William Amendolace (Gambino)

Dec. 1963

William 'Big Willie' Amendolace was a member of the Gambino Family.

His brother-in-law Dominick Castore (1911-2003) was a member and Acting (Official?) Captain in the Gambinos. Castore's younger brother Leonard (1912-2006) was an Associate.

Born Vito Biagio Amendolaggio on February 3, 1918 at 1438 44th St in Borough Park, Brooklyn to Giovanni (31y) and Serafina DePalo (25y). Father from Giovinazzo comune of Bari, Puglia.

By May 1919 family possibly resided at 65 Bayard St in Little Italy, Manhattan.

On June 22, 1919 baptized at Roman Catholic Church of the Transfiguration located at 29 Mott St in Little Italy, Manhattan. Sponsors identified as Luigi and Antonetta Macialdi.

Attended Public Schools 164 and 23 in Borough Park.

By 1938 family resided at 1436 44th St in the same neighborhood.

By 1940 employed with United Fruit Company located at West St and Rector St in Lower Manhattan.

By 1944 listed occupation as newspaper deliverer.

On February 19, 1944 married Jennie Castore (23y) at St. Catherine of Alexandria Roman Catholic Church located at 1119 41st St in Borough Park. Dominick and Frances Castore acted as witnesses. Bride's father from Bitetto in Bari, Puglia.

By 1948 the Amendolaces at 141 Tehama St in Borough Park. Listed occupation as longshoreman.

It's not known when Amendolace was inducted into the Gambino Family, but he was likely brought in by his brother-in-law Dominick Castore, a made member by the summer of 1950.

By 1952 resided at 1131 Shore Parkway in Bath Beach, Brooklyn. Listed occupation as newspaper delivery driver.

Amendolace's first recorded arrest came on March 9, 1953, charged with policy by the NYPD's 70th Precinct in Brooklyn.

On April 7 he was picked up in another policy case, this time in the 66th Precinct.

On October 19 both cases were resolved in Special Sessions Court with a two month term at the Rikers Island Workhouse. Sentence began the next day.

On July 13, 1954 among 15 indicted by the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York on charges re failure to purchase gambling tax stamp. On January 17, 1955 pleaded guilty and received a $500 fine the following month.

On October 16, 1957 arrested by NYPD 88th Pct Brooklyn on another policy charge, his final arrest of the decade. Subsequently convicted in Special Sessions and fined $200.

By this time Amendolace was a made member of the Gambino Family who reported to Joseph Franco.

Franco headed a large crew with a couple of dozen made members active mostly in Brooklyn and on Elizabeth St in Little Italy. Notable members included Amendolace's brother-in-law Dominick Castore as well as Vincent 'Jimmy the Blond' Corrao, Joseph Gennaro, Carmine Lombardozzi and the crew's former Capodecina, Antonino 'Zu Nino' Indelicato.

C. Lombardozzi

Franco died in November 1957, just a few days before the nationwide Apalachin meeting was held in Upstate New York. Carmine Lombardozzi, who had to miss Franco's wake due to the meeting, took over the crew.

D. Castore

Dominick Castore, who an informant later stated was 'instrumental' in bringing Lombardozzi into the Family, served as the latter's Acting Captain for the next couple of years.

On November 15, 1962 interviewed by FBI. (Not available.)

Amendolace's LCN membership first became known to the FBI in early January 1963. CI Alfred Santantonio, a Gambino Soldier, identified Carmine Lombardozzi as a Captain with approximately forty men underneath him, including Dominick Castore and his brother-in-law, who he knew only as 'Big Willie'.

On January 30, 1963 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that the following individuals play cards in a pool hall located on 15th Avenue, between 69th and 70th Streets in Brooklyn: Carmine Lombardozzi, Leo Grillo, Peter Tortorella, Dominick Castore, 'Big Willie' (Castore's brother-in-law)." (Grillo and Tortorella were also Lombardozzi crew members.)

