiMartino."

By Late 1963 involved with the Anthony Novelty Company at 3401 Kienlen Ave in Pine Lawn.

On December 17, 1963 FBI SL reported: "[CI] advised [John] Vitale, in company with Joe Giardano and Ralph Caleca, had visited Las Vegas in an attempt to purchase an interest in one of the 'Strip' hotels. [CI] said their contact man in Las Vegas was one Tony Renda, an employee of the Stardust Hotel. [CI] said Vitale had attempted to purchase points in the Riviera Hotel, but his efforts were unsuccessful and Vitale exhibited an interest in buying into the Clark Vending Machine Company of Las Vegas." FBI noted: "Subsequent investigation of the Clark Vending Machine Company reflected Frank Milano Jr., son of Frank Milano, and Lee Parisi met in Cleveland, and were scheduled to have meetings in Cleveland, St. Louis and Kansas City concerning additional financing, as well as to obtain instructions regarding [company], and were to receive an 'okay' from top people. Investigation indicated Milano and Parisi did meet with Joe Giardano (brother of Anthony Giardano) at either the Anthony Novelty Company in St. Louis or Vitale's office on Produce Row."

On March 28, 1967 FBI CI reported: "..[CI] further stated Tony Giardano is currently the Boss of the St. Louis Family, and that back in 1949, when Frank Coppola and Silvester Carrollo of Kansas City had been deported, they were hiding out in Tijuana, Mexico, and were visited by Tony Giardano, his brother Joe Giardano,and [Joe] Laudicina [of Detroit]."

On April 22, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated there are only two men in St. Louis that have any stature with the 'outfit' and these men are Anthony Giardano and John Vitale. [CI] said both of these were older men and were engaged in gambling and had few business interests. [CI] said both Vitale and Giardano owe their strength to connections that they have with Chicago and Sam Giancana. [CI] said there were no other important members of the 'outfit' in St. Louis, other than possibly Joseph Giardano, who obtained his strength through his brother Anthony. [CI] said the rest of the St. Louis hoodlums were of no importance and just 'small guys'."

On June 14, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated the head of the Italian criminal organization in St. Louis, and who is referred to as the 'Boss', is unquestionably Anthony Giardano. [CI] stated that Sam Viviano, who was formerly from St. Louis and who recently died in Battle Creek, Michigan, was the person who groomed Anthony Giardano for his position of prominence in the Mafia. Sam Viviano, Sam Buffa, who are now deceased, and Pete Corrado were all members of the organization and all close friends of Giardano's older brother, Joe Giardano."

On June 14, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] said in the old days in St. Louis, when Pasquale Miceli was alive and head of the organization, the higher-ups in the Family in St. Louis met at the 'council table' at the Miceli Funeral Parlor where they decided on matters of policy...[CI] stated in those days the policy makers would be such individuals as Pasquale Miceli, Sam Viviano and others, many of whom are now deceased. Other policy makers were Joe Giardano and John Ferrara, both of whom are still residing in St. Louis...Joseph Giardano, brother of Tony, is also unquestionably a member of the St. Louis Family and derives his power from the same source as his brother, name Joe Zerilli of Detroit. Joseph Giardano is less active but would be considered in all matters of policy and concerning activities taking place in St. Louis."

On October 20, 1967 FBI NY reported: "The following individuals have been identified as members of the St. Louis Family of LCN: Ralph Caleca; Joseph Cammarata; Anthony DiMartino; Giovanni Ferrara; Vincent Filipello; Joseph Geloso; Anthony Giardano; Joseph Giardano; Anthony Miceli; Frank Pisciotta; John Joseph Vitale; James Giammanco. The following individual is considered to be a suspected member of the St. Louis Family of LCN: Sam Guccione."

On October 20, 1967 FBI NY reported: "[CI] advised Anthony Giardano, 'Boss', of the St. Louis Family...Other persons close to Anthony Giardano, and who are considered highly placed members of this Family, according to [three CIs] are: John Vitale; Joseph Giardano; Ralph Caleca; John Ferrara; Frank Pisciotta."

By the late 1970s Giardano resided in Chesterfield, Missouri.

He died March 7, 1989 and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery located in Ellisville.

Update

New Post: Steve DiSalvo (Milwaukee Underboss)

Updated Posts: Peter Balistrieri, Harry D'Angelo, Benedetto DiSalvo - Details on crew members and induction ceremonies.

Steve DiSalvo (Milwaukee)

c. 1981

Steve DiSalvo was a member of the Milwaukee Family who served as Underboss to Frank Balistrieri.

Born July 5, 1918 in Milwaukee to Vincenzo and Angela Foti, both from Milazzo comune of Messina, Sicily.

1947

On May 5, 1947 arrested by Milwaukee PD on a charge of violating Sugar Rationing laws. DiSalvo was apprehended at the Belmont Hotel attempting to sell 2,000 worth of forged rationing stamps for $500. The US Department of Agriculture took over the case and DiSalvo subsequently received a sentence of thirty days in the Milwaukee House of Correction, eighteen months Federal probation and a $100 fine. The FBI later noted: "At the trial [DiSalvo] stated that he had purchased the coupons from a stranger at a race track near Chicago and had sold them to an unknown individual in a Milwaukee hotel."

On November 1, 1960 FBI CI reported: "[DiSalvo], generally regarded as a petty thug has recently become one of the 'muscle men' and gambling associates of Frank Peter Balistrieri."

On January 9, 1961 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that a large gambling setup has been operating in Kenosha, Wisconsin which is run by Johnnie Rizzo with the assistance of Buster Balestrere and Steve DiSalvo. [CI] advised that he has first-hand information that on many occasions either Buster Balestrere or Steve DiSalvo were present to supervise the gambling operations. This supervision of gambling activities takes place in both Milwaukee and Kenosha. He advised that Frank Balistrieri actually owns the dice games but Steve DiSalvo acts as his supervisor. CI called Steve DiSalvo the lieutenant or strong-arm man of Balistrieri."

In September 1961 an informant noted that the Family had broken into three 'cliques' following a dispute over Balistrieri's leadership. DiSalvo was counted among the Balistrieri loyalists.

DiSalvo was later named as a participant in the January 1963 abduction and murder of jukebox operator Anthony Biernat.

In February/March 1963 he was inducted into the Milwaukee Family alongside Frank Balistrieri's younger brother Peter. The ceremony was held at the residence of the Balistrieris' father Giuseppe, a longtime Family member.

By 1968 DiSalvo and Peter Balistrieri were both Captains.

Made members of DiSalvo's crew included Vito Aiello, Albert Albana, Salvatore 'Sam' Ferrara (Former Boss), Santo Nick Marino and Salvatore 'Ted' Seidita.

In October 1971 an informant provided a breakdown of Family leadership and noted: "[CI] did not believe that [Underboss] Joseph Caminiti would take any active part as Acting Boss of the Family but all Family matters would be handled by Steve DiSalvo while Frank Balistrieri was in prison [for tax evasion]."

By June 1974 members of DiSalvo's crew included Vito Aiello, Albert Albana, Nick Collura, Nick Fucarino, Santo Marino, John Pernice, Giuseppe Rizzo and Salvatore Seidita.

In July 1978 Consigliere Vito Seidita died. Longtime Underboss Joseph Caminiti was shifted to Consigliere to replace Seidita.

Frank Balistrieri made Steve DeSalvo his new Underboss.

In 1981 both men were indicted on various Federal charges arising out of the FBI's Donnie Brasco operation. Others charged included Bonanno Members Benjamin 'Lefty' Ruggiero and Michael Sabella.

DiSalvo (Early 1980s)

On October 9, 1983 DiSalvo and others were convicted in USDC Milwaukee on gambling charges. He was given eight years the following May.

On December 2, 1985 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that [Milwaukee Soldier] Sam DiMaggio [has] said the LCN Milwaukee is comprised of old inactive men like him and no leadership figure has surfaced now that Frank Balistrieri and Steve DiSalvo are in prison."

On May 18, 1990 DiSalvo was released from Federal prison.

He died June 9, 1990 in Clark, Nevada.

Further information on DiSalvo can be found at the Milwaukee Mafia site.

Update

Vincenzo Caruso (L) and Peter DiPalermo (R)

New Post: Vincenzo Caruso (Madison Member)

Updates:

1. Michael Aquilante (DeCav) - Noted CI information reporting Aquilante's induction circa Summer 1978.

2. DeCavalcante Family Ceremonies (1970s) - Added Carmelo Cocchiaro (inducted pre-1978) and Michael Aquilante (inducted c. Summer 1978).

3. Lucchese Family Ceremonies (1970s) - Added Peter DiPalermo photo (inducted c. July 1977).

Vincenzo Caruso (Madison)

July 1965

Vincenzo James Caruso was a member of the Madison Family.

Born January 7, 1894 in Palermo, Sicily. (Family Tree on Ancestry claims Torretta.)

In October 1908 arrived at Ellis Island destined for Madison, Wisconsin.

By summer 1917 resided at 522 South Park St in Madison's Greenbush section. Listed occupation as clerk. (Greenbush, commonly referred as the Bush, was the city's Italian enclave.)

On January 22, 1926 filed Declaration of Intention No. 3912 in Circuit Court of Dane County.

He was then residing at 736 West Washington Ave and working as a department store clerk.

In May 1928 filed Petition for Naturalization No. 3912. Witnesses were Charles Allen (Barber) and Charles Elsener (Garage Man).

Caruso, then owner of a clothing store, was naturalized that September.

The following year married Caroline Messina (21y) from the Passo di Rigano neighborhood of Palermo.

Within a year he operated the White Front Grocery at 612 Mound St in Greenbush.

In December 1933 one Vincent Caruso was elected President of the local Societa Mutuo Soccorso Bersaglieri. At various times the group counted among its officers Benedetto DiSalvo, an early power in the Madison Family, and Salvatore Buscemi, father to future member Sam Paul. (It's not certain this Vincent Caruso and the Madison Member are one and the same. Vincenzo Caruso's 1969 obituary does confirm his involvement with the society, however, four years after his death another individual of the same name was elected President. The Madison Member may be identical with the James Caruso elected an officer of the Society alongside the aforementioned DiSalvo and Buscemi in early 1940.)

As of April 1942 the grocery had moved a couple of doors over at 610 Mound St, where the Caruso family also resided.

In July 1962 the location was purchased as part of a redevelopment initiative by the City of Madison.

That same month Vincenzo purchased Supreme Food Shop at 32 North Bassett St for $34,000 (about $335,000 today). White Front Grocery re-opened in its place and the family took up residence above the business.

By 1964 Vincenzo's son Alphonse 'Al' Caruso was President of Grande Cheese Company headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Its General Manager at the time was Bonanno Member John DiBella.

Left: John DiBella (1961)
Right: Vincenzo's son Al Caruso at DiBella's Wake (1964)

On June 8, 1964 Carlo Caputo's twenty-one-year old son Bernard was killed in a car crash. The wake was held two days later in Madison. Attendees included Madison Underboss Joseph Aiello, Milwaukee Soldier Salvatore 'Sam' Ferrara, Madison Soldiers James Vincent Caruso, Matthew Pellitteri and Vincent Troia and Possible Madison Member James 'Little Jimmy' Schiavo. (Schiavo was described as 'recently made' in Fall 1965.)

On September 15, 1964 one of the FBI's Member Sources in Milwaukee provided information on the Family in Madison. The CI identified 'Joseph' Caruso as a made member who 'used to run a grocery store'.

By that time the Family was headed by Carlo Caputo and Joseph Aiello as Boss and Underboss respectively. The Consigliere position was vacant and there were no Captains. The entirety of its membership was Palermitan and numbered less than a dozen, Caruso included. Most of the members were occupied with legitimate interests and little to no criminal activity on their behalf was reported.

On November 19, 1964 the FBI briefly questioned Caruso: "[Caruso] was interviewed re [Joseph Bonanno kidnapping]. He said, among other things, that although Bonanno was unknown to him, [Caruso's son Alphonse is President of] Grande Cheese Company operated by John DiBella. As the Bureau knows, Bonanno is financially interested in the Grande Cheese Company. Caruso also said that there was no Joseph Caruso in the whole city of Madison."

On the same date Agents contacted the Madison PD for information on Caruso: "[Detective], who is well acquainted in the Italian community in Madison, advised he is well acquainted with James Caruso, who has operated the White Front Grocery Store at a location on Mound Street and more recently on Bassett Street, for many years. [Detective] stated to the best of his knowledge James Caruso was a law abiding citizen who has not made any money through illegal means and who has no hoodlum connections. [Detective] stated he felt certain that he would be aware of any illegal activity on the part of James Caruso inasmuch as members of the Italian community are constantly coming to him with real and imaginative wrongs perpetrated by members of their group and none has ever complained of James Caruso. [Detective] stated he is aware that James Caruso's [son Al] has been connected with the [Grande Cheese] formerly operated by John DiBella and believed [Al] is still connected with this concern but would not know whether he would be engaged in illicit enterprise."

The following week the Milwaukee source was re-contacted: "[CI] advised that the party he had previously mentioned as being Joseph Caruso who ran a grocery store in Madison [is] in fact James Caruso. He stated that James Caruso had been a member of the LCN Madison Family for a long time. He did not know anything about Caruso's current sympathies or activities."

On January 21, 1965 Caruso was re-interviewed: "Caruso stated that his name was really Vincenzo Caruso, but he had acquired the nickname of Jim and consequently the name of James after his arrival in this country. He said that he was known as James V. Caruso, except when he signed documents, which he signs Vincent James Caruso. Caruso said that he came directly to Madison upon arrival in this country and he was naturalized in the court of Judge Hoffman of Dane County many years ago. Caruso said that he had heard nothing about the whereabouts of Joseph Bonanno nor did he know anything about Bonanno's interest in [Grande Cheese]. He stated that there was nothing he could say about the organization called the Mafia. Caruso stated [he] had heard nothing through [his son Al at Grande Cheese] that would have any bearing on Bonanno's interest or his present situation or his whereabouts."

The FBI interviewed Caruso for a third time on April 21, 1965: "Caruso said that he had heard nothing at all about Joseph Bonanno's whereabouts. He also said that he had not seen Carlo Caputo for some time...Caruso said that he was approached two or three years ago by Caputo with an offer to sell Caputo's store. Caruso was then at a different location and was interested in a different place of business, but he did not want one that required him to work until ten or eleven at night. He, therefore, declined Caputo's offer. Caruso said that a year or more ago one of Caputo's nephews or cousins relieved Caputo of part of his business responsibility by taking over the pizza place in the 400 block on State Street. Another nephew or cousin took over another pizza restaurant and these brothers now seem to run all of the pizza business that Caputo had. Their family name is [Redacted] but Caruso said that he had not met them as yet."

During another contact at his grocery store in July 1965, Caruso was surreptitiously photographed while being questioned by Agents.

 

As of Fall 1965 the Madison Family consisted of eight confirmed members:

• 1. Carlo Caputo (Boss; 62y)
• 2. Joseph Aiello (Underboss; 64y)
• 3. Filippi 'Phil' Candela (Soldier; 74y)
• 4. James Vincent Caruso (Soldier; 71y)
• 5. Cosimo DiSalvo (Soldier; 60y)
• 6. Matthew Pellitteri (Soldier; 55y)
• 7. James 'Little Jimmy Schiavo (Soldier; 42y)
• 8. Vincent Troia (Soldier; 69y)

A ninth and tenth may have been Sam Paul Buscemi (37y) and Filippi Candela's son John (21y), both known to have been members by June 1966 at the latest. (John Candela possibly transferred from Detroit around that time.)

He was interviewed for the fourth and final time on November 18 of that year: "[Caruso] was contacted in his grocery store. (The object of the contact was not a regular interview, but rather an attempt to become better acquainted with the subject). Caruso said that his wife had been invited to attend a shower for the daughter of [Milwaukee Member] Nick Fucarino in Milwaukee...The shower took place on Sunday afternoon, 11/7/65. Caruso said that he was also invited to accompany his wife, but neither went. He said that they 'sent an envelope' instead, which is a way of saying he sent a gift of money...Caruso said that he keeps his store open on Sunday mornings, and after closing up and having dinner he didn't feel like making the trip."

 

By November 1965 Madison Soldier James Schiavo's son Anthony was engaged to a daughter of Milwaukee Soldier Nick Fucarino. The wedding was held December 6, 1965 in Milwaukee. A reception at the Eagle Club was attended by representatives from the Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and Rockford Families, including James Caruso and most or all of the Madison members. (The one possible exception was Madison Soldier Vincent Troia.)

On January 31, 1966 FBI reported: "Information developed in Milwaukee indicates James Vincent Caruso to be a member of the LCN which may be attempting to get in on the cheese business in Wisconsin."

On February 3, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that James Caruso is a member of the LCN, Madison...Caruso as an inactive LCN member and is one of the old timers. [CI] stated that James Caruso is not known by him to be engaged in criminal or otherwise questionable activities. Caruso has been in the grocery business and [CI] had no new information concerning him."

In May 1967 he was fined $18 for selling beer to a minor.

On January 6, 1969 Caruso died at his residence on North Wingra Drive in Bay Creek.

His wake was held the following day at Fitch - Lawrence Funeral Home at 626 University Ave.

Caruso's passing brought the Madison Family down to nine members.

Four years later the membership convened and voted to dissolve the Family, with a couple of the more active members electing to transfer into Families located in nearby cities.