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| 1960s |
Joseph Aiello was a Chicago member who transferred to the Family in Milwaukee's capital city of Madison, where he served as the Underboss to Carlo Caputo.
Connected in-laws included Milwaukee Capodecina (and fellow Chicago transplant) Michele 'Mike' Mineo (1897-1973) and Milwaukee Members Giacomo 'Jack' Enea (1908-1955) and Giuseppe 'Joe' Spera (1908-1970).
Aiello was born March 30, 1901 in Bagheria comune of Palermo, Sicily to Orazio and Maria DiSalvo.
On August 20, 1920 arrived at Port of Boston aboard S.S. Canopic.
By June 1924 he was living in Chicago, where he married his first wife Frances Puccio (16y). Bride's parents from Marineo and Cefala Diana in Palermo.
By April 1930 they resided at 5927 Grand Ave in the Belmont Cragin section of Chicago's Northwest Side. Joseph operated a grocery at 3009 Natchez Ave in the same neighborhood.
On March 30, 1931 arrived at Port of New York aboard S.S. Conte Biancamano.
On July 8, 1931 filed Declaration of Intention in US District Court Chicago.
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| 1931 (from citizenship papers) |
It's not known when Joseph was made into the Chicago Family, but he was likely a member by the early 1930s.
By March 1935 the Aiellos had moved to the same location as the grocery on Natchez Ave.
On March 18, 1935 filed Petition for Naturalization in USDC Chicago.
Witnesses were fellow Bagheresi Vincenzo 'James' Graziano (1891-1968) and Nick Pipia (1895-1986), grocers who lived on the West Side. (Graziano married a Morici from Bagheria, whose relatives were involved with the Chicago Family and may have been early members.)
Joseph was naturalized September 25, 1935.
By 1942 the Aiellos resided at 3758 Chicago Ave in Humboldt Park. Joseph owned a grocery across the street at 809 Hamlin.
On March 31, 1942 Josephine Greco Pipia (41y), wife to Joseph's Petition witness Nicholas, filed Petition of Naturalization. Witnesses were Josephine Incrocci and Aiello's wife Frances.
Joseph's wife, according to an FBI member source, led to Joseph being shelved by the Chicago leadership. On October 5, 1965 the source reported: "...Informant also said that Aiello, although an LCN member in Madison, was previously a member of the Chicago LCN, but was allegedly thrown out of the Chicago Family for not killing his wife. Informant said that Aiello's first wife allegedly ran around with other men and the LCN Family expected him to put her out of the way, but he would not do this and so fell into disgrace with the Family." (This source was probably Milwaukee Member August 'Augie' Maniaci.)
Aiello was residing in Madison by the following Summer.
Local press reported in mid-July that he sold property in that city to Madison Soldier Cosimo DiSalvo. (Cosimo was son to Benedetto [1878-1964], a potential early Boss.)
In August 1943 Aiello and Carlo Caputo made a joint purchase of property in the Elmside neighborhood.
The next year Aiello opened the city's first pizzeria, Joe's Pizza Pie Shop.
In March 1945 Aiello sold Elmside property to Caputo.
By Summer 1945 a divorced Aiello was residing at 907 Regent St in Madison's Greenbush section. Cosimo DiSalvo owned a spaghetti house three doors down. (Greenbush, commonly referred as the Bush, was the city's Italian enclave.)
By April 1950 Aiello had remarried. He and wife Mary Enea resided at 415 Washington Ave in the Old Market Place neighborhood. (Both Mary's father Michelangelo [1872-1941] and uncle Giuseppe [1867-1943] were Milwaukee members who are believed to have transferred from Chicago. Giuseppe Enea's son Giacomo aka Jack [1908-1955] was a made member killed for plotting against the Family leadership. Jack's sons Joseph [1931-1976] and Russell [1941-2015] were possible members.)
It's not known when specifically Joseph Aiello transferred to the Madison Family.
By Summer 1961 the Family was believed headed by Carlo Caputo and Joseph Aiello as Boss and Underboss respectively.
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| Carlo Caputo (1964) |
In August a letter was sent anonymously to the FBI's Milwaukee Field Office and later summarized: "[Letter] contained reliable information concerning individuals in the Milwaukee Italian-American community [and] reflected the following: A paragraph stated that Joe Aiello and Carl Caputo of Madison, WI are Mafia leaders and are meeting with the Milwaukee element at and around North Jackson and East Lyon Sts in Milwaukee."