On March 6, 1963 FBI CI and Colombo Soldier Gregory Scarpa reported: "[Scarpa] advised that Willie (LNU), who is a brother-in-law of Dominick Castore, is a 'good fellow' in the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN. He stated Willie is a W/M, 6', 250 lbs, 35 - 40 years old, and has numerous gambling convictions. CI stated when Willie is identified, he will be able to identify the photograph of him."

On December 30, 1963 arrested by NYPD 67th Pct Brooklyn on charges operating policy business, keeping place for policy and possessing policy slips. Convicted and fined $150.

By 1964 resided at 1239 36th St in Borough Park.
 

In March 1964 Amendolace was interviewed by the FBI, who had by then confirmed he was identical with the Willie LNU identified by Santantonio and Scarpa: "...[He] married the former Jennie Castore, sister of Dominick Castore, in 2/1944. He stated that he is self employed as a car simonizer in the Borough Park and Bensonhurst sections of Brooklyn. He denied any membership in LCN or in any organized group whatsoever. He admitted knowing Hugo Bassi and [Redacted] and stated he was close to his brother-in-law Dominick Castore."

J. Gennaro

Around December 1964 Carmine Lombardozzi was demoted and replaced by Joseph Gennaro.

By 1965 members of the Gennaro crew included William Amendolace, Edward 'Chris' Amplo, Hugo Bassi, Frank 'Frankie Brown' Bongiorno, Dominick Castore, John 'Johnny Pesce' Chiarello, Ettore 'Eto' Colao, Vincent Corrao, Louis DeFilippo, Ignatius 'Iggy' DeBella, Paul 'Slasher' DiBella, Leonardo Grillo, Louis Guiga, Antonino Indelicato, Pasquale 'Patty' Lauro, the Lombardozzi brothers Carmine, John and Paul, Accursio 'Swifty' Marinelli, Onofrio Modica, Philip Modica, Sabato 'Sammy Mitz' Muro, Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri, Santo 'Lloyd' Patti, Philip 'Bib' Perfetti, Ugo Rossi, Nicholas Resitano, Michael 'Scandi' Scandifia and Peter Tortorello.

Possible crew members included Joseph 'Oxie' Marino; member sources place him in both the Gennaro and Traina crews around this time, although he is confirmed to be reporting to Traina by the end of the decade.

Mar. 1964

 

On February 12, 1965 listed in FBI report on prominent New York area shylocks. Report noted: “Amendolace [has] an arrest record from 1953, which includes arrests for gambling, policy and failure to have a Federal tax stamp. Amendolace is an active shylock in the Brooklyn section and has been named by [CI] as a member of the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN under Carmine Lombardozzi."

In November 1965 attended funeral for Frank Bassi, brother of Gennaro crew member Hugo Bassi.

In mid-April 1966 the FBI's member source in the Gambino Family provided an extensive rundown on Joseph Gennaro and his crew. He identified William Amendolace as a Soldier under Gennaro and stated: "Willie Amendolace is involved in numbers and has the reputation of always owing people money."

On April 12, 1966 interviewed by FBI at residence: "[Amendolace] stated he has been working off and on a car simonizer in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn, but recently he has been ill and not working too much...Amendolace stated that he has not seen Hugo Bassi since Frank Bassi's funeral about four months ago. At that time Hugo did not say anything as to where he was residing or working. Amendolace stated that he continues to see his brother-in-law Dominick Castore, who continues to reside at 1302 81st Street in Brooklyn. Amendolace stated that he had no info whatsoever re LCN and denied membership in the organization."

By Summer 1966 subject of an INS investigation, soon closed upon confirmation of his natural born status.

On September 9, 1966 the FBI CI reported: "[CI] has not seen [Dominick Castore, Paul SanFilippo and William Amendolace] in recent weeks. He previously identified them as members of LCN, Castore and Amendolace being in his regime [Gennaro crew]."

On November 2, 1966 interviewed by FBI: "Amendolace stated that he did not have any knowledge of organized criminal activity and denied any participation in anything illegal. He denied any knowledge whatsoever of LCN."

On September 23, 1966 FBI CI reported: "CI stated he knows Amendolace as a 'button guy' in the Gambino Family, who is a close associate of Carmine Lombardozzi."

