 |
| 1955 |
His sons Jerome (1912-1989) and Salvatore aka Sam (1916-1987), along with a nephew also named Jerome (1916-1987), were members as well. Cousin Nicholas 'Nick' Gentilli (1914-1979) was an Associate.
Carlo was born May 31, 1889 in Partinico comune of Palermo, Sicily to Girolamo (30y) and Anna Buccellato (24y).
On June 28, 1906 arrived at Ellis Island, New York aboard S.S. Lombardia. Destined for cousin Pietro Buccellato residing at 318 N Jefferson St in Milwaukee's Third Ward.
By April 1910 resided at 166 N Jefferson St in Third Ward. Employed as butcher.
On November 29, 1910 married Sadie Kretlow (18y) in Waukegan, Illinois.
By Summer 1917 resided at 162 Detroit St in Third Ward. Owned butcher shop.
In the 1920s the Milwaukee Family saw four Bosses, beginning with Vito Guardalabene.
Following Vito's death in 1921, his brother Giovanni Battista aka 'Pete' ran the Family for a time, as did Giuseppe 'Big Joe' Amato who died in 1927.
By 1929 the Family was headed by Joseph Vallone.
Carl was likely a made member by the time Vallone took over.
On April 6, 1929 he was arrested by Milwaukee PD for operating a music and dance hall past midnight. Fined $10.
Two more arrests for related violations, in July 1929 and April 1930, ended with a $25 fine and a suspended sentence respectively.
On November 9, 1931 temporarily held on confidence game charge.
In the early 1930s Carlo opened La Tosca restaurant at 1433 East Clybourn St in East Town, located just north of Third Ward.
On March 25, 1933 arrested on assault and battery charge. Case dismissed.
He was arrested four days in a row during early December 1933 for dance hall ordinance violations. Each time the charge was dismissed.
By April 1940 resided at 1536 N Franklin Place in Milwaukee's Lower East Side neighborhood.
By 1942 operated a butcher shop at 1939 North 3rd St in Harambee. Employees included son Jerome.
Around 1944 DiMaggio filed Petition for Naturalization in US District Court Milwaukee.
Witnesses were Salvatore Patti (1888-1945), an insurance salesman from Santo Stefano di Camastra in Messina, and Alfred SanFilippo (1893-1946), tavern keeper from Santa Flavia, Palermo.
He was naturalized April 20, 1945.
The following month he was indicted on a Federal charge of transporting counterfeit meat coupons. Records note his release on $500 bail but give no disposition for the case.
In July 1947 DiMaggio, along with brothers Angelo and Louis Migliaccio, formed Milwaukee's Show Boat Company. The Migliaccios were sons to long-time Milwaukee Capodecina Pasquale Migliaccio.
Both Jerome and Sam DiMaggio were made during the reign of Salvatore 'Sam' Ferrara, who led the Family from approximately 1948 to 1952. Ferrara was succeeded by John Alioto.
On November 6, 1952 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Carlo DiMaggio operates the La Tosca Cafe, East Clybourn St, and this cafe is a hangout for the young Italian hoodlum element in Milwaukee."
On September 23, 1953 FBI CI reported: "[CI] stated that Carlo DiMaggio operated the La Tosca Cafe, East Clybourn Street, as an after hours joint and that his two sons Jerry and Sam helped him operate the cafe. He stated that DiMaggio [redacted]."
On February 5, 1955 Carlo was arrested for violating food ordinance and for selling liquor without a license. On or around March 15, 1955 convicted on both charges and given suspended sentence and $2,500 fine.
On April 31, 1956 temporarily held on burglary (safe) charge.
On February 13, 1958 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that the young hoodlums in Milwaukee were warned by the Italian syndicate not to talk to the FBI and that if they did they might end up like Jack Enea who was killed in gangland fashion in 1956 (sic; 1955). This warning supposedly came from [Redacted]. [CI] advised Sam DiMaggio's father Carlo is a member of the Italian syndicate in Milwaukee."