Aiello and wife were then residing at 1045 South Park St in the Bay Creek neighborhood south of Greenbush.
By Summer 1962 the Aiellos had moved to 511 E Main St in Old Market Place. He ran the J & A Grocery from the old 907 (later 822) Regent St address in Greenbush. Maintained additional financial interest in Ferrara and Aiello located at 1125 North Jackson in Milwaukee's East Town.
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 June 30, 1964 Madison Police Department advised the FBI's Milwaukee Field Office: "[Detective Captain] advised that he knew of no organized criminal activity in Madison and while he knows the name of Joseph Aiello as that of the proprietor of an Italian grocery store, he has never heard this name in connection with the Mafia, Cosa Nostra or the Rackets. [PD] stated that in years gone by, it was rumored that Ben DiSalvo, who passed away some months ago, was the head of the Rackets in the Madison area, but he stated he never heard of any other individual being the head of a criminal syndicate in Madison."
On June 30, 1964 Madison PD advised FBI:
[Det] did state that he is aware Joseph Aiello is on friendly terms with one Carlo Caputo, who operates a pizza house on State Street [and] who also has made considerable money through investment properties in Madison. [PD] stated that he does not trust Carlo Caputo, and while he knows of no underworld connections, he recalls when Caputo first came to Madison, many years ago, various people in the Italian community would kid Caputo about being connected with the syndicate and this kidding has continued over the years, with Caputo not objecting to such kidding and seemingly enjoying it. [PD] stated that he could not say exactly why he is distrustful of Caputo, but believes it is probably because he considers him a 'sharp' businessman who would take advantage of another person to make a financial profit. He said it is possible Caputo may exercise some influence over Joseph Aiello, although he does not know this to be a fact, but does know that they associate together and believe they may have made trips together to Milwaukee in the past where he believes they might have joint business interests in view of their restaurant and pizza pie businesses.
The FBI interviewed Aiello on November 19, 1964:
He said that he was born in Sicily and came to the US as a young man in 1920. Upon arrival he went to Chicago and there operated a grocery store. He was naturalized in Chicago. While there he used to make trips to Richland Center, Wisconsin to buy eggs. He also became acquainted with several people in Madison including the Pellitteri family and old man Fiori. In the early 1930s, perhaps around 1932, he went to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, where he stayed for about eighteen months. He said at that time he was looking around for something to do as he had given up his grocery business. Then, in 1932 or 1933, he observed an empty store building in Madison and decided to rent it and establish a grocery business. Thereafter he moved to Madison and has been in the grocery business since. (One possible match for 'old man Fiori' is Antonio Fiore [1872-1954] from Palermo.)
He said that he knew Carlo Caputo of Madison in the old country as they both came from the same town and lived only a short distance apart. He could not recall whether he or Caputo came to Madison first.
He said that he had watched some of the Valachi testimony before a Senate Committee on TV, but declined any knowledge of LCN matters. He said that he had heard there was a lot of trouble and there were a number of murders in Madison in the old days during prohibition but said he knew nothing about those affairs.
Aiello was interviewed a second time on September 30. A few days later an informant advised the FBI:
It should be noted that [SAs] did talk to Aiello and Schiavo at Madison on or about 9/30/65 and that the conversations were along the lines set out above. This indicates that the Madison LCN members communicate with Milwaukee and it appears that Fucarino knew about this because of his close ties with Schiavo.
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.)
The Family is notable in that the entirety of its known membership was not just Sicilian but hailed solely from Palermo province.
The FBI's various investigations during the time period uncovered little to no information as to criminal activity. The members appeared to be almost entirely legitimate or retired and inactive.
By November 1965 Madison Soldier James Schiavo's son Anthony was engaged to a daughter of Milwaukee Soldier Nick Fucarino. On the 7th a wedding shower was held at Alioto's Restaurant located on Highway 100 in Milwaukee. Attendees in addition to Schiavo included Joseph Aiello, Rockford Underboss Frank Buscemi and Madison Soldier Cosimo DiSalvo. FBI CI later reported: "[Shower] attended by about 200 women...While the shower was in progress, about 20 men who brought their wives met in a separate room, but there was no particular significance to this meeting." (Alioto's Restaurant was owned by Schiavo's in-law, and former Milwaukee Boss, John Alioto.)
On November 8, 1965 FBI CI reported:
Informant stated that on 11/7/65 there was a shower for the daughter of Fucarino, the bride-to-be, at Alioto's Restaurant on Highway 100. He said that about 200 women were present, and in addition there were about 20 men who had to drive their wives to the shower. The men met in a separate room, but the meeting was of no great significance because Frank Balistrieri was not there not was John Alioto even though the party took place in his restaurant. Informant said that among the men who came were at last four from Madison: Cosmo DiSalvo, Joseph Aiello, James Schiavo (father of the groom), and [Redacted].
On November 8, 1965 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised he recently learned (through conversation with Nick Fucarino) that there are only 8 members in the Madison LCN Family. Informant said he also learned that one of these is Vincent Troia, who has been back in Madison for some time, after visiting California. Informant said he also learned that one of the members is a man named [Redacted] about whom he will try to get further information. Informant said that five of the other six members are James Caruso, Joseph Aiello, Carlo Caputo, James Schiavo and Cosimo DiSalvo. He said he did not know the eighth member, unless it was possibly Phil Candela, who is the cheese maker for the Grande Cheese Company of Fond du Lac, WI. (Informant knows Candela to be an LCN member but does not know whether he belongs to the Madison Family.)"
On December 6, 1965 the Schiavo - Fucarino wedding was held in Milwaukee. A reception at the Eagle Club was attended by representatives from the Milwaukee, Madison, Chicago and Rockford Families, including Joseph Aiello and most or all of the Madison members. (The one possible exception was Madison Soldier Vincent Troia.)
On October 1, 1969 FBI CI reported: "Source advised that Joseph Aiello is an elderly gentleman who operates the J & A Grocery, 800 block Regent Street. There is no information that he is involved with any criminal activity. He is one of a group of Italian persons who are supposed to be members of the Mafia in Madison, Wis. There has never been any information developed to support this rumor. Aiello at the present time confines his activity to operating the store and socializing with persons in his own age bracket (70's). Source stated that James Schiavo is now involved in operating the Bee's Tavern, S. Park St, Madison, which he recently purchased. It is believed that this is mostly for his son, Anthony Schiavo. There has been no information concerning any recent activity on the part of Schiavo showing he has been in contact with any LCN people either in Madison or Milwaukee."
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| Troia (Obit Photo from The Capital Times) |
On November 26, 1969 FBI MI reported: "On (6/23; 7/17-18; 8/25; 9/15/69) physical surveillances were conducted at the residence of Vincent Troia, 2965 Fish Hatchery Road. Subject was observed in most instances to stay close to his residence or travel by automobile from his residence to Regent Street at J & A Grocery Store which is operated by Joseph Aiello. Subject on the two occasions observed making trip to the grocery store remained there for only a period of 20 minutes when he was observed to come from store with packages indicating purchases."
On February 18, 1970 FBI CI reported: "Source advised that [Joseph Aiello] is still operating his grocery store, J&A, in the 800 block of Regent Street. This individual is not known to be involved in any gambling activities and continues to live a normal life of a small businessman in the Madison community."
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| Aiello (Obit Photo from The Capital Times) |
Joseph Aiello died November 7, 1970 in Madison.
The next day his wake was held at Fitch-Lawrence Funeral Home at 626 University Ave in the city's Downtown.
A second wake was held on the following day at Guardalabene & Amato Funeral Home located at 2001 N Holton St in Brewers' Hill, Milwaukee. Attendees included:
- Frank Balistrieri (Milwaukee Boss)
- Joseph Caminiti (Milwaukee Underboss)
- John Alioto (Milwaukee Capo)
- Steve DeSalvo (Milwaukee Capo)
- Harry D'Angelo (Milwaukee Soldier)
- Salvatore 'Sam' Ferrara (Milwaukee Soldier)
- Nick Fucarino (Milwaukee Soldier)
- FBI CI August 'Augie' Maniaci (Milwaukee Soldier)
- John Pernice (Milwaukee Soldier)
He was buried in Milwaukee's Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.
On December 4, 1970 The Capital Times reported that Aiello left approximately $2,500 personal property and $50,000 in real estate. (Nearly $400,000 present-day value.)
On March 22, 1971 FBI CI reported: "..With regard to the Madison LCN Family, the informant advised the Underboss, Joseph Aiello, died within the past year, and the informant was not aware who took his place as Underboss. Carlo Caputo continues to be Boss of the Madison LCN Family, and it was the understanding of the informant that Caputo took over Aiello's business, both imported and domestic, which he in turn sells to pizza houses in the Madison area."
Two 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. (In January 1976 the FBI listed Carlo Caputo as a Milwaukee Capodecina.)