The Gambino member source reported on a Family meeting held February 27, 1967 in the basement of Gennaro crew member Leonardo Grillo's residence in Borough Park. Chaired by newly appointed Acting Boss Paul Castellano, various announcements were made, including the decision to split up Gennaro's regime for being 'too big'. Gennaro retained the majority of the crew's Lower Manhattan membership. Newly appointed Capodecina James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla was given most of the Brooklyn members, including William Amendolace.

On August 12, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he is acquainted with William 'Big Willie' Amendolace and as far as he knows he is not gainfully employed and furthermore does not know him to be deeply involved in any particular criminal activity at the present time. Currently, 'Big Willie' is driving a gray Chevrolet, which [CI] estimates to be about 5 years old. CI knows Amendolace to be a member of LCN in the Gambino Family. Commenting further 'Big Willie' does not seem to be engaged in any criminal activity, [CI] added that he is always in need of money."

On August 19, 1968 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace has been on a trip with his wife and Amendolace is expected to return to NY about 8/26/1968."

On September 22, 1968 a Gambino member source provided a partial breakdown of Family membership. The CI named Amendolace and thirteen others as Failla crew members.

In September 1968 included in the FBI's list of 205 identified Gambino Family members.

On May 1, 1969 target of FBI surveillance, which tailed him first to a brief stop at a surgical company on New Utrecht Ave then to Jay's Bar at 15th Ave and 68th St in Bensonhurst.

On May 19, 1969 Amendolace was again interviewed by FBI: "Amendolace declined to talk about Cosa Nostra and stated that he did not believe such organization existed. He related his daily activities consist of frequent visits to the Club Herati where he has several friends. In the evening he goes to work at a car service agency and he declined to discuss his employment. Amendolace advised he is not engaged in any illegal activities and is a hard working family man. He indicated his loss of weight of over fifty pounds was not due to any serious health condition but merely on a decision of his own to lose weight. In further discussion about the activity within the Club Herati, Amendolace commented that the club was in trouble financially and the membership of this social club has dwindled. Amendolace advised he is available for interview at any time."

On June 11, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Willie Amendolace and Dominick Castore are 'buttons' in the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN. Castore is the brother-in-law of Willie Amendolace. Both of these individuals hang out at a social club at 15th Avenue and 71st Streets, Brooklyn, and [CI] advised that he thought both Castore and Amendolace were under Jimmy Brown. [CI] stated that he was very surprised Amendolace was ever 'made' as [CI] knows him to be a very ignorant person."

On June 11, 1969 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he is familiar with William Amendolace but to the best of his knowledge, Amendolace is not engaged in any criminal activities."

In November 1969 included in the FBI's list of 233 identified Gambino Family members.

On April 8, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he overheard conversation at a meeting among some individuals who [CI] advised are members of the Carlo Gambino Family of LCN. CI stated that the meeting was attended by [Redacted]. CI advised the discussion concerned [redacted paragraph]. [CI] also advised that [redacted paragraph]. [CI] was asked how [redacted]. [CI] advised [redacted]." (This unfortunately redacted report concerned several prominent Gambino members including Underboss Aniello 'Neil' Dellacroce, Captain James 'Jimmy Brown' Failla and several Failla / Gennaro crew members.)

On July 1, 1970 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace and his wife recently separated and he no longer resides at 1239 36th Street Brooklyn. He advised he would attempt to ascertain current residence of subject."

On July 30, 1970 FBI CI reported: "CI advised William Amendolace has not lived with his wife this past month [and he is] still a car simonizer and has been driving a limousine for a car service on 18th Ave Bklyn. Present residence still unknown. He may be in debt as result of gambling."

On August 26, 1970 FBI CI reported: "He stated he has been unable to determine [Amendolace]'s residence and employment but subject supposedly still frequents a social club located at 70th St and 15th Ave Bklyn."

On March 9, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace may be working at 18th Ave Car Service, 18th Ave and 84th St, Brooklyn."

On October 1, 1971 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that the Club Herati, 70th Street and 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, which had been a frequent hangout of Amendolace was recently closed down as a result of a local police gambling raid."