By February 1959 owned restaurant at 2710 West Lisbon in Midtown, Milwaukee. The lease on La Tosca had been lost after the city acquired the property for highway construction.
Another food ordinance violation that June resulted in a suspended sentence.
On October 9, 1961 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he had heard that Carlo DiMaggio held a meeting of some of the members of the DiMaggio gang concerning the forthcoming parole for Carlo's son Jerry. He also advised that Carlo DiMaggio held a benefit for his other son Sam DiMaggio at Augie Maniaci's place of business, Club Midnight, in order that he might raise money for Sam's forthcoming parole."
On December 2, 1961 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Carlo DiMaggio is 'on the outs' with Frank Balistrieri and that Carlo DiMaggio carries quite a bit of weight in the Italian American organization in Milwaukee."
Frank Balistrieri was then a Capodecina, having replaced the deceased Pasquale Migliaccio. By the following month he succeeded John Alioto, his father-in-law, as Family Boss.
Several members, DiMaggio included, resented Balistrieri and his style of leadership. Through much of the next decade a faction within the Family unsuccessfully conspired to have him removed as Boss.
On March 12, 1962 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Carlo DiMaggio is an elderly man who was formerly one the leaders of the Italian syndicate in Milwaukee."
DiMaggio was interviewed by the FBI on August 23, 1963: "He stated he had absolutely no information to the effect that there is an organization in Milwaukee similar to an organization called the Mafia. He stated that if there is the members have been keeping it very quiet. He advised that he realized that his sons Jerry and Sam have extensive criminal records but that this was in no way done by the influence of some organization. He admitted knowing individuals who allegedly are members of the Italian syndicate but stated as far as he knows none of these individuals belong to any such organization. He advised that the Mafia type organization might be in existence in some of the larger cities like Chicago and New York but that there definitely was no such organization in Milwaukee."
On August 30, 1963 an FBI CI named one 'Nick DiMaggio' as 'an elderly member of the Outfit'. This may have been a mis-ID re Carlo.
On September 16, 1963 FBI CI reported: "CI advised his analysis of the crime setup in Milwaukee is as follows: Many years ago, as far back as prohibition, there was a Mafia group in MW and elsewhere in the country which existed by blackmailing other Italian immigrants. This group in MW has since died out and is since replaced by the syndicate which consists not only of Italians but of other nationality groups as well, and this group using money obtained previously by the old timers in the illegal market is now engaged for the most part in various legitimate business endeavors plus principally gambling and shake-down." He identified Carlo DiMaggio as one of the 'old time members of the Mafia', noting that they comprised a faction that was now dormant and had 'divorced themselves from this background [with] no part in syndicate operations'.
On September 16, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[Carlo DiMaggio] has been a member of the Italian syndicate for years and he is a real troublemaker in the organization. He stated that DiMaggio hates Frank Balistrieri who is the head of the Italian syndicate and has tried to help Frank LaGalbo overthrow Frank Balistrieri as recently as 1961. He advised DiMaggio has two sons Sam and Jerry DiMaggio, both of whom are notorious burglars. [CI] advised Carlo DiMaggio operated the La Tosca Cafe, East Clybourn St, as an after hours joint for several years. He stated DiMaggio taught his sons Jerry and Sam how to pull burglaries and stickups." (LaGalbo, then a Chicago Soldier, was a former Milwaukee Member who left that Family after taking part in an unsuccessful move against the former Boss John Alioto.)
On November 22, 1963 FBI MI reported: "[Carlo DiMaggio] is presently employed part time selling meat to Italian restaurants and night clubs. Formerly operated after hours joint called La Tosca. He also has operated pizza joints. He reportedly is member of Italian syndicate and is regarded as one of 'old guard'. He is described as cunning. He has two sons Jerry and Sam both of whom are notorious burglars."
On April 23, 1964 an informant, believed to be Milwaukee Member August 'Augie' Maniaci, named Carlo DiMaggio and his son Salvatore as made members. (This is believed to be the same CI who, four months later, identified Carlo's nephew Jerome as 'a member of the Milwaukee Family [whom] he had previously overlooked'.)
On September 14, 1964 FBI CI reported: "..[CI] stated that [Carlo] DiMaggio is drawing Social Security but sells steaks to various Italian restaurants and night clubs in Milwaukee. He advised, however, that this is a part time job for him and that he makes very little money at it. He stated that DiMaggio is just an old man and is not active in the Italian syndicate."
On September 16, 1964 FBI MI reported: "On [redacted] [CI] advised Frank Balistrieri highly berates Carlo DiMaggio for the activities of DiMaggio's son, Sam, who had recently been arrested by the Milwaukee PD as being involved in a major burglary ring."
On November 3, 1964 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised [that] there was some hard feelings between Frank Balistrieri and Carlo DiMaggio at the present. Informant said that [redacted]. Informant said that [redacted] Carlo has been selling meat on a small scale to a few restaurants 'in order to make himself 25 or 30 dollars a week'. He has no regular place of business for doing this. Informant said that [redacted]."
On December 28, 1964 wake for Milwaukee Member Vito Balestrere held at Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home located at 2001 N Holton St in Brewers' Hill, Milwaukee. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Underboss Joseph Caminiti, Captains John Alioto and Peter Balistrieri, Carlo and Jerome DiMaggio and at least fifteen additional Family Soldiers. Members from Kansas City, as well as various local associates, also attended. (Vito Balestrere was a former Kansas City Member who transferred.)
An informant report from March 11, 1965 named Carlo DiMaggio as a made member.
On May 31, 1965 wake for Gracia Maniaci, the mother-in-law of Milwaukee Soldier Nick Fucarino, held at Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Captain Peter Balistrieri, Carlo DiMaggio and at least twelve additional Family Soldiers.
On June 2, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[Carlo DiMaggio's] only steady income is derived from Social Security payments, but he occasionally sells meat and steaks to various Italian restaurants and night clubs in Milwaukee. He stated that DiMaggio, primarily because of his age and health, is not active in the Italian Syndicate."
On June 15, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Carl DiMaggio was campaigning that if Frank Balistrieri goes to jail a new Boss will be elected with no ties with the Chicago organization, so that the Milwaukee Family will be less dependent on Chicago. DiMaggio does not expect to be Boss."
On June 21, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that unrest existed within the LCN Milwaukee Family concerning meetings of the 'grease balls' at the Peacock Tavern. The old timers including Carlo DiMaggio stated that they held a meeting concerning a successor to Frank Balistrieri and that there was general displeasure that grew out of the fact that Steve DeSalvo, who was in the organization only a couple of years was giving orders to the old timers." (DeSalvo was inducted in February/March 1963.)
On or around July 12, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that John Pernice and Carlo DiMaggio were both against Frank Balistrieri as LCN Boss and had been worrying about the matter. Informant stated that [redacted]." (John Pernice was a long-time Soldier and the only confirmed Milwaukee member, save for the Kansas City Balestrere transfers, from Trapani.)
Carlo DiMaggio was interviewed by the FBI for a second time on September 27, 1965: "[He] claimed he was not a member of LCN and pointed out his poor situation in life stating that he would be living better if he were a member. He stated that he is hoping his son will soon be released from prison, further that he had not seen Frank Balistrieri recently, and when Balistrieri was referred to as 'boss' the subject maintained everyone in the United States is his own boss. He further went to some length to describe his friendly association to the former Chiefs of Police in Milwaukee, former district Attorneys and other politicians in Milwaukee."
On December 6, 1965 the son of Madison Soldier James 'Little Jimmy' Schiavo married the daughter of Milwaukee Soldier Nick Fucarino in Milwaukee. The reception was held at the Eagle Club and attended by representatives from the Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and Rockford Families, including both Carlo and Jerome DiMaggio.
On January 11, 1966 FBI MI reported: "[Carlo DiMaggio] is well known to [CI] who described him as a member, however, according to informant, DiMaggio, age 77, is in extremely poor physical condition due to loss of hearing [and] in generally failing health."
On June 24, 1966 wake for John Spera, brother to Milwaukee Soldier Giuseppe Spera, held at Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Consigliere Vito Seidita, Captains Joseph Gumina and Peter Balistrieri, Possible Captain John Alioto, Carlo DiMaggio and at least eleven additional Family Soldiers.
On August 17, 1966 FBI CI reported: "..[Carlo's son] Sam DiMaggio also said that he reported to Frank Balistrieri since returning from prison. Frank criticized Sam DiMaggio for having gotten into trouble in the first place, and having been convicted of the postal theft. Balistrieri told Sam that after Balistrieri's income tax trial, there would be a meeting concerning Sam and in the meantime, Sam should stay quiet. [Redacted] Sam DiMaggio with the LCN)..Carlo DiMaggio was mad at Frank Balistrieri because the latter has allegedly made statements that Jerry DiMaggio is a squealer. Carlo also said that Frank Balistrieri has told Jerry DiMaggio, nephew of Carlo, who works for Frank Balistrieri at the Downtowner Night Club in Milwaukee, that Sam DiMaggio doesn't have a chance of staying in the outfit if they should consider his case because Sam DiMaggio has not abided by orders and chain of command in the local outfit."
On September 7, 1966 wake for father of Milwaukee Member Steve DeSalvo held at Schoff Funeral Home in West Allis, Wisconsin. Attendees included Boss Frank Balistrieri, Underboss Joseph Caminiti, Captain Peter Balistrieri, Carlo DiMaggio and at least ten additional Family Soldiers.
By 1967 the resentment held by DiMaggio and other members toward Frank Balistrieri had escalated into a full blown murder conspiracy.
Members of the plot included DiMaggio, brothers John and Vito Aiello, Santo Nick Marino and FBI CI August Maniaci. Aiello had clocked Balistrieri's movements on more than one occasion.
An informant, possibly Maniaci himself, kept the FBI updated on the situation. This CI admitted his involvement but reassured his handler that he had no intention of actually going through with any plan.
On February 14, 1967 FBI CI reported: "[CI] said that he has recently been accused by both Carlo DiMaggio and John Aiello of 'chickening out' on the deal to knock off Frank Balistrieri. This pertains to a plot in recent months by old-time LCN members in Milwaukee including John and Vito Aiello and Santo Marino to get [CI] to knock off Balistrieri. [CI] said that he is still stalling those men and has no intentions to be a party of any such action against Balistrieri. He is continuing to tell them that they should wait and see the outcome of Frank Balistrieri's Federal Income Tax trial."
On June 14, 1967 CI Maniaci reported on the wedding of Rockford Underboss Frank Buscemi's son, noting that Frank Balistrieri had neglected to pass out invitations to his members: "Nick Fucarino, John Aiello, Vito Aiello and Carlo DiMaggio, all old-timers in the Milwaukee Family, are very upset and angry with Frank Balistrieri for his failure to give out the invitations. Fucarino said that he wants to call a turno (meeting) of the Milwaukee Family to let the membership decide what to do about Frank Balistrieri's disrespect for the other members and particularly Balistrieri's failure to notify [CI] because of his many friends and close ties in the Rockford Family. Vito Aiello commented, 'What are we waiting for,' meaning, according to [CI], as has been demonstrated in the past, Vito would like to see Frank Balistrieri 'out of the way'."
Any further plotting on Carlo's part ended with his death at Milwaukee County General Hospital on January 17, 1968.
His wake was held January 20-21 at Guardalabene and Amato. Attendees included Captain Joseph Gumina, Milwaukee Soldiers John and Vito Aiello, Milwaukee Soldier Benedetto 'Benny' DiSalvo and Madison Soldier Cosimo DiSalvo.
He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.
The plot against Frank Balistrieri doesn't appear to have gone further. John Aiello, one of the primary instigators, died late the same year. CI August Maniaci was shot to death in 1975.
He was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.
The plot against Frank Balistrieri doesn't appear to have gone further. John Aiello, one of the primary instigators, died late the same year. CI August Maniaci was shot to death in 1975.