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| 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.
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| 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.
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 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.
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]."
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.
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 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.
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| 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.