In December 1971 wake for Gambino Soldier Hugo Bassi held in vicinity of Fort Hamilton Parkway and 39th St in Borough Park. Attendees included Gambino Captain Salvatore 'Toddo' Aurello and Gambino Soldiers William 'Willie' Amendolace, Dominick Castore and Peter 'Pete Barry' Palmieri.

On March 9, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that Willie Amendolace is currently hanging out at a club on 14th Avenue between 62nd and 63rd Streets, Brooklyn."

On May 28, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace is becoming a 'ghost' in that he disappears for weeks at a time after his marital problems heightened. Although he still uses his wife's address for mail he only stops by about once every 3 weeks to pick it up. Amendolace is reportedly drinking a lot and does not have any pattern to his life. [CI] advised he does not even hang out with his old friends anymore but he will be alert to notice if and when subject obtains gainful employment."

In October 1972 included in the FBI's list of 201 identified Gambino Family members.

On November 17, 1972 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that he saw William Amendolace talking to Dominick Castore at Jay's Bar & Grill, Ft Hamilton Pkwy and 39th Street, Brooklyn, last week. CI advised Amendolace has a wife in the area."

On November 17, 1972 FBI CI reported: "Advised that he saw Willie the 2nd week in Nov. He is driving a car part time and is not believed to be in any illegal activity whatsoever."

On January 4, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace has recently been at the West Side Civic Club, New Utrecht and 17th Avenues. He is apparently unemployed and is a compulsive gambler."

On February 7, 1973 FBI CI reported: "CI advised William Amendolace is driving a late model blue Buick and has been frequenting West Side Civic Club, New Utrecht Ave, Brooklyn." (The West Side Civic Club was frequented by several LCN members including Bonanno Soldier Joseph Puma, Colombo Captain Joseph Brancato and Colombo Associate Ralph Scopo. In July 1974 the club hosted a sitdown between high-ranking members of the Colombo, Gambino and Genovese Families.)

On March 2, 1973 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace occasionally attends harness race tracks and indicated Amendolace frequents Big A Race Track when it is opened. He advised Amendolace is still unemployed."

In October 1973 included in the FBI's list of 196 identified Gambino Family members.

In Late 1974 FBI CI reported: "[CI] advised that William Amendolace is running a single action numbers operation with only three runners in the Bedford-Stuyvesant Section of Brooklyn. Same source also advised that Willie has a girlfriend who works at the Richlieu Restaurant on 18th Avenue in Brooklyn."

In December 1975 included in the FBI's list of 192 identified Gambino Family members.

In December 1977 included in the FBI's list of 195 identified Gambino Family members.

On March 19-21, 1979 Gambino Soldier Vincent 'Boozy' DeCicco was waked at Scarpaci Funeral Home located at 1401 86th St in Bensonhurst. Many attendees from the New York Families were observed including Amendolace and his (probable) Captain James Failla. (Following the inductions of the mid-to-late 1970s new crews were formed and it's possible Amendolace had been transferred.)

In April 1986 Vincent's nephew Frank DeCicco, by then the Family's Underboss, was killed by a bomb placed underneath his car. Amendolace attended DeCicco's wake held April 15-16, also at Scarpaci Funeral Home.

On April 19, 1988 wake for Former Gambino Captain Anthony 'Nino' Gaggi was held at the Cusimano and Russo Funeral Home located at 2005 West 6th St in Gravesend. Attendees included Gambino Boss John Gotti, Acting Consigliere Salvatore Gravano, at least five Captains, William Amendolace and at least sixteen additional Family Soldiers. (Also present was former Gaggi / DeMeo Crew member Joseph Testa, a Lucchese Associate made into that Family later the same year.)

In June 1993 included in the FBI's list of 209 identified Gambino Family members.

Amendolace's last mention in available records is from June 2002, when he attended the wake for Former Boss John Gotti held at the Papavera Funeral Home in Maspeth, Queens.

He moved to Pembroke Pines, Florida where he died March 12, 2012. Burial was in Saint John Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens.